Plexaderm vs. Preparation H: Which Works Best for Under-Eye Bags?

by Val
(Atlanta, Ga.)

How is Plexaderm different from Preparation H for puffy eyes?

I find mixed information online about using hemorrhoid creams for eye bags. Is it safe to put creams like Preparation H-hemorrhoid around the eye area and does it work to reduce puffy eyes?

Thanks,
Val

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Hi Val, You’re not alone—lots of people have asked this same question. Both products pop up in puffy-eye beauty hacks, but they’re actually very different.

Plexaderm vs. Preparation-H: What’s the Difference?

Plexaderm is a cosmetic serum made for the eye area. It contains silicates that temporarily tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of puffiness and fine lines.

Preparation-H is a medical cream for hemorrhoids. Some versions contain phenylephrine, which shrinks blood vessels. While that might sound helpful for puffiness, it’s not designed—or tested—for use on facial skin.

My experience using both:

I’ve tried them both. Plexaderm noticeably reduced puffiness, especially on bare skin. It can feel a bit tight or dry, but it works as a short-term fix.

Preparation-H didn’t work at all for me. It felt greasy and made my eyes more irritated. I even ordered the original formula from Greece (with shark liver oil and yeast extract), but still saw no results.

Quick Comparison: Plexaderm vs. Preparation-H for Puffy Eyes

Plexaderm

✔️ Made for under-eye use

✔️ Temporarily tightens skin

✔️ Works in minutes, lasts hours

⚠️ May feel tight or dry

💲 Price: $$$

Preparation-H

❌ Not made for the face

❌ Not recommended by dermatologists

⚠️ Can cause irritation or redness

⚠️ Formula has changed over the years

💲 Price: $

So which one should you use?

If you're looking for a short-term fix for puffiness, Plexaderm or a similar instant eye serum made specifically for under-eye bags—is a much safer bet. I tested 7 popular puffy eye serums and shared what really worked (and what totally flopped). Check out my full review here.

Preparation-H simply wasn’t designed for use around the eyes—and dermatologists generally don’t recommend it.

Want a deeper comparison that also covers facial wrinkles and sagging skin?

Click here to see my full Plexaderm vs Preparation-H breakdown.

Hope this helps!