iS Clinical Injected Deep-Sea Longevity into Its New Eye Gel

As we head into summer, we're all looking for ways to optimize our skincare so we can embrace a more carefree approach to makeup that emphasizes our natural glow. And it turns out that one of our best tools to prep our under-eyes just may come from one of the most mermaid-coded locales.

Enter iS Clinical's new GeneXC Firming Eye Gel, the latest in its line of products focused on combining signs of aging with cutting-edge innovation. It features extremozyme technology originating from the deep sea, harnessing organisms' resilience in this harsh environment to bring tightening effects and environmental protection to the skin. That said, it isn't constantly taking from these organisms: "Bacillus Ferment involves a fermentation process that naturally occurs and can be duplicated, thus not disrupting the marine environment," says the brand's clinical director, Charlene DeHaven, MD.

I've been trying the eye gel for the past few weeks, in addition to recently traveling to the Bahamas to experience it as part of a facial with esthetician, SYK Skin founder, and iS Clinical pro partner Soo-Young Kim Abrams. Ahead, get a full rundown on the product, complete with my honest review and expert insights from DeHaven.

The Formula

iS Clinical's GeneXC Firming Eye Gel takes a multi-pronged approach to common skin concerns in the under-eye area, using a host of top-tier, innovative ingredients to accomplish this. A few star players are as follows:

• Extremozymes: This bio-fermented ingredient from the deep sea helps provide an immediate smoothing effect, in addition to forming a lightweight barrier that protects from environmental stressors, tightens, and improves texture. "This Extremozyme originates from an organism living in an extreme marine environment, specifically the northern ocean, which features high salinity, cold temperatures, and complete darkness," DeHaven tells us. "It is able to survive there because it makes Extremozymes to protect itself. We have borrowed technology from this organism to help protect our own skin from the stresses of our environment."
• Gold: This luxe component works to enhance radiance, in addition to conditioning skin for improved luminosity and a refined, smoother appearance.
• Glutathione: This is a master antioxidant that the liver naturally produces, effective in reducing oxidative stress and supporting immune function. In skincare, it protects against environmental factors while helping brighten and even tone.
• Ergothioneine: This antioxidant, found in dietary sources like mushrooms as well as red and black beans, can support anti-aging and reduce inflammation. In the product, it provides environmental defense and promotes a healthier, more resilient skin appearance.
• Hyaluronic Acid: A true skincare staple, hyaluronic acid works to boost skin hydration and smoothness. This formula uses a low molecular weight, which penetrates more deeply to bring additional nourishment and elasticity to the delicate under-eye area.
• Vitamin C: Another favorite ingredient in skincare, vitamin C is helpful for brightening and tone improvement. Two forms (ethyl ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid) come together in the GeneXC Firming Eye Gel for maximum speed and effectiveness.
• Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5: Love a peptide eye product? You're in luck. The clinically advanced form featured here enhances the skin's natural collagen production for a firmer, smoother result that gets better with time.
• Panthenol: This form of vitamin B5 is helpful in soothing, hydrating, and conditioning the skin, keeping your under-eyes well-nourished and counteracting sensitivity.

The Application Process

iS Clinical's new eye gel features a cooling tip, making the process fairly straightforward. You can either apply the product to clean skin directly or use your fingers, depending on your preference.

As for how often to use it, "It can be used daily, morning and/or night," DeHaven says. "Most people seem to prefer AM use as the formula helps visibly smooth and refresh the appearance of the eye area upon application." That being said, Kim Abrams told me during my facial that she finds the gel is great for use at night, so it's truly up to you. Daytime use will show off the fast-acting results, but the product's high-tech effectiveness can also go to work when your skin enters repair mode as you sleep.

Just like with most skincare, consistency goes a long way in building on the results you see. "There is an immediate reduction in the look of wrinkles and crepiness within two to five minutes after application, and with continued use, there is a visible improvement in firming, smoothing, and brightening," DeHaven explains. "While immediate improvements continue with each application, repeated use provides intermediate and long-term results over a four- to eight-week timeline."

Who Is It Best For?

Given we all have different skin types and concerns, you may be wondering if the GeneXC Firming Eye Gel is the right product for you. And while your experience with the product may vary, it's designed to work for almost anyone. "GeneXC Firming Eye Gel's highly protective qualities make it excellent for individuals exposed to pollution or environmental stress of any kind or experiencing visible changes of skin aging around the eye," DeHaven tells us.

That being said, "the ingredient profile in the product is quite powerful, with strong antioxidant protection," DeHaven adds, and some people may find it exacerbates their sensitivity. (It happened to me, but as I'll explain below, it didn't ultimately mean I couldn't benefit from the product.) "For someone with sensitive skin, it would be best to begin use one to three times per week and gradually increase to daily use," DeHaven tells us. "A small amount of this product is all that's needed to experience its benefits, and the unique applicator is designed to dispense the correct amount while also giving a cooling sensation upon application."

My Review

When I first tried the GeneXC Firming Eye Gel, I wasn't familiar with just how powerful it was. I applied it a little too liberally, which resulted in some temporary irritation as the product settled in. That being said, while you can feel it working a bit, a gentler approach has helped me enjoy the benefits without any drawbacks.

I use eye creams and gels primarily at night, so I've mostly stuck to applying it before bed. I've tried it both paired with reusable eye masks and on its own, and I've found that it works both ways. As for application, I prefer initially distributing the product with my finger before using the cooling applicator tip for a self-care experience.

Due to the aforementioned power of the product, I find that two to three times per week has been optimal for me. The tightening effects are immediately noticeable, and I find that they last—although you can absolutely apply it daily if that works best for your skin type and needs. My under-eyes look brighter and feel well-nourished after each use, and the effect is designed to get even better with time.

Overall, I've found that the innovative formula iS Clinical created for its GeneXC Firming Eye Gel makes a real difference and stands out from other eye creams on the market. I plan to continue turning to it whenever I want an instant firming effect, and would recommend it to anyone who's looking for the same or wants an option that will nourish and refine their under-eyes more powerfully than many other options on the market. I love that it's rooted in the naturally occurring longevity of other organisms: It's a true reminder of all we have yet to discover in the deep sea, and the functional magic that can happen with some forward-thinking research and innovation.