I’m all about finding skincare that delivers real results, but after exploring Sulwhasoo’s The Ultimate S Eye Cream, I can’t recommend it.
Despite its luxurious branding and hefty $270 price tag, user feedback reveals it often falls short of expectations. From lackluster results to questionable value, this eye cream doesn’t live up to the hype. Let me walk you through my experience and break down why you might want to skip this one.
My Experience With Sulwhasoo The Ultimate S Eye Cream
When I first got my hands on Sulwhasoo’s The Ultimate S Eye Cream, I was excited. The sleek packaging, inspired by Korean moon jars, screamed luxury, and the promise of Ginseng Berry SR™ tackling deep-set wrinkles had me hopeful.
I’ve been using eye creams for years to combat fine lines and puffiness, so I was eager to see if this high-end product could outshine my usual drugstore picks. The cream’s mesh-like texture felt unique—light yet rich, with a subtle floral scent that wasn’t overpowering. It glided on smoothly, and I appreciated how it didn’t feel greasy under my concealer.
I applied a pea-sized amount twice daily, gently tapping it around my eye area as instructed. For the first week, my skin felt hydrated, and the cream absorbed quickly, leaving a soft, smooth finish. I thought, “Maybe this is worth the splurge.” But as weeks passed, I noticed no significant changes.
My crow’s feet and under-eye lines looked the same, and the puffiness I hoped to reduce didn’t budge. I kept at it for eight weeks, expecting the promised “visible transformation,” but the results were underwhelming. My skin wasn’t worse, but it wasn’t better either—definitely not what I expected for a $270 product.
What frustrated me most was the price-to-value ratio. The 0.67 fl. oz. jar is tiny, and even using a small amount daily, I could see it running out in a couple of months. I started digging into reviews on e-commerce sites like Amazon and Reddit, and I wasn’t alone.
Many users called it a “rip-off,” complaining about minimal results and even issues like pilling when applied too heavily. One reviewer even suggested reporting it to the Better Business Bureau, which made me question its efficacy further. While a few praised its hydration, the consensus leaned toward disappointment, especially for the cost.
Read More: My Thoughts on Buying Musely The Private Cream.
Pros Of Sulwhasoo The Ultimate S Eye Cream
Let’s give credit where it’s due—Sulwhasoo’s eye cream isn’t entirely without merit. Here are the aspects that stood out positively during my use.
- Luxurious Texture and Application
The cream’s innovative mesh-like texture is a highlight. It feels light yet nourishing, blending effortlessly into the delicate eye area. It’s not sticky or heavy, which makes it a dream to apply. You only need a tiny amount, and it spreads well, giving your skin a soft, velvety finish. I loved how it sat under makeup—no creasing or slipping, which is a big win for anyone who wears concealer or foundation daily.
- Subtle, Pleasant Scent
Unlike some skincare products that overwhelm with strong fragrances, this eye cream has a faint floral-ginseng scent that’s calming and non-irritating. It fades quickly, so it won’t clash with your perfume or bother sensitive noses. For me, this added a touch of spa-like luxury to my routine, even if the results didn’t match the vibe.
- Hydration for Dry Skin
If your under-eye area is parched, this cream delivers decent moisture. It kept my skin feeling plump and hydrated throughout the day, which is great for those with dry or mature skin. A few Amazon reviewers echoed this, noting that it helped with dryness, even if it didn’t tackle wrinkles as promised. It’s a solid moisturizer, just not a miracle worker.
- Elegant Packaging
Sulwhasoo nails the presentation. The moon jar-inspired container looks stunning on your vanity, and the sturdy, high-quality design feels worth the price—at least visually. It’s the kind of product you’d love to display, and it makes gifting it (if you’re feeling generous) feel special. The packaging also includes a small spatula for hygienic application, which I appreciated.
- Suitable for All Skin Types
The formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin and didn’t cause irritation or milia for me, which is a common issue with rich eye creams. Sulwhasoo claims it’s suitable for all skin types, and I can see why—it’s hydrating without being overly heavy, making it versatile for oily, dry, or combination skin.
These pros make the cream appealing on the surface, but they don’t outweigh the drawbacks when you consider the cost and expectations.
