What is the K-SECRET Seoul 1988 Eye Cream?
The Seoul 1988 Eye Cream from K-SECRET is a treatment cream for the skin around your eyes, made to be used in the evening. Its headline ingredient is retinal, a vitamin A derivative, wrapped in liposomes so it reaches the skin gradually. Around it sits a long list of supporting ingredients: fermented bean, ginseng and rice ferments, niacinamide, peptides, bakuchiol and a vitamin C derivative. The result is an eye cream that works on texture and fine lines while still feeling like a comforting night cream.
In Pakistan most shoppers simply call it the Seoul 1988 eye cream, and it has become one of the most asked-about Korean eye treatments because it brings a retinoid into a product designed for the most delicate part of the face.
Is Seoul 1988 a retinal or a retinol eye cream?
It is a retinal eye cream. Retinal (retinaldehyde) sits one conversion step closer to the form your skin actually uses than retinol does, which is why it is often described as faster-acting. It also means it deserves a slow, patient start, just like any retinoid.
What does "retinal liposome 4%" mean?
The 4% refers to the retinal liposome complex, not to 4% pure retinal. Liposomes are tiny fat-based carriers that hold the retinal and release it steadily. For thin eye skin that matters: the goal is a steady, gentle supply of the active rather than one strong hit that leaves the area dry or stinging.
Seoul 1988 Eye Cream benefits: what it does for the eye area
Think of this cream as a long-term project. These are the changes it is designed to support with regular night-time use.
Softer-looking fine lines and crow's feet
Retinal encourages faster skin renewal, so the fine lines at the outer corners and the creases that show when you smile gradually look less etched. Bakuchiol and peptides add support for a smoother surface.
Firmer, bouncier-looking skin
The eye area is one of the first places to lose elasticity. Adenosine and the peptide blend in this formula are included to help the skin look firmer and less crepey, especially along the lower lid.
A brighter, more rested look
Niacinamide and a stable vitamin C derivative help the under-eye area look more even and less dull. This helps when shadows are partly pigment-related, although it cannot change dark circles caused by genetics or the shape of the eye socket.
Comfort while the actives work
Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, cholesterol and plant oils keep the skin cushioned, which helps offset the dryness that retinoids can cause. Many people find they can tolerate this eye cream better than a face retinoid dabbed under the eyes.
Seoul 1988 Eye Cream key ingredients
The formula is long, but a handful of ingredients do the heavy lifting.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Retinal in liposomes | Vitamin A active that refines the look of lines and texture with regular use |
| Fermented soybean, rice and ginseng ferments | Nourishing, skin-conditioning extracts that support a healthy-looking barrier |
| Niacinamide | Helps the eye area look brighter and more even |
| Adenosine and peptides | Support a firmer, smoother-looking surface |
| Bakuchiol | A plant-derived companion to retinal that supports smoothness |
| 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid | A stable vitamin C form for radiance |
| Sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, cholesterol | Hydration and barrier comfort |
Why are fermented ingredients popular in Korean eye care?
Fermentation breaks plant ingredients into smaller compounds, and Korean brands use fermented extracts to give formulas a nourishing, skin-conditioning feel. Here the ferments sit alongside the retinal to keep the experience gentle rather than harsh.
Does it contain fragrance?
The ingredient list does not show a listed perfume, which is reassuring for the eye area. Still, always check the pack you receive and patch-test if your eyelids react easily.
Is Seoul 1988 Eye Cream right for your skin?
Because this is a retinoid, suitability is about how your eye area handles actives, not just your overall skin type.
Is it good for sensitive skin?
The liposome delivery and soothing base make it one of the gentler ways to use a retinoid around the eyes, but sensitive skin should still begin with two nights a week and watch for dryness. If you have eczema around the eyes, speak to a dermatologist first.
Is it good for oily skin?
Yes. Oily skin rarely produces much oil around the eyes, so the creamy texture usually feels comfortable even for people who avoid rich face creams. A rice-grain amount is enough.
Is it good for acne-prone skin?
The cream is meant for the eye contour, where breakouts are uncommon. Keep it on the orbital bone area only; for acne on the face, use a treatment made for that job, such as the products in our retinol and retinal edit.
Does it help dark circles?
It can help when dark circles come from dull, thin-looking skin or uneven pigment, because niacinamide, vitamin C and retinal improve the look of tone and texture over time. Shadows caused by hollows, puffiness or genetics change very little with any eye cream, so concealer remains the quickest fix for those.
Who should patch-test first or skip it?
Skip it if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, and ask your doctor about retinoids. Patch-test first if your eyelids sting easily, and do not layer it with another retinoid in the same area.
How to use Seoul 1988 Eye Cream at night
This is an evening-only product. Your morning job is protection.
Your evening routine, step by step
- Cleanse and apply your toner and face serum.
- Take an amount the size of a grain of rice for both eyes.
