Overview
Dr. Nicholas Perricone has built a virtual empire of cosmeceutical products intended for just about every problem imaginable. Dr. Perricone is one of the most well-known personalities in the cosmetic field, thanks to several books that have been on the New York Times best-selling list. Dr. Perricone also has a reputation as an innovator in the cosmeutical field, and he offers dozens of products containing a wide variety of ingredients. Some would say, in fact, that Dr. Perricone offers too many products for skin problems, making it difficult or even confusing for the average client. While we don’t necessarily agree with this assertion, we but any personal biases aside while reviewing Dr. Perricone’s signature formula for eye-area aging, which is called Advanced Eye Therapy.

Featured Ingredients
Perricone Advanced Eye Area Therapy is intended to reduce dark circles, puffiness, crow’s feet, as well as skin discoloration and dryness. While it may seem ambitious to think that one formula can address all of these problems at once, the proof is in the ingredients. To reduce dark circles, Advanced Eye Area Therapy contains a combination of GABA, Vitamin K, 18B-Glycyrrhetinic Acid, and Folic Acid. While Vitamin K and Folic Acid are known for improving circulation - and thus could help reduce poor blood flow that contributes to dark circles - GABA is known more for its effects on relaxing the facial muscles. In addition, 18B-Glycyrrhetinic Acid is a derivative of licorice root, which could irritate or cause allergic reactions in the skin for some sensitive customers.

Advanced Eye Area Therapy reduces puffiness through its inclusion of caffeine, which indeed does reduce swelling. Unfortunately, caffeine accomplishes this primarily through dehydration, which could actually undermine the moisture-retention ingredients in the formula. DMAE is included to reduce lines, but this neurotransmitter precursor has been primarily studied for its use as an oral supplement to promote healthy brain function. Studies on its effects on skin are limited, at best. 

Web Site Description
The Dr. Perricone web site is quite extensive. Plenty of information is provided on Dr. Perricone himself, as well as his best-selling books. The web site contains full descriptions of its products, and posts several clinical studies and case histories of the effects for many of its formulas. Unfortunately, no such studies have been conducted on the Advanced Eye Area Therapy. Hopefully such studies are in progress, especially considering that - at face value - the ingredients seem to be curious choices. Although a free catalog of Dr. Perricone products is available, no free trials of the actual formulas themselves are available, which may be disappointing for those customers who like to try out products before committing to a purchase. Considering the relatively high price for Advanced Eye Area Therapy ($95), a free trial would likely appeal to many potential customers.

Positives
- Dr. Perricone is one of the most popular cosmeceutical personalities- Many of Dr. Perricone’s formulas have impressed scientific research behind them

 Negatives
- No such research seems to be available for the Advanced Eye Area Therapy

- Some of the ingredients (18B-Glycyrrhetinic Acid & Caffeine) seem to be odd choices

- No free trial of product is available

Conclusion
While many experts and non-partisan critics in the cosmetic field continue to recommend Dr. Perricone products, we feel that Advanced Eye Area Therapy contains too many question marks, at least at present time. Hopefully, the company can disclose more information about its effects soon, so that we can one day post a positive review for this formula.

Overview
Once considering a low-end bran of cosmetics usually found at discount retail stories, Olay has elevated its profile, thanks to its new Regenerist line of anti-aging treatments and subsequent increases in its advertising on television. While some of the products within the Regenerist brand do look promising for their effects on wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of aging, we were particularly interested in its Eye Derma-Pod. As opposed to similar eye treatments, this formula does not come as a lotion, cream or serum, but rather is delivered through the use of cream-soaked pads that deliver active ingredients to skin. The question remained whether these ingredients could do enough against signs of aging that specifically impact the eye area.

Featured Ingredients
While the concept of Eye Derma-Pod does seem to have its merits, since a serum-soaked pad is less likely to contaminate the skin with bacteria or other microscopic toxins that can reside on a person’s fingers, we needed to analyze whether this Olay formula contained the correct ingredients for the eye area. According to Olay, Eye Derma-Pods are intended to resurface the skin for a younger appearance, fill in lines and wrinkles and decrease puffiness. Right off the bat, it was clear that this product would do nothing for dark circles, an important part of skin aging near the eye.

