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For as long as I can remember, I’ve had some semblance of a shadowy, rather puffy undereye; so, it should be no surprise that eye creams have long been integral in my skin-care regimen. Through my years of testing formulas, I would argue I’ve become a sort of expert on treating the delicate skin around the orbital bone—what works, what doesn’t, the ingredients to look for, the textures to consider, etc. And for the naysayers and skeptics out there, whether you have bags, dark circles, crow’s feet, or even dryness, most experts agree that a good eye treatment will serve you well.
“People often overlook the eye area or treat it as an afterthought, or worse, they overdo it with rich creams that can cause milia or clog pores,” board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Afrooz tells Vogue. “The truth is, this area demands precision. Just like in facial surgery, subtlety matters.” The idea is to find a formula perfectly suited to your eye’s unique needs; and for me, that solution is the N°1 de Chanel Revitalizing Eye Serum.
Chanel N°1 de Chanel Eye Serum
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- Why We Love It: The red camellia is the star ingredient of Chanel’s eye serum, its water, oil, and extract utilized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These are combined with an intelligent mix of peptides, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and squalane into a gel-like serum applied to the skin with a cooling, rollerball applicator. “Together, these ingredients create a multi-layered approach: addressing inflammation, hydration, structure, and vascular tone, all essential to improving the appearance of the eye area,” says Dr. Afrooz.
- Key Ingredients: Red camellia extract, camellia yeast extract, azalea yeast extract, squalane, peptides, hyaluronic acid
- Best For: Dark circles, puffiness, dryness
- Size: 0.53 oz.
About the Chanel N°1 de Chanel Eye Serum
N°1 de Chanel launched in 2022 as the house’s first foray into the clean beauty category—the formulas are up to 97% natural, powered by the regenerative properties of the camellia plant. “Red camellia is a powerhouse botanical, rich in antioxidants, especially polyphenols, that help neutralize free radicals and protect against oxidative stress,” per Dr. Afrooz. This stress, according to acclaimed facialist and Chanel Beauty expert Cynthia Rivas, is a key contributor to premature aging. Thus, by counteracting it, “the result is skin that looks more radiant, fresh, and awake,” she says, focusing on revitalization and longevity of the skin.
“What makes it especially effective for the eye area is its dual action: it helps shield the skin from environmental aggressors while supporting internal hydration, elasticity, and barrier function,” Dr. Afrooz continues. “The periorbital region thrives on this kind of calming, reparative ingredient. It’s refined and highly functional, exactly what I look for in any formula I’d stand behind.” Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi echos these benefits, stating that red camellia extract’s anti-inflammatory properties make it appropriate to treat the delicate undereye. “It’s rich in fatty acids and natural saponins which help support the skin barrier and improve moisture retention. Dehydration in the under eye area can easily exaggerate crepiness and dark circles, so this ingredient can help maintain hydration, keeping the skin supple.”
Aside from red camellia, the serum is powered by a host of other high-performance actives—the first being yeast extract, which Dr. Shirazi explains is rich in compounds like beta-glucans to help strengthen the moisture barrier and calm inflammation, crucial for thin delicate skin prone to irritation. These benefits are rounded out by a caffeine, hyaluronic acid, peptides, escin, and squalane.
“What I like about this formula is that it doesn’t try to treat just one thing,” says Dr. Afrooz. “Caffeine and escin help reduce puffiness by improving microcirculation and calming inflammation. Peptides support collagen production to smooth fine lines. Hyaluronic acid delivers hydration to plump and restore elasticity. Red camellia extract protects against oxidative stress that accelerates aging. It’s a smart, well-balanced approach, not a quick fix, but a consistent performer.”
My Experience With the Chanel N°1 de Chanel Eye Serum
The aforementioned blend is mixed into a mid-weight gel-like serum that delivers ample hydration without weighing skin down—perfect for applying under makeup, on warmer days, or when your regimen doesn’t need a rich eye cream. This texture was one of the factors that initially drew me to the formula, second only to the rotating and cooling metal applicator that is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. Per Rivas, “Chanel designed the applicator to mimic spa techniques used by estheticians to calm and awaken the eyes—think of the cooling tools used during facials to calm inflammation and awaken the skin.”
To use it, simply sweep the applicator along the eyelid and undereye from the inner corner outward. The metal delivers an instant chill—boosting my circulation to bring life to tired skin. The effect is reduced puffiness and an improvement in my discoloration. While I see results in the mirror each morning, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that doctors remark its actual benefits. “In surgery, I see firsthand how gentle cooling and lymphatic stimulation can dramatically reduce swelling and speed up healing,” Dr. Afrooz tells. “This applicator channels that same idea in a daily, non-invasive way,” by helping with lymphatic drainage while preventing contamination and eliminating the risk of tugging the delicate eye skin with your fingers. “It also helps distribute the serum evenly and ensures better penetration of active ingredients,” Dr. Shirazi adds.
I wasn’t even partial to a particular eye cream applicator until I tried this one; to be fair, I thought they were just added bonuses rather than an actual treatment. Now, I can’t imagine my routine without it. When I wake up dull, puffy, and tired after a long night’s rest, this eye serum is my trusted salve. Revitalizing, intelligent, and elegant is how Rivas describes it, and I couldn’t agree more.
Shop more of our favorite Chanel skin-care products, below.
Meet The Experts
- Dr. Paul Afrooz is a board-certified and award-winning plastic surgeon in Coral Gables, Florida.
- Cynthia Rivas is a Chanel beauty expert and New York City-based esthetician who counts Karlie Kloss and Lily Aldridge as clients.
- Dr. Azadeh Shirazi is a California-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