Cons Of Sulwhasoo The Ultimate S Eye Cream
Now, let’s talk about why this eye cream left me—and many others—disappointed. The cons are significant, especially given the premium price.
- Minimal Anti-Aging Results
The biggest letdown is the lack of visible wrinkle reduction. Sulwhasoo promises to improve deep-set wrinkles with Ginseng Berry SR™, but after eight weeks, my fine lines and crow’s feet looked unchanged. Reviews on Reddit and Amazon back this up, with users calling it “inefficient” and “false advertising.” One user even said, “The only thing that grows is the company’s bank account.” Ouch. For $270, I expected more than just hydration.
- Exorbitant Price Tag
At $270 for 0.67 fl. oz., this is one of the priciest eye creams on the market. You’re paying for the brand’s prestige and fancy packaging, but the results don’t justify the cost. Compare that to drugstore options like CeraVe’s Eye Repair Cream ($15) or mid-range picks like Drunk Elephant’s C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream ($64), which deliver similar or better results. The small jar size means you’ll need to repurchase sooner than you’d like, making it a tough sell.
- Pilling Issues
Some users, including myself, noticed pilling when applying too much or layering it with other products. This was frustrating, especially in the morning when I was rushing to apply makeup. A reviewer on Amazon warned, “Doing too much with this eye cream ends up pilling really bad.” You have to be precise with the amount, which feels like extra work for such an expensive product.
- Limited Availability and Long Shipping
Buying directly from Sulwhasoo’s website ensures authenticity, but shipping can take weeks, as one Amazon reviewer pointed out. Third-party sellers like Amazon may offer faster delivery, but there’s a risk of receiving used or tampered products. One user described returning an Amazon purchase after receiving a nearly empty jar. This inconsistency adds another layer of hassle.
- Overhyped Marketing
Sulwhasoo’s claims about Ginseng Berry SR™—harvested after 1,000 days and concentrated 200 times—sound impressive, but the real-world results don’t match the marketing fluff. The brand leans heavily on its heritage and “luxury” status, but many users feel misled. A Reddit post called it “science and marketing fluff,” and I agree. The hype sets expectations sky-high, only to disappoint.
These cons make it hard to justify investing in this eye cream, especially when more effective and affordable alternatives exist.
Also read: My Thoughts on First Aid Beauty Firming Cream.
Maintenance Tips For Using Sulwhasoo The Ultimate S Eye Cream
If you already own this eye cream or decide to try it despite the drawbacks, here’s how to make the most of it. These tips will help you maximize its benefits and avoid common pitfalls.
- Apply Sparingly to Avoid Pilling
Less is more with this cream. Use a pea-sized amount for both eyes, and gently tap it into your skin with your ring finger. Overapplying can lead to pilling, especially if you’re layering serums or makeup. Start small and add more only if needed. This also helps stretch the tiny jar longer.
- Store It Properly
To preserve the formula’s potency, keep the jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. I store mine in a drawer to avoid heat exposure, which can degrade active ingredients. Always use the included spatula to scoop out the product—it keeps things hygienic and prevents contamination.
- Pair with a Gentle Cleanser
Since the eye area is delicate, use a mild cleanser to remove the cream at night. I like Sulwhasoo’s Gentle Cleansing Foam, which doesn’t strip the skin. Harsh cleansers can counteract the cream’s hydration, so stick to something soothing to maintain your skin’s moisture barrier.
- Use Morning and Night for Consistency
Sulwhasoo recommends applying the cream twice daily, and I found this routine worked best for keeping my under-eyes hydrated. In the morning, apply it before sunscreen and makeup for a smooth base. At night, use it after your serum to lock in moisture. Consistency is key, even if the anti-aging results are minimal.
- Incorporate a Massager
Sulwhasoo suggests using their Moon Jade massager with the cream, but you can use any cooling tool, like a jade roller or chilled spoon. Gently massage the eye area after applying the cream to reduce puffiness and boost circulation. I did this a few times a week, and it felt refreshing, even if it didn’t transform my wrinkles.
