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.

Overview
Although not much is known about Skin Doctors the company, apparently they are based out of Australia. The web site says that Skin Doctors has been in existence for 10 years now, but no other details about the company nor its staff is given. While we respect every company’s right to privacy, we tend to be a bit skeptical when no details about a company’s history - or who is in charge of the science - are provided. Regardless, we decided to keep an open mind while reviewing the three formulas that it offers for the eye area: EyeTuck, EyeCircle and EyeSmooth. Since Skin Doctors does not offer a system containing all of these formulas together, we will review each one as its own entity.

Featured Ingredients
Skin Doctors EyeTuck contains three main ingredients intended to reduce under-eye puffiness. EyeSeryl consists of a chain of peptides (proteins) that are supposed to help remove excess water that could contribute to bagginess. However, EyeTuck also contains Apricot Oil and Shea Butter, which are known moisturizers that are known for their ability to foster moisture retention in the skin. As if this wasn’t confusing enough, water retention is only one possible (and far less common) cause of puffiness. It is more common to have puffy eyes due to improper blood flow and skin that has become inflamed as a result. EyeTuck does not address these issues.

Skin Doctors EyeCircle contains two main ingredients for helping reduce the appearance of dark circles. Haloxyl is a fairly common ingredient found in many other eye treatment products. This peptide complex helps to strengthen the capillaries (blood vessels) that feed the eye. Often, these capillaries become weak and the pooled blood that collects in the skin causes dark circles. Haloxyl does seem to have an effect on enhancing circulation to the eye are. EyeCircle also contains Walteria Indica, a botanical ingredient that is supposed to brighten and soften the skin with added pigmentation. 

SkinDoctors EyeSmooth is intended to reduce crow’s feet and other types of wrinkles. It does so with three ingredients: Matrixyl 3000 is an impressive ingredient that does seem to have a visible effect on wrinkles. SesaFlash is a unique ingredient that apparently produces a tightening effect. No other information on this ingredient is given. EyeSmooth also contains Tagravit, which apparently is a micronized version of Retinol, which can help protect the eye area skin from damage.

Web Site Description
The Skin Doctors web site is either a work in progress or incomplete. Either way, the site lacks some important information that will make it difficult for the average consumer to find out whether or not they would like to try any or all three of the eye formulas in the line. More importantly, even if a visitor decides to purchase one or more of these products, it is nearly impossible to do so, since no prices are listed and the web site’s “shopping cart” function does not seem to work for customers in the U.S. If that is the case - coupled with the lack of details or scientific research on its products - then most customers will probably avoid Skin Doctors.

Positives
- Haloxyl may improve circulation and undereye puffiness

- Matrixyl 3000 is an encouraging nutrient for wrinkles and fine lines

Negatives
- Very little information is available about the other ingredients in the formulas

- Three eye treatments must be purchased individually - no system is offered

- Prices are listed and online shopping function does not seem to work in the U.S.

Conclusion
Although it is encouraging to think that some of the improvements in skincare technology could be reaching globally to places like Australia, we simply don’t have confidence in Skin Doctors. There are more questions than answers, and seeing that it is nearly impossible for Americans to purchase these products online anyway, we recommend looking elsewhere.

Overview
Z. Bigatti promotes itself as one of the top four cosmetic companies in the world. They claim that all products - in contrast to other companies - take years, not months to produce. Z. Bigatti further claims that it was the first company to introduce the first “all-in-one” skin restoration cream. Based on the success of this formula, it recently developed an “all-in-one” treatment for the eye area, called Eye Return Anti-Aging Cream. Since the company seems to make such strong claims about the uniqueness and potency of its products, we decided to critically analyze all facets of the Z. Bigatti eye treatment to ensure that its claims are valid and that consumers will get a formula that matches its high price ($125 a bottle).

Featured Ingredients
At first glance, it is easy to see why Z. Bigatti claims that its Eye Return Anti-Aging Cream can be considered an “all-in-one” treatment, since the cream contains 27 separate ingredients. Since it is impossible to describe and report on each of these ingredients in the limited space for this review, we will highlight some of the most important ones. To address wrinkles and fine lines, this formula contains Argireline, an amino acid peptide, which is meant to signal relaxation in the facial muscles. The effect of Argireline is supposed to be on par with Botox®, but while Botox® freezes facial muscles in order to minimize the formation of wrinkles, Argireline relaxes those same muscles. Our research has found that, while Argireline does not cause the same kind of potentially toxic effects that Botox® does, its effect is far less dramatic and may only be experienced by a fraction of users.

To reduce the appearance of dark circles and other types of skin discoloration, Z Bigatti Eye Return Anti-Aging Cream contains a combination of Dandelion extract and vitamin B3. While both of these ingredients do seem to have a beneficial effect on blood circulation in the eye - which can improve the appearance of dark circles - we are not aware of any significant research for either ingredient. Unfortunately, Z Bigatti does not post any research to prove this effect. 

For puffiness and under-eye bags, Eye Return Anti-Aging Cream contains a blend of Watercress Extract and Kelp Extract, two botanicals that do seem to smooth, tighten and firm sagging skin. While we do know of some limited studies suggesting this effect, our understanding is that the research is just emerging. Once again, Z Bigatti does not provide any conclusive research saying otherwise. More importantly, the formula contains Caffeine, which can definitely reduce puffiness since it promotes the loss of water. But this effect may be too drastic for some people and may dry out their skin. In addition, the inclusion of Caffeine seems to undermine some of the moisturizing ingredients in the Z Bigatti formula.

Web Site Description
For a company that claims to be one of the top four cosmetic companies in the world, we found Z Bigatti’s web site to be rather ordinary. Although it provides a clear explanation of the company’s philosophy and does list all of the ingredients in its formulas, we found other areas of the web site. Most importantly, as we noted earlier, were concerned that the web site did not contain any scientific support for many of its ingredients and their effects on the eye. No statistics were provided for any customer surveys, and no free trial is available. Considering the high price of this formula ($125 a bottle), we think most customers will hesitate to pay this kind of money without seeing any convincing results.

Positives
- Z Bigatti does contain a high amount of its ingredients in its formula

- We appreciate that the company takes a long time to develop its products

 Negatives
- Web site does not contain research confirming the claims for its products

- Inclusion of caffeine seems to undermine any potential moisturizing effects

- No free trial is offered; product is quite expensive ($125)

Conclusion
While we do not doubt Z Bigatti’s efforts are in the right place, perhaps we were expecting more from a company that claims to be one of the top in the world. Even though we would like to believe that Eye Return is an ‘all-in-one’ eye treatment, we cannot justify paying that much money for a single formula, especially when the company still has not conducted or posted its own independent study of the product.