Is preparation H not dangerous to put on eyelids?
“A spokesperson for Whitehall-Robins, maker of Preparation H, informed us that the product “helps shrink hemorrhoidal tissue and is not meant for the area around the eyes. There is no clinical evidence to support that it reduces eye puffiness.” She said they get this question less frequently than they used to, perhaps because Prep H has been reformulated. One of the ingredients that supposedly reduced puffiness was “live yeast cell,” but this is no longer part of the recipe.” They go on to say: Actually, it’s debatable whether anything will help puffy eyes, which result from fluid retention caused by allergies, stress, etc. The ingredient in Preparation H that supposedly reduces swelling is phenylephrine HCl, which is used in nasal decongestants to constrict blood vessels. However, according to Paula Begoun, author of The Beauty Bible, Preparation H doesn’t work where it’s supposed to work, so what are the chances it’ll work in the minimal concentrations you’d use on your eyes?