Woman ‘became hermit’ with eczema but £12 hay fever gel brought ‘back old self’

‘Within 48 hours of use, my eyes were back to normal. It was such a relief. I now use it daily, and I haven’t had a flare-up since’

For millions of people, battling eczema and sensitive skin flare-ups can be a nightmare, bringing with it irritated skin, flaky eyelids and relentless discomfort around the eyes that can make everyday life a struggle. But one sufferer has praised a £12 eye gel that she says provided instant relief and helped her regain her confidence after years of dealing with painful symptoms.

Hydrosil Dry Eye Gel, currently £11.95 for a 15ml tube on Amazon, has gained a loyal following among people with allergies and skin conditions such as eczema, as well as those with itchy, dry eyelids during hay fever season. Among its fans is Natasha Bishop, who told The Independent that the product had been nothing short of a ‘miracle’ after years of suffering from eczema around her eyes and face.

Before discovering the gel, Natasha said her condition left her feeling isolated and self-conscious. She avoided socialising wherever possible, leaving the house only when necessary for work as the skin around her eyes became sore, hot, swollen and intensely itchy, even saying she ‘became a hermit’ because of it.

After multiple visits to her GP and trying various treatments, she eventually came across Hydrosil Dry Eye Gel. She said: “I started using the Dry Eye Gel and experienced instant relief. I wanted to try something more natural, as using the steroids on my eyes really worried me.”

She added: “I definitely still have eczema, but I’m able to keep it under control with the gel. When I do get the occasional flare-up, I’ll use my prescription cream to calm it down again.”

The 51-year-old said the Hydrosil Dry Eye Gel has helped her live normally again: She shared: “I felt trapped before, but now I feel able to socialise again. My confidence had really been knocked, but I feel like my old self again. Even my colleagues at work have noticed the difference in me.”

The lightweight, non-greasy gel is free from steroids, fragrances and harsh ingredients, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It contains Cardiospermum halicacabum, a plant-based ingredient known for its soothing properties, which can help calm irritated skin while supporting the skin’s natural moisture balance.

Better yet, the brand notes that only a small amount is needed per application, making the tube stretch even further. However, for shoppers who want more bang for their buck, Blephagel’s Hypoallergenic Gel (£10.99, VisionDirect) offers double the volume at 30ml.

Meanwhile, for anyone looking for something specifically to target hay fever and allergies, Haymax’s Pure Organic Drug-Free Pollen Barrier Balm (£6.79, Holland & Barrett) is a great option. The balm helps trap pollen, dust and pet allergens when applied to the nostrils.

Back to Hydrosil’s Dry Eye Gel, Natasha is not alone in her praise. Numerous users have reported seeing a noticeable improvement within just a few days of use, with this person sharing: “This eye gel is fantastic. I had swollen, red, sore, and very dry eyelids and under-eyes. I’ve been to doctors three times with no cure and even sent to a walk-in centre, had cream, antibiotics, with no lasting results.

“I have used this eye gel since my last flare-up, and my eyes feel totally moisturised and, touch wood, no more flare-ups as yet. I use this twice daily and even more if I feel my eyelids drying out – it’s been fantastic for me so far.”

Meanwhile, a second user said: “I often get red, swollen and sore skin around the corners of my eyes and on my eyelids. After a really bad flare-up, my mum suggested I try her Hydrosil Eye Gel.

“She’s been using it for years for her menopausal blepharitis, and it instantly calmed my eyes down. Within 48 hours, my eyes were back to normal. It was such a relief. I now use it daily, and I haven’t had a flare-up since.”

However, this mixed review noted: “This did sting slightly on first application but has been great since, it does soothe the itching.”

On a brighter note, this Hydrosil fan piped up: “A real lifesaver. My eyelid was so dry and sore that no normal eye cream worked. After a few uses, I finally had some relief.”