“Apply Hemorrhoid Cream Under Your Eyes”—Why the Results Shock People, and Why Doctors Warn Against It
It sounds like one of those beauty hacks that feels too strange to ignore.
Apply hemorrhoid cream under your eyes.
Wait a few minutes.
Watch puffiness disappear.
People swear by it. Some even call it a “miracle.” Others say it turned them into true believers after just one try.
But here’s the truth most viral posts leave out:
Yes, something does happen when hemorrhoid cream is applied under the eyes—but it’s not what people think, and it comes with real risks.
Let’s break down what’s actually going on, why this myth refuses to die, and what dermatologists want you to know before you put a tube of anything near your eyes.
Where Did This Trend Even Come From?
This idea isn’t new.
It’s been floating around Hollywood makeup rooms, internet forums, and beauty blogs for decades. Rumor has it that some makeup artists once used hemorrhoid cream on models before photo shoots to reduce eye puffiness quickly.
From there, the tip spread—without context, without warnings, and without science-based explanation.
And like many beauty myths, it stuck because it appears to work—at first.
What Hemorrhoid Cream Is Actually Designed to Do
Hemorrhoid creams are formulated for one purpose:
To reduce swelling, itching, and inflammation in rectal tissue.
They often contain ingredients like:
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Vasoconstrictors (to narrow blood vessels)
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Anti-inflammatories
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Local anesthetics
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Protective ointments
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Occasionally mild steroids
These ingredients are designed for thick, resilient skin, not the delicate tissue under your eyes.
That distinction matters—a lot.
Why People See “Instant Results” Under the Eyes
The reason this hack gained popularity is simple physiology.
Some hemorrhoid creams contain vasoconstrictors, which temporarily narrow blood vessels. Under the eyes, where puffiness is often caused by fluid buildup and dilated vessels, this can cause:
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Temporary tightening
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Reduced swelling
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A smoother appearance for a short time
So yes—people may see a visible change.
But this is not a sign of skin improvement. It’s a short-lived vascular reaction.
Why That “Tightening” Feeling Is a Red Flag
That tight, firm sensation many people describe isn’t lifting.
It’s vasoconstriction and irritation.
Under-eye skin is:
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Extremely thin
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Low in oil glands
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Highly absorbent
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Very sensitive to chemicals
When you apply hemorrhoid cream there, the skin isn’t being nourished—it’s being stressed.
What Happens After the Initial Effect Wears Off
This is where the internet usually goes quiet.
After repeated or prolonged use, many people experience:
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Redness
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Burning or stinging
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Dryness and flaking
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Increased sensitivity
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Darker under-eye circles
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Contact dermatitis
In some cases, the rebound effect makes puffiness worse over time.
Why?
Because stressed skin responds by inflaming more easily.
The Risk Most People Don’t Think About: Steroids
Some hemorrhoid creams contain topical steroids.
Steroids can:
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Thin the skin
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Break down collagen
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Increase visible blood vessels
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Cause long-term discoloration
Under the eyes, this damage can happen quickly—and may not be reversible.
Dermatologists strongly warn against using steroid-containing products on facial skin unless specifically prescribed.
Why Eye Skin Is Not Like Other Skin
The skin under your eyes is about:
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10 times thinner than facial skin
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Far more permeable
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Poorly protected by oil glands
This makes it:
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Faster to react
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Slower to heal
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More prone to long-term damage
Products designed for other body parts do not translate safely here.
Why Some Celebrities Still Mention This Trick
When celebrities or makeup artists talk about this “hack,” context matters.
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It may be a one-time emergency fix
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Applied by professionals
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Washed off quickly
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Used decades ago before better options existed
What works once under controlled conditions is not the same as a DIY skincare habit.
Why Dermatologists Are So Firmly Against This
Dermatologists aren’t anti-hacks—they’re anti-damage.
Their concerns include:
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Chronic irritation
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Steroid-induced skin thinning
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Allergic reactions
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Long-term under-eye aging
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Increased sensitivity to light and products
Most will say the same thing:
The risk outweighs the temporary benefit.
Why This Myth Persists Anyway
Because people are desperate for fast results.
Under-eye puffiness is:
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Hard to treat
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Emotionally frustrating
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Often genetic or lifestyle-related
When something shows an immediate visual change, it feels convincing—even if it’s not safe.
What Actually Causes Under-Eye Puffiness
Common causes include:
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Fluid retention
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Poor sleep
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High salt intake
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Allergies
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Genetics
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Aging
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Weakened lymphatic drainage
No topical product alone can “fix” all of this—but some can help safely.
What to Use Instead (Dermatologist-Approved Options)
If the goal is reduced puffiness and smoother under-eyes, safer options include:
Caffeine-Based Eye Creams
Caffeine gently constricts blood vessels without damaging skin.
Cold Therapy
Cold spoons, chilled eye masks, or refrigerated eye creams reduce swelling safely.
Niacinamide
Helps strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
Peptides
Support collagen and skin structure over time.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hydrates and plumps thin under-eye skin without irritation.
Lifestyle Fixes That Actually Work
Often overlooked but powerful:
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Sleeping slightly elevated
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Reducing salt before bed
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Managing allergies
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Staying hydrated
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Gentle lymphatic massage
These don’t go viral—but they work.
Why “Believer” Stories Are So Convincing
When someone sees an immediate change, their brain fills in the rest:
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“It worked for me”
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“Doctors don’t want you to know”
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“This is the real secret”
But immediate effects aren’t the same as healthy outcomes.
Skin health is about what happens weeks and months later, not minutes.
What Happens If Someone Already Tried It
If someone has used hemorrhoid cream under their eyes once or twice:
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Stop using it
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Rinse thoroughly
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Apply a gentle moisturizer
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Avoid actives for a few days
If irritation persists, a dermatologist should evaluate it.
Why Social Media Beauty Hacks Need Caution
The internet favors:
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Shock value
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Before-and-after illusions
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Extreme claims
Skin doesn’t care about clicks.
It responds to chemistry, biology, and time.
The Bigger Lesson Behind This Trend
This trend highlights a deeper issue:
People want fast, affordable fixes for visible concerns.
That desire is understandable.
But shortcuts on delicate skin often lead to long-term regret.
Final Thoughts
Yes—applying hemorrhoid cream under the eyes can create a temporary visual change.
No—it is not safe, sustainable, or dermatologist-approved.
The “belief” people feel comes from a short-lived reaction, not real skin improvement.
True results don’t sting, burn, thin, or rebound worse later.
And your eyes deserve better than a product never meant to be there.
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