Skip to product info

Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream

$46 USD Value

4.6
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
2,103 Reviews

Brighten. Hydrate. Smooth. Depuff.

Save 10% + Free U.S. Shipping
Auto-Replenish
  • Never run out of your ILIA essentials
  • Save 10% and get free U.S. shipping
  • Reschedule, skip, or cancel anytime
$46.00

Earn points with this purchase.

Sign In or Join ILIA VIP

Slow down your morning and wake up eyes with a potent eye cream that delivers the benefits of retinol without the drawbacks. With a weightless texture that layers seamlessly under makeup, Bright Start is clinically proven to refresh and revive tired eyes instantly—and reduce dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles over time. Light-reflecting pearl illuminates, and the cooling ceramic tip doubles as a massage tool for a moment of calm as you begin your day.

Size: 0.5fl oz | 15ml

Awards:
- Marie Claire Beauty Awards (2024)
- Bustle Beauty Awards (2024)
- Allure Best of Beauty Awards (2023)
- Editor's Choice, Well + Good (2023)
- The Skincare Awards, Harper's Bazaar (2023)
- Beauty Awards, SheFinds (2023)

Aqua/Water/Eau, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Propanediol, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters, Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer, Silica, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Behenyl Alcohol, Caffeine, Moringa Oil/Hydrogenated Moringa Oil Esters, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Mica, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Squalene, Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Phytate, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Phytosterols, Tocopherol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sodium Citrate, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxide).

Thoughtfully Formulated

  • VEGAN + CRUELTY-FREE
  • SAFE FOR SENSITIVE EYES + SKIN
  • FORMULATED WITHOUT FRAGRANCE OR SILICONE
  • DERMATOLOGIST + OPHTHALMOLOGIST-TESTED

Clinical Results

Clinically proven to hydrate skin and reduce dark circles*

83% said the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles was reduced***

100% said concealer applied more smoothly**

93% said under eyes felt smoother***

91% said under eyes were brightened***

In a 6-week instrumental study of 30 women ages 39-65 (*). In a clinical study of 52 women ages 39-65. Results after 4 weeks (**); after 6 weeks (***).

Key Ingredients

Sea Fennel Extract
Sustainably sourced retinol alternative that visibly brightens, firms, and smooths without the drawbacks of traditional retinol, which can be too harsh for sensitive skin

Upcycled Avocado Extract 
Zero-waste active that reduces the look of dark circles and puffiness

Caffeine & Peptides
Powerful actives that visibly depuff and revive tired eyes

How to Use

Swipe
Squeeze the tube to apply a small amount below your eyes. 

Flip
Switch to the cooling side of the ceramic tip.

Massage
Move in slow arcs from the outer corner of the eye in, and up along the brow bone.

Tap
Gently pat with fingers to help any excess absorb. Wear alone or under True Skin Serum Concealer.

Why We Love It

A relaxing ritual in the form of an eye cream. Refresh and revive eyes instantly and over time, all while prepping skin for seamless makeup application.

Founder's Note

““I found so many eye creams didn’t work with concealer or provide all the benefits I was looking for. Bright Start targets my concerns and feels amazing in the morning as a wakeup call for eyes. It doesn’t hurt that there’s a cooling effect with an applicator that doubles as a massage tool.””

— Sasha

How to Recycle

1. Cut open the tube and rinse out any remaining product.

2. Twist off the ceramic tip.Request a free shipping label and recycle the tube, tip, and cap through Pact Collective.

3. Request a free shipping label and recycle the tube, tip, and cap through Pact Collective.

FAQ

If we didn't answer your question, let's chat or contact us.

Should Bright Start be used in the morning or night?

+

Bright Start can be used morning and night. We love it in the morning as a wakeup call for eyes. The cooling ceramic tip and light-reflecting pearl make it a calming, brightening part of your morning routine.

When in my skincare routine should I apply Bright Start?

+

We recommend applying Bright Start before your moisturizer and SPF.

What are the benefits of a plant-based retinol alternative versus traditional retinol?

+

Sea Fennel Extract, the plant-based retinol alternative in Bright Start, delivers the benefits of traditional retinol without the drawbacks. It’s safe for sensitive skin and eyes, safe for daytime use, and there’s no need to build tolerance.

If Bright Start is like a retinol, does that mean I can’t use it with Vitamin C?

+

The plant-based retinol alternative used in Bright Start, Sea Fennel Extract, isn’t actually a retinoid—it’s a botanical extract with similar benefits. That means it’s safe to use with products containing Vitamin C like our True Skin Serum Concealer.

What skin type is Bright Start meant for?

+

Bright Start is formulated for all skin types. It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and safe for sensitive skin and eyes.

Does Bright Start cover dark circles like a concealer?

+

Bright Start is formulated with sheer, light-reflecting pearl to softly illuminate eyes, but it won't add any coverage. We love pairing it with True Skin Serum Concealer to conceal dark circles or discoloration. Over time, Bright Start is clinically proven to reduce dark circles.

How do you apply Bright Start Activated Eye Cream?

+

We created Bright Start for a moment of morning calm. Squeeze the tube to swipe a small amount under your eye, flip to the cooling side of the ceramic tip, massage in slow arcs from the outer corner of your eye in and above the brow bone, and tap gently to help any excess product absorb.

4.6
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
Based on 2,103 reviews
2,103 reviews
  • Alayne B.
    Verified Buyer
    Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
    Reviewing
    Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    8/14/24
    REAL help, not hype!

    I battle droopy eyelids, puffiness, crows feet, and dark circles under my eyes due to a combination of aging and allergies. This cream has significantly helped all of the above!! The applicator seems to help dispel the fluid and inflammation, and I can see my lower lid again! VERY grateful to have discovered this product.

  • Rebekah C.
    Verified Buyer
    Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
    Reviewing
    Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    7/13/24
    Good stuff

    Brightens!

  • Elizabeth M.
    Verified Buyer
    Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
    Reviewing
    Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    7/4/24
    Very Nice!

    I will order this cream for under eyes as I tried the sample. Keeps the undereye fragile skin supple.

  • Elizabeth M.
    Verified Buyer
    Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
    Reviewing
    Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    7/3/24
    Lovely Eye Cream

    This is luxurious!! I love the way it feels and softens the fragile skin around my eyes. I used a sample but will purchase! I dont’t want to go without thus product. Recommend!

  • Lorena G.
    Verified Buyer
    Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
    Reviewing
    Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    6/29/24
    Love

    This is my fav for my under eyes. It doesn't bother my eyes & helps my eyes look awake.

Reviews LoadedReviews Added