Mary & May Tranexamic Acid+Glutathione Eye Cream Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 36 Reddit threads · Updated October 10, 2026
TXA-plus-glutathione eye cream for dark circles; brightens some, irritates others. The catch: heavy fragrance can burn eyes. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best Overall AlternativeGentle starter retinal · $13.60 · 30 ml
Best for Dark CirclesRetinol for under-eye lines · $19.97 · 14.8 ml

#1
Best Overall Alternative

- Size: 30 ml
The why
One minus
Can sting, burn, or redden sensitive eyes
Good forSensitive Skin, Dry Skin
Both recommended for Dark Circles; discussed alongside Mary & May Tranexamic Acid+Glutathione Eye Cream in 6 threads.
“Start using BOJ eye cream alternate nights and you will see a drastic difference in 6-8 weeks”
— Reddit, r/koreanskincare
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- TXA + glutathione brightening
#2
Best for Dark Circles

- Size: 14.8 ml
The why
A retinol eye cream that people use under the eyes for wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles. It’s the gentler around-eye retinoid many reach for when tretinoin feels too harsh. Still, some users get stinging, dryness, or darker-looking under-eyes.
One minus
Can sting and dry the eye area fast
Both recommended for Dark Circles.
#3
Best for Brightening

The why
A rich vitamin C eye cream with jojoba oil, shea butter, and reflective pigments for tired-looking under-eyes. It fits dry skin and adds instant cosmetic brightness, but genetic dark circles and sensitive eyes may not budge or may irritate.
One minus
Results can feel underwhelming or nonexistent
Good forDry Skin
Both recommended for Dark Circles.
“It’s a little yellow so it brightens up my eye area and makes me look more awake.”
— Reddit, r/scacjdiscussion
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K-BeautyAnti-Aging

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