Is Plexaderm Better than Prep-H Hemorrhoid Cream for Under Eyes?

by Val
(Atlanta, Ga.)

Is Plexaderm the same as hemorrhoid cream for puffy eyes? I find mixed information online about using hemorrhoid creams for eye bags. Also, is it even safe to put creams like Preparation H-hemorrhoid around the eye area?

Please help!

Thanks,
Val

-----------------------

Hi Val,

No, Plexaderm is not the same as hemorrhoid cream like Preparation-H.

While some people use both for reducing under-eye puffiness, they are quite different in terms of ingredients and intended use.

Plexaderm is specifically designed for cosmetic purposes, to help reduce the look of puffiness temporarily, while Preparation-H is a medical cream that isn’t safe for under-eye use.

Plexaderm vs. Hemorrhoid Cream: What’s the Difference?

I know both Plexaderm and hemorrhoid creams like Preparation H are often mentioned for reducing under-eye puffiness, but they work in totally different ways.

Plexaderm is designed for cosmetic use, and it contains silicates that temporarily tighten the skin to smooth out the puffiness.

On the other hand, hemorrhoid creams are made to reduce inflammation and swelling in the rectal area, so they aren’t really ideal for the delicate skin around your eyes.


Plexaderm Ingredients:

Sodium silicate and magnesium aluminum silicate work to tighten the skin, reducing the appearance of bags and fine lines almost instantly. It’s intended for short-term, temporary results, making it ideal for quick fixes before an event or photos.

Hemorrhoid Cream Ingredients:

Typically contains phenylephrine, a vasoconstrictor, which helps shrink blood vessels to reduce swelling. However, using it around the eyes can cause irritation, and it doesn't work to tighten the skin like Plexaderm does.


Is Preparation H Safe for Under-Eye Use?

In short, no. Preparation H is not recommended for use under the eyes. The skin in the eye area is extremely thin and sensitive, and using a cream formulated for the body can lead to irritation, redness, or even damage to your skin barrier. Plus, there’s always the risk of getting it into your eyes, which can be painful and potentially harmful.

Additionally, Preparation H’s formula has changed over the years. It no longer contains the same ingredients (such as shark liver oil) that may have once had a temporary tightening effect on the skin.

Comparing Plexaderm to Other Products:

While Plexaderm provides a short-term solution for puffiness, it’s important to note that the effects are temporary, and for some users, the product can feel a little stiff or dry.

If you’re not a fan of Plexaderm, you might want to try alternatives like Instantly Ageless or Peter Thomas Roth’s FirmX Eye. These products also provide a temporary lift and can smooth out puffiness, but they may feel softer or be easier to apply, depending on your preferences.

Note: I did a complete review, with pictures, of how each of these puffy eye serums work. If you're looking for a detailed breakdown of how Plexaderm compares to hemorrhoid creams (and other puffy eye treatments like Instantly Ageless or Peter Thomas Roth), Check out my full comparison here, with before-and-after pictures .

I've tried Plexaderm before; and personally, it seemed similar to Instantly Ageless.

It starts out a bit dry and gluey, and if you don't work with it quickly, it starts to harden before you've had a chance to completely cover under-eye bags. Prep-H hemorrhoidal cream did nothing for me at all. It might have worked at one time, but the formula was changed years ago.

I've also tried Preparation-H hemorrhoid cream for puffy eyes. Yes, I've tried them all. 😉 You can read more about my experience here What happened when I tried Prep-H for puffy eyes

Side Note: For long-term solutions, look for ways to strengthen the under-eye skin. Some ways include using eye creams with peptides or retinol, or collagen-boosting ingredients. These ingredients won’t give you immediate results like Plexaderm but can help reduce puffiness and tighten skin over time.

Also check out 7 tips to repair creepy under eye skin.

Hope this helps.