The ingredients contained in the formula seem sensible, but on the mild side. For example, Eye-Derma Pods contain Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, an amino acid that is supposed to signal the skin to produce collagen and other key compounds that can fill in spaces that have formed to create visible wrinkles. While this ingredient is promising, Olay does not post any studies showing that it is superior to other compounds, such as Glucosamine Complex, which exfoliates the skin and encourages collagen production by as much as 168%. In addition, Eye-Derma apparently accomplishes its task of reducing puffiness by using Witch Hazel and Cucumber extracts. Both of these botanicals do encourage the calming and soothing of skin, and Witch Hazel can help to increase circulation in the skin as well. But Olay does not publish any research showing how much either ingredient specifically impacts the under-eye puffiness and bags that many consumers want to get rid of. 

Web Site Description
The Olay Regenerist web site is quite attractive and well designed. It contains simple descriptions of its products, and provides helpful information about where customers can find them. In addition, Olay Regenerist offers a free sample of its products, although these are smaller sized supplies than the typical free trial. The web site does lack testimonials from satisfied customers, and some descriptions (including Eye Derma-Pod) could have been more extensive and included vital information such as scientific research on the ingredients.

Positives
- Does contain known soothing compounds- Free samples are available (not full sized, however)

 Negatives
- Formula does not address dark circles or discoloration

- Ingredients seem mild in comparison to ingredients in other formulas

- Olay does not post research validating the effects of its ingredients of eye area skin

Conclusion
While many experts in the field believe that many consumers will notice benefits by using some of the products in the Olay Regenerist line, we at EyeWrinkleReviews.com continue to set the bar high for the eye treatment products we review, since this area of the skin requires a delicate balance of powerful ingredients that also don’t irritate the delicate skin of the eye area. Unfortunately, Olay Regenerist does not provide enough information to substantiate the effects of its Eye-Derma Pods, in addition to the fact that the formula does not address dark circles.

Overview
AminoGenesis was founded by Ron Cummings, a business entrepreneur who had experienced his share of skin problems. According to Mr. Cummings, he was close to considering cosmetic surgery until a friend introduced him to the scientific discoveries pioneered by Dr. T. Joseph Lin. Apparently, Dr. Lin had recently developed a technology called Low-Energy Emulsification (LEE), while allowed for the delivery of certain molecules the previously had had difficulties entering the outer layers of the skin. When Mr. Cummings saw the improvements that his face experienced when his LEE system was combined with 17 specific amino acids, he decided to start the company that today is known as AminoGenesis. In addition to its anti-aging facial system, AminoGenesis now offers a treatment for the eye area, which is called Counter Clockwise Under Eye Treatment.

Featured Ingredients
The AminoGenesis Under Eye Treatment was formulated in order to decrease fine lines, under-eye puffiness and dark circles. The formula contains the company’s proprietary blend of 17 amino acids, many of which are known for their affinity for the proteins, collagen, elastin and other key compounds that contribute to healthy and younger looking skin. While we know that these amino acids can produce benefits for the skin, we are not aware of any specific research on the AminoGenesis combination. As of this moment, the company does not post any such information, so we have to wonder about the clinical proof behind this combination.

The other ingredients in AminoGenesis Under Eye Treatment are included to address puffiness and dark circles. The formula does contain Witch Hazel and Chamomile Extract, both of which can calm the skin near the eyes, soothe irritation and promote healthy circulation. While these are important effects, AminoGenesis does not post any research showing the exact effects of these extracts. Our own research shows that Witch Hazel and Chamomile will produce only modest results for puffiness and dark circles, and that these extracts work best when also combined with light diffusers such as Lipolight or other circulation enhancers such as Actiflow. 

