Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Old vs. New Formula: What Changed?

By: Linda Robison — Certified Facial Fitness Specialist

Disclosure: As an affiliate partner and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

I tested both versions side by side. The original black tube and the newer silver Easy-Wear Formula looked, felt, and applied differently on my skin.

If you’ve been shopping for Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Eye lately, you may be wondering whether you’re looking at the old formula or the new one.

While researching this update, I noticed some online listings—and even parts of the Peter Thomas Roth website—still showed the original black tube, while others featured the newer silver Easy-Wear Formula. It’s easy to see why shoppers are confused.

I've used both versions over the years, so I'll show you what changed in the consistency, application, tightening feel, finish, and how each one looked on my skin. 

If you're wondering how FIRMx compares with other instant eye tighteners, I tested several popular formulas. You can see how they compared in my review of seven under-eye tightening serums.

On this page, you’ll find:

• How to tell the old and new versions apart
• What changed besides the packaging
• My side-by-side comparison
• How each version looked on my skin
• Which formula might suit you

What changed with Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx?

Yes, the product changed. Besides the switch from the black tube to the silver Easy-Wear Formula, I noticed differences in the consistency, tightening feel, finish, and how it wears under makeup.

The packaging is the first thing you'll notice, but I found the consistency and overall wear changed, too.

Here’s a quick comparison.

Old vs. new at a glance

Why did Peter Thomas Roth reformulate Instant FIRMx?

Peter Thomas Roth hasn't publicly explained exactly why Instant FIRMx Eye was reformulated.

What we do know is that the newer version is now called the Easy-Wear Formula and comes in a silver tube with a thin precision brush. The company describes it as being easier to apply and easier to wear during the day.

Based on my experience, it seems the goal was to make Instant FIRMx easier to apply and easier to wear under makeup, although Peter Thomas Roth hasn't confirmed that.

I also compared the ingredient lists.

The main instant-tightening ingredients are still the same, so the product works in the same basic way. However, the newer Easy-Wear Formula includes iron oxides, which give it its tan color, along with a few added ingredients that help moisturize and support the skin.

Here's what I noticed after using both versions.

My side-by-side comparison

The biggest difference for me wasn't the packaging. It was how the product felt, spread, dried, and looked on my skin. Here's what I noticed after using both versions.

Consistency and application

The original formula was a thick white gel. It started drying quickly, so I had to work fast and use a very small amount. If I applied too much, it could dry stiff, look chalky, and leave a noticeable whitish film.

By the way, if that has happened to you, I explain why instant eye tighteners can leave white residue and what usually helps.

The newer Easy-Wear Formula has a softer, creamier tan consistency. It spreads more easily and gives me a little more time to tap it into place before it starts to set. It also takes a little longer to dry. I usually let it set for a full 10 minutes.

I also find the newer formula easier to control with the precision brush, although I still prefer using my fingertip to apply a very thin layer exactly where I need it.

The original formula had a thick white gel consistency that dried quickly.

The Easy-Wear Formula has a softer, creamier consistency that gives a little more working time.

Tightening feel 

The original formula tightened very quickly and created a much stronger pulling sensation. I could definitely feel it working as it dried, especially if I applied a little too much.

I’ve also noticed that the original formula seems less drying on my skin during hot, humid weather. The extra moisture in the air may make that stronger tightening feel a little more comfortable for me than it is in cooler, drier weather.

The new Easy-Wear Formula still tightens, but it feels gentler on my skin overall. It doesn’t dry quite as hard as the original, which makes it more comfortable for me to wear for longer periods.

That was one of the biggest differences I noticed between the two formulas.

Finish on my skin

The original formula gave me the strongest tightening effect, but it was also much less forgiving. If I accidentally used a little too much or didn't spread it evenly enough, it could dry with a noticeable white residue that made the product obvious on my skin. Under makeup, I had to be especially careful because too much product could look chalky or flaky.

The newer Easy-Wear Formula gives a softer-looking finish. Because it's creamier, it blends more easily into my skin and is less likely to leave the white film I sometimes got with the original.

I also find it wears more naturally under concealer, although I still recommend applying a very thin layer and letting it dry completely before adding makeup. See how to use concealer with an instant eye tightener.

Neither formula is completely foolproof. Applying too much of either one can still affect the finish. But in my experience, the newer formula gives me a little more room for error and looks more natural once it's set.

I tested both formulas at the same time. The original formula is on my right eye (your left), while the newer Easy-Wear Formula is on my left eye (your right). In this photo, the older formula leaves my under-eye area looking slightly whiter and more matte.

Which formula might suit you?

After using both versions, I don't think one formula is automatically better than the other. They're simply different.

If you liked the original because it tightened very firmly and didn't mind working quickly, you may still prefer that version.

If you prefer a formula that's easier to spread, seems like it would blend more easily under makeup, and gives you a little more working time before it dries, the Easy-Wear Formula may be a better fit.

Which one you'll like best really depends on what you're looking for.

Takeaway

Peter Thomas Roth changed more than just the packaging when Instant FIRMx became the Easy-Wear Formula.

After using both versions, I found differences in the consistency, tightening feel, finish, and how each one wore under makeup.

If you're wondering whether the new silver tube is simply a new look for the same product, my experience says no. It behaves differently, even though it's designed for the same purpose.

About the Author:

Linda Robison is an anti-aging advisor for women over 40, sharing natural methods, facial exercises, and beauty routines she's personally tested over the years for smoother, firmer-looking skin. She spent nearly 15 years as an Anti-Aging Health Advisor at the Life Extension Foundation and has been testing facial anti-aging techniques for over 30 years, including training in Carolyn’s Facial Fitness. Her tips have been featured in GB News and Beauty Box Magazine. You can also view her background on LinkedIn. For more everyday tips follow along on Pinterest.

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