- Patch Test First
If you have sensitive skin, patch test the cream on your inner wrist before applying it to your eyes. I didn’t experience irritation, but some Reddit users with sensitive skin reported dryness from the fragrance or alcohol in Sulwhasoo products. Better safe than sorry.
These tips can help you get the most out of the cream, but they don’t fix its core issues—limited results and high cost.
Comparison With Other Eye Cream Brands
Let’s see how Sulwhasoo stacks up against other eye creams. I’ve tried a few popular options, and here’s how they compare in terms of results, price, and overall value.
- Sulwhasoo The Ultimate S Eye Cream vs. La Mer The Eye Concentrate
La Mer’s The Eye Concentrate ($235 for 0.5 fl. oz.) is another luxury option, but it outperforms Sulwhasoo in my experience. Its Miracle Broth™ formula deeply hydrates and visibly reduces dark circles and puffiness within weeks. While still pricey, La Mer feels more effective for anti-aging, and the creamy texture doesn’t pill. Sulwhasoo’s lighter texture is better for makeup, but La Mer wins for results.
- Sulwhasoo vs. Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
Drunk Elephant’s C-Tango ($64 for 0.5 fl. oz.) is a mid-range powerhouse packed with vitamin C, peptides, and ceramides. It brightened my under-eyes and softened fine lines noticeably after a month—something Sulwhasoo couldn’t do. The pump dispenser is more hygienic than Sulwhasoo’s jar, and the price makes it accessible. Sulwhasoo’s texture is slightly more luxurious, but Drunk Elephant delivers better value.
- Sulwhasoo vs. CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
For budget-conscious folks, CeraVe’s Eye Repair Cream ($15 for 0.5 fl. oz.) is a no-frills winner. With ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it hydrates as well as Sulwhasoo and even reduced my puffiness slightly. It lacks the fancy packaging and scent, but for a fraction of the price, it’s a solid alternative. Sulwhasoo’s marketing and texture can’t compete with CeraVe’s straightforward efficacy.
- Sulwhasoo vs. Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Eye Cream
Another Korean brand, Laneige’s Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Eye Cream ($24 for 0.84 fl. oz.) is affordable and hydrating. Its gel-cream texture is lighter than Sulwhasoo’s, making it great for oily skin. It didn’t reduce wrinkles but kept my under-eyes plump and bright. Laneige’s larger size and lower price make it a better everyday option than Sulwhasoo’s luxury splurge.
Overall, Sulwhasoo lags behind in results and value. If you’re after luxury, La Mer is a better investment. For budget-friendly options, CeraVe or Laneige hold their own, while Drunk Elephant strikes a perfect balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (Faq)
It’s subjective, but La Mer The Eye Concentrate often takes the top spot for its hydrating, brightening, and anti-aging benefits. It’s pricey ($235), but users, including me, see real results with reduced puffiness and dark circles. Drunk Elephant’s C-Tango is another favorite for its vitamin-packed formula and reasonable price ($64).
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Eye Cream ($24) is a standout for Korean skincare. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and great for all skin types. While Sulwhasoo’s eye cream is luxurious, it underperforms compared to Laneige’s value and efficacy for daily use.
No, Sulwhasoo’s The Ultimate S Eye Cream doesn’t contain retinol. Its key ingredient is Ginseng Berry SR™, aimed at hydration and anti-aging. If you want retinol, look at products like RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream, but always patch test, as retinol can irritate the eye area.
Kim Kardashian hasn’t publicly confirmed her exact eye cream, but she’s known for using high-end products like La Mer and SK-II. Her makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic, often emphasizes hydration, so a rich cream like La Mer The Eye Concentrate is a likely choice for her routine.
Conclusion: Save Your Money For Something Better
After using Sulwhasoo’s The Ultimate S Eye Cream for eight weeks, I’m left unimpressed. Sure, it hydrates and feels luxurious, but the lack of anti-aging results, sky-high price, and pilling issues make it a pass. User reviews on Amazon and Reddit echo my experience, with many calling it a scam or overhyped. You deserve a product that delivers, and there are better options out there, from La Mer’s luxe formula to CeraVe’s budget-friendly fix. Skip this one and invest in something that truly works for you.