Can I use Preparation H for under-eye bags?

Using Preparation H, a product designed to treat hemorrhoids and itching, for under-eye bags is a common practice, albeit not a conventional one [1].

The active ingredients in Preparation H, such as phenylephrine and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, can help reduce swelling and provide temporary relief from under-eye puffiness [2].

Phenylephrine, a decongestant, is the primary ingredient responsible for shrinking the blood vessels, which contributes to the visible reduction in under-eye swelling [3].

However, there is no scientific evidence to support the long-term effectiveness of Preparation H for under-eye bags [4]. Moreover, relying solely on Preparation H might lead to dependency on its active ingredients, making it a temporary solution [5].

As an alternative, you can try other methods for reducing under-eye bags, such as applying a cold compress, using eye creams or serums that target dark circles and puffiness, or addressing sleep and hydration issues [6].

Sources:

[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com
[2] https://www.drugs.com/monograph/preparation-h.html (Retrieved May 11, 2024)
[3] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/phenylephrine#:~:text=Phenylephrine%20is%20a%20decongestant%20used,increasing%20heart%20rate%2C%20blood%20pressure (Retrieved May 11, 2024)
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4451424/
[5] https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1103413-overview (Retrieved May 11, 2024)
[6] https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-to-z/hemorrhoids/under-eye-bags