Web Site Description
The AminoGenesis web site includes all of the standard kind of information that one would expect from this kind of a company. Information on all the products is presented, and although we found most of these descriptions to be rather brief, the company does include a full listing of all ingredients, which is helpful. As mentioned, however, the web site doesn’t contain any actual statistics on the specific effects of its formulas. There are plenty of convincing testimonials and before/after photos that don’t seem to be doctored in any way, both of which are encouraging. At this time, AminoGenesis does not offer a free trial of its products.

Positives
- Amino acids do have potential benefits for wrinkles and fine lines- Plenty of customer testimonials and convincing before/after photos

 Negatives
- Ingredients for dark circles/puffiness seem to have a weak effect

- No independent research on its ingredients are included on the web site

- AminoGenesis does not offer a free trial of its products (Under Eye Treatment costs $40)

Conclusion
Even though AminoGenesis has a compelling story behind it, its Under Eye Treatment seems to lack enough “firepower” to truly diminish dark circles and puffiness in the way that most consumers will be looking for. We think that the AminoGenesis anti-aging products may deserve consideration but cannot recommend the Under Eye Treatment at this time.

Overview
D’Arcy was started in 1979 by renowned French chemist Andre Kedem, a graduate of the prestigious European university at Sarbonne. Noted for his fresh approach to skincare, Kedem pioneered many aspects of the cosmetic field, including becoming among the first formulators to combine newly discovered compounds in the lab with time-honored ingredients found in plants and botanical sources. In the 1980s, D’Arcy became controlled primarily by Richard Nicolo and his daughter Amy, who have directed some of the company’s latest efforts. It is important to know that the company filed for bankruptcy in 2005, leaving its future in doubt. As far as we are aware, D’Arcy products are still available for purchase while the company sorts out its financial challenges.

Featured Ingredients
D’Arcy Cellular Eye Tonic is primarily used as an anti-wrinkle treatment for the eye. It is intended to help reverse or prevent many signs of aging that can affect the skin near the eye, such as crow’s feet, sagging skin, wrinkles and fine lines. Thus, it is important to note that this formula will not affect other signs of aging near the eye, such as puffiness or dark circles.

However, it seems as if Cellular Eye Tonic does have some promise as an eye wrinkle treatment. The formula contains a unique and powerful combination of ingredients, such as poylpeptides derived from marine sources, polysaccharides from plankton and red micro-algae. These ingredients mainly function to stimulate production of collagen in the skin, which is an important step in fighting aging. However, we do not know how Cellular Eye Tonic compares to ingredients such as Glucosamine Complex, which is known to boost collagen by 168%. Unfortunately, D’Arcy does not publish the results of its studies on its ingredients, so the public has now way of knowing how effective the formula is until they purchase it at full price and try it for themselves. Considering that Cellular Eye Tonic is priced at $80 a bottle, this may be too expensive for most people to try without seeing some research first. 

Web Site Description
The D’Arcy site is overall classy and well constructed. There is fair amount of information about the history of the company and its mission towards continuing cosmetic research. The product descriptions are simple and straight forward, but as we already mentioned, may lack some important scientific information that could substantiate the effects of its formulas. In addition, we could not find any customer testimonials. Also, there is no free trial offered.

Positives
- D’Arcy has a strong international reputation for its original formulations

- Its unique ingredients likely will encourage collagen production and help reduce wrinkles

 Negatives
- Statistics on the actual effects of Cellular Eye Tonic are not provided

- Formula will not address dark circles or under-eye puffiness

- No free trial offered; Product is quite expensive ($80 a bottle).

Conclusion
Hopefully, D’Arcy emerges from its bankruptcy situation in good condition and continues its quest to provide top-notch cosmetic formulas. We also hope that the company decides to complete and/or publish some research on its Cellular Eye Tonic so that clients can see the scientific substantiation for the formula’s effect of crow’s feet and other eye-area wrinkles. Even if that happens, we only recommend this Cellular Eye Tonic if it is paired with other formulas that can help dark circles and puffiness, too.