I didn’t expect one skincare product to earn a permanent spot in my shopping cart, but this one did.

I flew to South Korea last year, and one of the biggest beauty takeaways from my trip was just how much attention Korean skincare brands give to eye care. (Seriously, it was.a smorgasbord.) I came home with a newfound appreciation for anti-aging eye products, especially formulas paired with cooling, refreshing applicators that make every application feel like a mini self-care moment.

Ever since, I’ve been on the lookout for eye treatments that combine effective ingredients with thoughtful design, and the Abib Retinal Eye Serum checks every box.

The first thing that caught my attention is its ingredient lineup. Retinal is considered one of the most effective vitamin A derivatives for addressing the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin texture, yet it’s often found in products with a much higher price tag.

This serum also includes bakuchiol, a plant-derived ingredient that complements retinal in supporting smoother-looking skin, along with hydrating ingredients that help the delicate eye area feel comfortable instead of dry.

Then there’s the applicator, which instantly reminded me of the eye products I picked up while traveling through Seoul. Instead of using your fingertips, the serum features a cooling metal tip that glides easily around the under-eye area. It helps spread the product evenly while delivering a refreshing sensation that feels especially nice first thing in the morning or after a long day staring at a screen. It’s a small detail, but one that genuinely makes me more likely to stick with a consistent routine.

Another reason it has stayed in my cart is the price. Now, it’s on sale for $12 — and truly doesn’t require a second thought before checking out. Eye serums can easily cost three or four times as much, so finding one with a well-rounded formula and a premium-feeling applicator at this price is a welcome surprise.

I also appreciate that the lightweight texture is designed to absorb quickly without feeling greasy, so it’s easy to layer under moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning or richer creams at night.

Ever since returning from South Korea, I’ve been drawn to skincare that feels both effective and enjoyable to use. The Abib Retinal Eye Serum delivers that same experience I loved abroad: smart ingredients, a refreshing applicator and a budget-friendly price that makes it easy to repurchase. For an anti-aging eye treatment that offers plenty of value without stretching the beauty budget, this is one purchase I feel good about keeping in my cart.

This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.