Overview
Cellex-C was started quite by accident by a cell biologist at the University of Wisconsin named Lorraine Meisner. She literally started creating her first facial cream formulas in her kitchen in 1986. At the time, she had become aware that most women over the age of 30 were failing to get the right kind of therapy for their wrinkles or fine lines because the most popular products at the time all contained Retin-A. While Retin-A does have a beneficial effect on the skin, it is truly meant to be used by women much younger, since it causes sensitivity to the sun and does not have any effect on wrinkles that already exist. Ms. Meisner therefore created Cellex-C, which is based on the scientific discovery that vitamin C is connected to production of collagen in the skin. Based on her success with the original Cellex-C formula for wrinkles, Meisner’s company now offers several treatments, including a specific product for the eye called Eye Contouring Gel.

Featured Ingredients
Like most of the other products in the Cellex-C line, Eye Contour Gel contains the company’s patented blend of Ascorbic Acid (the natural form of vitamin C) along with the amino acid tyrosine and the mineral zinc. Most of the research on this combination of ingredients was conducted by the company’s lead scientist, Dr. Steven Traikovich. Dr. Traikovich found that 84.2% of those who used the Patented Vitamin C combination (known as Cellex-C Serum) noticed diminished wrinkles after one month of use. This is impressive indeed.

The Eye Contour Gel combines the Cellex-C Serum along with other compounds known for their positive effect on the eye area, including Chamomile Extract (which helps soothe puffiness), Hyaluronic Acid (for moisture retention) and Aloe (for accelerated healing). Thus, it is conceivable that those using the formula on the skin near their eyes will likely see less wrinkles and crow’s feet, as well as a reduction in puffiness. 

Web Site Description
The Web site for Cellex-C is rather simple and straight forward. It contains some useful information about the beginning of the company, as well as some compelling before/after photos gathered from Dr. Traikovich’s famous “half-face” studies. But most of the content seems to focus on Cellex-C and its anti-wrinkle effects. While the 84.2% statistic is impressive, other measures such as discoloration (31.6%) and skin tone (26.3%) were less impressive. Unfortunately, no statistics are available on Eye Counter Gel’s specific effects on the eye area skin. It is also important to note that this formula was not developed to brighten dark circles, so those looking for this benefit would probably have to choose another product.

Positives
- Impressive main ingredient and compelling research- Before and after photos are dramatic and convincing

 Negatives
- No statistics on actual effects on eye area problems (puffiness, crow’s feet, dark circles)

- Does not contain any ingredients for dark circles

- No free trial offered; Product costs $70 a bottle

Conclusion
We are fairly convinced that most of the products in the Cellex-C line will produce several positive effects for the skin, especially those meant to address wrinkles on the overall face area. However, since the company does not list any specific data for its Eye Counter Gel - coupled with the fact that the formula does not address dark circles - we think Cellex-C’s attempt at an eye formula falls a bit short.

Overview
Skinceuticals is a company with an established reputation in the cosmetic field. Founded in 1997, Skinceuticals has built a visible presence in the last 10 years because of its impressive collection of skincare formulas, many of which are created following a thorough process that includes plenty of scientific research. Like many such companies, Skinceuticals offers several products to combat aging near the eye, the most important of which is its unique Eye Cream formula. Because of this company’s solid track record, we decided to review this Eye Cream and see if it lived up to the company’s reputation.

Featured Ingredients
Skinceuticals Eye Cream was designed to reduce puffiness and combat dark circles under the eye. To accomplish this, the formulators included two ingredients that are not usually seen in product of this type. Centella Asiatica (also known as Gotu Kola) is an herb that is found in India and nearby Asian countries. As an oral supplement, taking this herb is believed to promote several areas of health. The Skinceuticals research team decided to include Centella Asiatica in the Eye Cream formula because the extract of this herb shows an affinity for the skin. Namely, it helps to improve blood flow to the eye area by strengthening the capillaries (miniature blood vessels) that feed the eye area, thus making pooling and clogging less likely.

Skinceuticals Eye Cream also contains Ections, which are tiny molecules produced by bacteria to protect themselves from the defense’s conjured by the body’s immune system. While the though of using an ingredient derived from bacteria may not seem appealing to many, the research on Ections - and their ability to promote wound healing - is impressive. Since puffiness and crow’s feet could be considered wounds of a specific type, it is conceivable that Ections could thus have a positive effect on the eye area. 

Web Site Description
The Skinceuticals web site is very attractive and assembled in a clean, straightforward style that suggests scientific emphasis. The descriptions of the products, including Eye Cream, are clear and easy to understand. The web site also contains full links to scientific abstracts on its ingredients, including Centella Asiatica and Ections. There are a few things missing, however. We did not find any customer testimonials, which are usually an indicator of how a company’s formulas work for real people (as opposed to a controlled laboratory environment). In addition, while the potential effects of Eye Cream are listed, we did not see any specific studies on the actual effects of the Eye Cream. Thus, a potential customer is expected to read the technical abstracts on the individual ingredients and make the assumption that they will notice an effect on dark circles, puffiness and crow’s feet. In addition, the company admits that the only way to obtain Skinceuticals products is through a physician or licensed skincare professional. Online ordering - or a free trial - is not available.

