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

• 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.