Overview
DDF (which stands for Doctor’s Dermatologic Formula) was founded in 1995 by Dr. Howard Sobel, a New York City dermatologist and plastic surgeon. This company was the culmination of his more than 25 years of experience and some of his expertise, which was well known within the dermatologic community after he presided as the editor-in-chief of several professional publications. He linked up with well-known cosmetic personality Elaine Linker to create DDF, which is now a top-selling brand at Sephora stores. The company offers two formulas for the eye area: Protective Eye Cream and Bio-Molecular Firming Eye Serum.

Featured Ingredients
Protective Eye Cream is intended to protect the eye area from future damage while minimizing the look of fine lines near the eye area. It apparently contains a daily moisturizer to create these effects, but our efforts to find out any specific ingredients came up short. Therefore, we cannot evaluate the ingredients in this formula and cannot vouch for its effects. 

Bio-Molecular Firming Eye Serum was formulated to improve the overall contour of skin near the eye area by firming and lifting the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and improving moisture. According to the web site, this formula contains a combination of proteins, peptides (specific signaling molecules) and antioxidants. Like the Protective Eye Cream, however, it is not clear what these ingredients are, thus it is impossible for us to evaluate this formula and provide a critical analysis.

Web Site Description
The DDF Web site is clearly constructed and presented. Much of the focus seems to be on differentiating the company from other cosmetic companies, which is an important task. The product descriptions are brief and simple, but seem to lack some important information, including what the specific ingredients are, which makes evaluation of DDF products nearly impossible. All purchases are conducted through Sephora’s online store or by visiting a Sephora location near you. No free trial of products is offered.

Positives
- Dr. Sobel has an established reputation in the dermatologic field

- The company offers a full range of skincare formulas for a variety of problems

 Negatives
- Neither eye formula contains a listing of ingredients

- No free trial of product is available

- Products must be purchased from Sephora

Conclusion
Initially, we felt hopeful as we started evaluating the two DDF eye care formulas, considering Dr. Sobel’s reputation in the field. However, we found ourselves becoming frustrated at the lack of important information (such as active ingredients) about the products. Therefore, until we obtain this information, we cannot recommend any DDF products at this time.

Overview
Prevage was started by a partnership agreement by Elizabeth Arden and a specialty pharmaceutical company that specialized in molecular research. Currently, there are three main formulas offered under the Prevage brand. One of these is the Prevage Eye Anti-Aging Moisturizing Treatment. Since the team at EyeWrinkleReviews.com has received several inquiries about this formula, we decided to review it as accurately as possible.

Featured Ingredients
All Prevage formulas feature the unique antioxidant ingredient Idebenone. According to the company’s web site, Idebenone was first discovered by a group of Japanese researchers in 1986, who discovered that this antioxidant - even though it is much smaller than similar antioxidants like vitamin C or CoQ10 - seemed to have a more powerful effect at protecting the body from free radicals that result from exposure to sun, weather or environmental pollutants. All Prevage products include Idebenone based on the belief that most of the damage that occurs in skin - wrinkles, lines, discoloration, etc. - results from the oxidation process that occurs after free radicals have entered the skin. Studies do show that Idebenone is in fact a powerful antioxidant and thus will help protect the skin and reduce many signs of aging.

While we do not have any doubts about the usefulness of Idebenone, we were not able to complete our revaluation of the Prevage eye formula, since the company also claims that this product can specifically help the many problems that can occur near the eye area, including under-eye puffiness, crow’s feet lines and dark circles. While the company claims that its formula can address all of these problems, it does not specify how Idebenone will do so. More importantly, the web site lists that the active ingredient responsible for these effects is L-Seryl Complex. But no specifics about this Complex or its effects are listed. 

Web Site Description
The Prevage web site is quite thorough, containing clear and easy-to-read information on its products. Customer testimonials are listed quite prominently, and there is convincing research posted that attest to their effects. The customer survey, which found that at least 80% of users experienced benefits by using the Prevage Eye formula is quite convincing. Of course, we were still disappointed that the web site did not provide more specifics about the L-Seryl Complex. Products can be purchased directly through the web site or by one of the many retail stores that carry the brand. No free trial seems to be available, however.