Positives
- Company has a solid reputation based on thorough scientific research- Initial studies on key ingredients are encouraging

 Negatives
- Products cannot be purchased online - available only through a doctor

- No free trial is available - No testimonials are posted on the web site

- It is unclear whether a study on the entire Eye Cream formula (in contrast to its individual ingredients) has ever been conducted

Conclusion
If you are looking for a single formula to combat dark circles, under eye puffiness and crow’s feet, we think that Skinceuticals Eye Cream may deliver as promised. While we would like to believe that the company’s claims are true, we cannot be 100% sure. Perhaps it is best for you to speak to a physician or skincare professional and ask their opinion about Skinceuticals Eye Cream first.

Overview
Talika Paris is a European company that was started originally in 1948, when one of its founder discovered that - after treating burn victims with a botanical salve for their eyes - they soon experienced longer, fuller eyelashes. For years, Talika has been known for its eyelash formula, which has an impressive amount of clinical research behind its ability to double and even triple the length and strength of eyelashes. In 2005, Talika created its own product for dark circles and puffiness near the eye, called Eye Detox. We decided to review this product in conjunction with what is already known about its Lipocils eyelash formula.

Featured Ingredients
Like the Talika eyelash formula, the Eye Detox product contains mostly natural or naturally derived ingredients. Most of these appear to be proteins and peptides (signally molecules that encourage protein synthesis), but there are also other unique ingredients, such as Cornflower water and Horse Chestnut. Cornflower water seems to be added to the formula to soften and soothe the skin, which could be desirable in those who have puffiness under the eye.

Horse Chestnut has long been known to be beneficial in those with varicose veins or similar circulatory problems due to diabetes. It seems to have a positive effect on the blood vessels in the body and helps prevent the pooling of blood than can show through skin and make you look unsightly. In theory, Horse Chestnut would therefore be able to reduce dark circles, because it would enhance circulation and prevent the clogging of blood that often leads to dark circles. 

Web Site Description
The Talika Web site in English seems to be a work in progress. Some of the translations from French to English seem inaccurate - or at the very least a bit “clunky” - so the team at EyeWrinkleReviews.com did have some difficulty understanding the claims and information provided. Given the history of Talika’s eyelash product, we tended to give the company the benefit of the doubt, but we were a bit skeptical about the research on Eye Detox. According to the web site, use of the formula resulted in 85% less dark circles and 100% less puffiness under the eye. However, we think that this translation may be inaccurate, and that these numbers refer to the percentage of people who noticed a positive effect, not the effect itself. Hopefully the company can clarify this soon. The web site does contain some positive customer testimonials, but it does not offer a free trial of the product.

Positives
- Lipocils are known for enhancing the length and strength of lashes- Some of the ingredients have benefits for puffiness and dark circles

 Negatives
- Some French to English translation of scientific data may be inaccurate

- Relatively high price ($75) for a system that does not include a crow’s feet product

- No free trial of the products is offered

Conclusion
Considering that you would have to pay about $75 for the combination of the Lipocils eyelash formula and the Eye Detox - and no free trial is available - we think Talika might be too expensive for many consumers. Most people would still need to purchase a separate formula for crow’s feet, which drives this eye kit higher in price than other comparable systems that contain all three formulas already.

Overview
Dermalogica was started in 1986 in Los Angeles by a group of researchers who also founded the International Dermal Institute, which is a graduate training facility for skincare professionals. Disturbed by the high number of cosmetic companies that used irritating ingredients in their products, including S.D. alcohol, lanolin and others, these researchers created Dermalogica with the intention of providing professionals and their clients safer alternatives that still encouraged youthful beauty in the skin. Today, Dermalogica continues to be a top choice for many skincare professionals and is available in healthy and beauty spas around the world. Like most cosmetic companies, Dermalogica offers a formula specifically for the eye area, which is called Total Eye Care.

Featured Ingredients
Total Eye Care is intended to protect and correct the delicate skin near the eye, and its ingredients are meant to reduce puffiness, decrease the appearance of crow’s feet and diminish dark circles. It attempts to accomplish these feats by a combination of specific ingredients. Total Eye Care relies on Lactic Acid to soothe the eye area skin, and there is some research suggesting this effect. The formula also contains Sodium PCA to help retain moisture in the eye area, which can help to prevent some of the signs of aging, such as dullness and dryness.

Dermalogica Total Eye Care also features three extracts derived from botanical sources to help reduce puffiness and fine lines. These include extracts of Spiraea, Hydrocotyl and Bisabolol. We are aware of some limited research suggesting that these ingredients can help reduce irritation of skin and promote the reduction of under-eye puffiness, but Dermalogica does not provide this research on its site. In addition, the company only states that it uses “light diffusers” to reduce the appearance of dark circles but does not disclose what these ingredients are - or any research attesting to their effect on dark circles. 

Web Site Description
The Dermalogica web site is quite comprehensive, especially in terms of explaining the background of the company and its current projects. It clearly describes the company’s unique approach to skincare, which includes the concept of facial mapping. Descriptions of the products are clear, but may lack specific information, such as naming specific ingredients or listing scientific research on their effects. Customers cannot purchase Dermalogica products directly from the web site, and instead must find a skincare professional near them to obtain these formulas. No customer testimonials are posted, and Dermalogica does not offer a free trial of its products.

Positives
- Company avoids using many artificial ingredients and harsh irritants
- Dermalogica has a solid reputation among skincare professionals

 Negatives
- It is not clear which ingredients are used to reduce dark circles

- Products can only be obtained through a skincare professional

- No free trial of any products are available

Conclusion
There is no doubt that Dermalogica continues to provide top-notch formulas that will benefit from the skin. We continue to be impressed by the company’s dedication to research and its continuing relationship with the skincare community. However, we are not totally sold on the Total Eye Care formula, mainly because the full ingredient list is not available.