Is This TikTok Favourite Depuffer All it’s Cracked Up to Be?
Main Image – Courtesy of writer
The first time I saw the Dr Idriss The Depuffer Roll-On Serum (£39/$38) it was on Instagram. In the video, Dr Idriss appears in the mirror with seriously puffy eyes, then, she takes the depuffer and rolls it around her face as if her skin (and mood) depended on it. I applauded her vulnerability, as well as what resulted in her glowy, redness-relieved complexion, too.
A favourite in the US, this roll-on serum is meant to be genius at de-puffing and reducing redness, but – warning. It isn’t so friendly on the purse strings. So I tested it out to see if it was worth both the hype and the money.
The product details
Promising to ‘roll away your problems’, this 40ml tube of serum – created by dermatologist Dr Shereene Idriss, ‘on a mission to stop the BS around skincare’ – comes with a twist lock, roller nozzle.
It contains active ingredients like arnica to de-swell and centella asiatica to relieve redness. It’s also fragrance-free and aims to refresh and wake up the skin.
First impressions
Call me petty, but I really do like the packaging for Dr Idriss’ products. Some come in vibrant pink, others in purple. This one comes in a gorgeous turquoise. Because who says skincare has to be white and boring?
The tube is foolproof. Take the lid off and twist the nozzle one way to unlock it, twist it the other to close. Lid on after use. Simple!
The instructions on Dr Idriss’ website are beautifully relatable too. “Use after sweaty seshes to deflush – for all types of extracurricular activities” being one funny suggestion and, “use around your eyes in the AM to rapidly depuff, especially after a long night (be it at a club or crying yourself to sleep.)” I think I love this woman.
Fortunately (I think…) I didn’t need to have been crying all night or get even remotely sweaty as my face is already nicely puffy and unattractively red first thing in the morning (lucky me), so I decided to enjoy my first use on just a normal Tuesday.
As I squeezed a little serum onto my newly cleansed skin and rolled it around my face, it was easy to know when to stop squeezing and twist the nozzle shut. That way, I could just keep rolling without worrying about wasting too much product. Note: the colour of the serum leaves a lot to be desired but it soon sinks in.
My other initial reaction was the smell – very clinical and dull, but then all fragrance-free formulas are. It felt ok to roll around my face – I’ve never found rollers to be overly comfortable – a bit ‘boney’ – but this one feels fine. Overall though, I liked the coolness of the roller and serum combined.
Once I was finished rolling, I patted the excess serum in and let it dry before applying my next step. All very straightforward, but did it work?
Image – Courtesy of writer
My results – depuffed or disappointed?
I have to say, I did notice my skin wasn’t so puffy when it came to applying my makeup five minutes later. I probably ‘rolled’ for around a minute (I don’t have any more time than that in the mornings) and my puffiness, particularly around my eyes, had considerably reduced. My whole face felt refreshed and nourished too.
As far as my redness was concerned, I didn’t notice a huge difference. But then again maybe it would have been more effective after a workout. So, being the studious beauty editor I am, I used it again a few days later post-cardio and, sure enough, my sweaty redness noticeably improved, albeit not banished completely.
I like the functionality of this product – the idea of rolling it around my face as I wander around the kitchen making breakfast. And being able to throw it in my handbag when I’m travelling for a quick refresh and de-puff appeals too. It would certainly make an excellent flying companion.
I’m not sure I would use it as my overall serum but that’s only because I’m pretty much married to my usual one and this one didn’t convince me hard enough to replace it. However, the roller aspect and overall ‘fresh-faced’ results have impressed me, and I’ll be keeping it close by for future ‘sweaty seshes’ and early morning de-puffing.
Image – Courtesy of writer
What other users are saying
Karina D says everything I’m thinking. “Reduces puffy eyes in just a few minutes! Every morning I use this roller and the coolness feels so good on my skin. It reduces the swollen look of my eyes when I first wake up.”
Catherine H agrees. “I am very puffy under eye all the time and this serum really helps de-puff me for most of the day. I love the roller applicator. It feels soooo good on my face. Great for a pick me up after working all day.” Another excuse to keep it in your handbag.
There are some mixed reviews though, one from Daniela G. “Found “depuffer” to be very misleading. Did not de-puff anything for me.” Make sure your skin is thoroughly cleansed before using it as applying it directly to uncleansed skin will reduce its benefits.
Confusingly, Dr Idriss customer services replied to this review saying, “we recommend using The Depuffer consistently for at least four weeks to see results.” Huh? But you don’t have to wait four weeks to reduce redness after a sweaty workout or to de-puff after you’ve been crying all night… You can understand my confusion.
Most reviews are positive though and many users’ results have been on par with mine, if not better.
Image – Courtesy of writer
Overall value for money
Hmm. I do love that I have a little de-puffer on hand for whenever I need it, and it does work for me. But personally, because I don’t feel in love with the actual serum enough to replace my usual one and use it as my daily skin serum, I wouldn’t spend the £39/$38.
But bear with me. I do think the two-in-one roller/serum element is great though, plus the product has been made by a board-certified dermatologist so I feel that justifies the price a little better for those wanting to use it as their staple serum.
So, if you fall in love with the serum and you feel the overall product does the job of de-puffing and reducing redness for your own face and skin, plus you’re a Dr Idriss fan, then £39/$38 is actually quite good value for money for a serum to be used twice daily. You don’t need to use much either.
The takeaway
I think the overall results of this Depuffer depend massively on how long you roll for. The instructions say ‘til your heart’s content’ but not many of us have the luxury of unlimited time.
Rolling it for around a minute like I did the first time is probably the most the average user is going to have time for, however, if you feel you can devote more time to it then by all means, reap the benefits (of which I’m sure there are more of when rolling for longer).
At first, I thought it would be too gimmicky for me, but I don’t think it would be fair to call it that at all. My de-puffed skin and improved redness (after working out) is proof of that. I only wish it was more affordable for those wanting to use it more sporadically.
Get Glowing!
