Plexaderm vs. Hemorrhoid Cream for Eye Bags: Which Works Best?

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist

The truth about Plexaderm vs Preparation-H

The Question Everyone Asks:

“Is Plexaderm the same as hemorrhoid cream—and which one actually works for under-eye bags?”

This is one of the most common beauty questions I get. Both Plexaderm and Preparation-H show up in beauty hacks for puffy eyes, but they’re very different products.

Let’s break it down.

Woman applying cream under eyes – Plexaderm vs hemorrhoid cream for bags

Plexaderm versus Hemorrhoid cream for bags

Many people search for “Plexaderm verse hemorrhoid cream for bags” (yes, even spelled that way) because they want to know if the two products are the same.

Here’s the short truth: they’re not.

Quick answer: Plexaderm vs Hemorrhoid cream

  • Plexaderm is a cosmetic serum made for the under-eye area. It temporarily tightens skin, reducing puffiness and fine lines for a few hours.
  • Preparation-H is a medical cream for hemorrhoids. While it can shrink blood vessels, it’s not designed—or tested—for use on facial skin, especially around the eyes.

👉 Want to see which under-eye serums worked for me? Check out my full puffy eye serum review breakdown to see which might work for you.

My experiment: Trying original Preparation-H for eye bags

Front view of original Preparation-H cream from Greece, often compared to Plexaderm for reducing under-eye puffiness and wrinkles.A tube of the original Greek Preparation-H, featuring ingredients not found in the U.S. version (often compared for under-eye use)

The original Preparation-H once contained ingredients like Live Yeast Cell Extract and Shark Liver Oil—made famous in the ’70s and ’80s by models and celebrities who claimed it tightened under-eye skin.

Curious if it really worked for puffy eyes, I ordered the Greek formula to test it myself.

Back label of Greek Preparation-H showing ingredients, sometimes used in DIY wrinkle treatments.Back of Greek Preparation-H tube showing ingredients like Live Yeast Cell Extract and Shark Liver Oil for under-eye tightening.

Sadly, even after multiple careful applications (even refrigerated!), I saw no improvement in under-eye puffiness or wrinkles.

It was disappointing but also eye-opening—it proved to me that even the original formula wasn’t the under-eye tightening miracle people claim it is.

Plexaderm vs Preparation-H: Quick comparison

Here’s a simple side-by-side comparison to show how these two products stack up.

Feature Plexaderm Preparation-H
Made for face Yes No
Use near eyes Safe Not recommended
Main purpose Reduce puffiness & wrinkles Relieve hemorrhoid swelling
How it works Tightens skin temporarily Constricts blood vessels
Effect duration About 6–8 hours Short-term (if any)
Side effects Dryness, tight feeling Irritation, skin thinning, eye risk
Dermatologist approved Yes No
Price range $60–$90 $5–$10

Now that you’ve seen the facts side by side, here’s what dermatologists say about using Preparation-H near your eyes.

What Derms say about using Preparation-H on your face & eyes

Most dermatologists advise sticking to products specifically made for facial skin—especially the delicate under-eye area—because they’re tested and approved for safe cosmetic use.

Expert Insight:

Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist, has said in multiple interviews (including Women’s Health) that Preparation-H is not meant for the face or eyes — and it can cause irritation.

It contains ingredients like hydrocortisone that can irritate, thin the skin, and cause long-term damage, particularly around the eyes.

So what do they recommend instead?

  • Use skincare products designed for the face and eyes.
  • Look for gentle ingredients like caffeine, peptides, or hyaluronic acid.
  • Try safe cooling treatments like cold compresses or rollers.
  • For persistent puffiness or wrinkles, consult a dermatologist.

FAQs

Question: Is Plexaderm the same as Preparation H?

Answer: No. Plexaderm is a cosmetic serum made to temporarily tighten under-eye bags and wrinkles. Preparation H is a hemorrhoid cream with vasoconstrictors, not designed for facial skin. They work very differently and should not be considered the same.

Question: Does Preparation H work for puffy eyes?

Answer: Some people notice temporary de-puffing because of the vasoconstrictor in Preparation H, but it isn’t made for the eye area and can cause irritation or redness. Safer alternatives include eye serums with caffeine or peptides that are designed for this purpose.

Question: Does Preparation H help with wrinkles?

Answer: Not really. While it may shrink tissue slightly, Preparation H won’t smooth fine lines the way tightening serums like Plexaderm or Peter Thomas Roth can. It’s not intended for anti-aging use.

Want more targeted solutions?

See my Plexaderm Competitors guide, where I compare Insta-Tox, Dr. Brandt, and Peter Thomas Roth side by side.

For Under-Eye Puffiness:

For Facial Wrinkles & Sagging Skin:

Takeaway: Plexaderm vs Hemorrhoid cream for bags

Many people search for “Plexaderm verse hemorrhoid cream for bags” (and sometimes “Plexaderm vs hemorrhoid cream for bags”) because it’s a popular beauty debate.

After testing both and digging into what dermatologists say, the verdict is clear:

  • Plexaderm was designed for under-eye use. It works quickly, visibly tightens skin, and lasts several hours.
  • Hemorrhoid cream (like Preparation-H) was never meant for the face. While it can constrict blood vessels, it isn’t tested for delicate eye skin and carries risks like redness, irritation, or long-term thinning.

Bottom line: For eye bags, Plexaderm (or other cosmetic serums made for under-eyes) is the smarter, safer choice. See how Plexaderm holds up against the competition.

About the Author:
Linda Robison is a Facial Fitness Specialist and the founder of Anti-Aging Beauty Zone. She shares expert insights on skincare, facial rejuvenation, and beauty treatments—blending traditional wisdom, personal experience, and science-backed research for both at-home and in-office solutions.

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