- Dot it along the bone under each eye and onto the outer corners, keeping well away from the lashes.
- Press it in lightly with your ring finger until it melts in.
- Finish with your face moisturiser, avoiding the area you just treated.
How often should you use it?
Start on two or three non-consecutive nights a week for the first month. If your eye area stays comfortable, move to every other night and then nightly. Slower is better than giving up because of flaking.
Can I use it every day?
Many people reach nightly use after four to six weeks. If you notice tightness or flaking, step back to alternate nights; consistency over months matters more than daily application.
What to pair it with, and what not to mix
Pair it with hydrating, barrier-friendly products, and protect the area every morning with a broad-spectrum sunscreen such as a lightweight SPF50 face sunscreen. On the same nights, avoid using strong exfoliating acids around the eyes, and never stack a second retinoid such as the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum on top. Choose one.
Seoul 1988 Eye Cream results: how long until you see a difference?
Retinoids reward patience. Expect the timeline to look roughly like this when you use the cream consistently.
The first two to four weeks
The skin may feel softer and more hydrated quickly thanks to the creamy base. Some people notice mild dryness while they adjust; that is normal and usually settles.
After eight to twelve weeks
This is when fine lines and crepey texture typically start to look smoother and the area looks more rested. Keep going: improvements in firmness build gradually over several months.
Does Seoul 1988 Eye Cream have side effects?
The most common reactions are temporary dryness, light flaking or a slight warm tingle during the first weeks. These usually mean you are going too fast.
How to calm irritation
Drop back to two nights a week, apply a plain moisturiser before the cream to buffer it, and skip other actives around the eyes. If you see swelling, persistent redness or stinging that does not settle, stop and consult a dermatologist.
Can it get into the eyes?
It can migrate if you use too much or apply it too close to the lash line. Keep it on the bone, let it absorb before bed and rinse with cool water if it gets into your eye.
Seoul 1988 Eye Cream vs serum and other retinal options
Shoppers often compare this cream with the matching K-SECRET serum and with other retinal products. Here is how they differ.
| Seoul 1988 Eye Cream | Seoul 1988 Serum | Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Cushioned eye cream | Face serum | Lightweight eye serum |
| Where to use | Eye contour | Whole face | Eye contour |
| Key active | Retinal liposome 4% + fermented bean | Retinal liposome 2% + black ginseng | Retinal + ginseng |
| Best for | Lines and crepey texture around the eyes | Overall texture and firmness | Those who prefer a lighter texture |
Choose the eye cream if you want richness and comfort around the eyes, and the K-SECRET Seoul 1988 Serum if you want a retinal step for the whole face. If you prefer a fluid texture under makeup, the Beauty of Joseon eye serum is the lighter alternative. For a face retinal with a different feel, the celimax Vita-A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster is a popular choice.
Seoul 1988 eye cream price in Pakistan
The 30ml tube is a single size, and because you need only a rice-grain amount each night, one tube usually lasts several months. The current price is always shown live at the top of this page, so you see exactly what you will pay before you order, with cash on delivery available nationwide.
Original vs fake Seoul 1988 Eye Cream: how to check
A popular retinal product attracts copies, and a fake retinoid near your eyes is a genuine risk. Look for clean, sharp printing on the box and tube, a batch number and expiry that match on both, Korean and English labelling, and a smooth, evenly coloured cream with no separation or sour smell.
Where can I buy original Seoul 1988 in Pakistan?
Buy from a seller that can tell you where its stock comes from. YESBEAUTY is an authentic seller of K-SECRET in Pakistan: every tube is sourced directly from K-SECRET's official distribution channels in Seoul, Korea, and imported by us rather than bought from resellers. As part of the Korean Skincare group, we back it with a 7-day return guarantee if a product is ever found inauthentic. Read how we check every delivery in our Authenticity Promise.
Best eye cream for fine lines in Pakistan: where Seoul 1988 fits
Seoul 1988 is the pick when you want a genuine retinoid for crow's feet and crepey under-eyes. If your main concern is dark circles from pigment, the Mary & May Tranexamic Acid + Glutathione Eye Cream focuses on tone instead. For a gentler, retinoid-free option that suits sensitive eyes, try the COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream, or compare another retinol formula with the SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Eye Cream. You can browse every option in our eye care collection or see more anti-ageing picks in ageing skincare.
Using Seoul 1988 Eye Cream in Pakistan's heat and humidity
Retinoids make skin more sensitive to the sun, and Pakistan's UV is strong for most of the year. Wear sunscreen around the eyes every morning, add sunglasses outdoors and keep night-time application consistent even in summer, when the cream's texture still sinks in quickly.
How long does it last after opening?
Check the open-jar symbol on the tube for its exact use-by period after opening, and use it within that time. Keep it closed tightly, away from direct sunlight and out of hot cars or window sills, because heat and light can weaken retinal over time.
Explore the full range on our K-SECRET brand page.