Positives
- Idebenone is known to be a powerful antioxidant ingredient- Convincing surveys of users and plenty of positive testimonials

 Negatives
- No information provided on the L-Seryl Complex

- No free trial seems to be available

Conclusion
While we remain fairly confident that most who use Prevage will experience some positive results in the skin, we cannot fully endorse this product yet because we do not have full disclosure of the ingredients within L-Seryl Complex or their specific effects on dark circles, under-eye puffiness, crow’s feet or other problems near the eye.

Overview
Prai Beauty Group was founded in 1999 by entrepreneur Cathy Kangas and is based in New Canaan, Connecticut. The company was started after Ms. Kangas became aware of the potential skin-promoting effects of Prai Root, a botanical found in the jungles of Thailand. Apparently, Prai Root has a local reputation for helping revitalizing and protecting many aspects of the human body, including the skin. Scientific studies suggest that Prai Root contains a high concentration of nutrients that could promote overall health. Over the years, Prai has extended its product line and now it offers a formula specifically for the eyes, called Prai Ageless Eyes Dark Circle Solution.

Featured Ingredients
Like all products in the Prai line of cosmetic formulas, the Ageless Eyes formula contains Prai root to provide protection. While the folk tradition of this botanical is encouraging, we’d like to see more scientific studies verifying its benefits. The Ageless Eyes formula also contains several ingredients intended to promote health and beauty of the delicate skin near the eye. For example, the formula contains Haloxyl, which is found in many other formulas in this category. This specialized enzyme combination is supposed to promote the strength of blood vessels that feed the eye area, thus helping to reduce any clogging that can cause puffiness or dark circles.

Prai Ageless Eyes also contains Eyeliss and Dermaxyl, which we have seen in other formulas as well. Eyeliss performs virtually the same task as Haloxyl, except this ingredient contains proteins as opposed to enzymes. While this could strengthen the overall effect of the formula, we wonder whether it is redundant. Dermaxyl consists of specific peptides (signaling molecules) that are mean to relax the facial muscles that can cause the appearance of crow’s feet. Prai also contains Lumiskin, which is a collection of pigments to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark circles. But the company does not post a specific list of what pigments are contained within Lumiskin. 

Web Site Description
The Prai web site is quite extensive and thorough. It contains complete information on the background of the company as well as a full description of its products and even a full listing of ingredients, which is rare. While we appreciate the company being so forthcoming, we do wonder that more information is not included on the specific ingredients themselves, especially Prai Root or some of the specific compounds found in the eye formula. Plenty of testimonials are posted, and customers can purchase the product directly from the web site. Prai does not offer a free trial, unfortunately.

Positives
- Some of the ingredients seem to have a moderate effect on lines and puffiness

- Prai Root is a unique inclusion in this formula

- Full ingredient list is posted

 Negatives
- The effects on dark circles seems minimal

- Needs more specifics on some ingredients, especially Prai Root

- No free trial is available

Conclusion
Overall, we can give Prai Ageless Eyes a satisfactory rating. After analyzing the ingredients in the formula - and taking into account the company’s relative honesty about its ingredients - we appreciate Praia’s fresh approach to skin aging. We reserve a full recommendation, however, for the time when all of the scientific research can be made available, and we of course also wish it was possible to try the product for free.

Overview
Produced by Janson-Beckett cosmeceuticals, Okusil consists of a clear serum that is intended to reduce crow’s feet, firm the skin above the eye and decrease the appearance of dark circles and puffiness under the eye. Janson-Beckett is known in the industry for its Alpha-Derma CE formula, which is a wrinkle cream that the company aggressively markets on the Internet and in print advertising. While we were aware of some mixed reviews of Alpha-Derma and its effects on facial wrinkles, we had not heard much about Okusil until conducting this review.

Featured Ingredients
Okusil contains a 10% concentration of Argireline. Also known as Acetyl Hexapeptide 3 (or AH3), Argireline is a signaling molecule that is supposed to mimic the effects of Botox®. As you may know, Botox® reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by freezing the muscles that contract and cause wrinkling. Argireline seems to have a similar, although less powerful, result, but instead of freezing the muscles, relaxes them so that contraction - and wrinkling - is less likely to occur. Although Argireline is safer than Botox, because this amino acid contains no toxic compounds, the effect is far less dramatic, which approximately only 30-50% of users seeing an immediate improvement. More importantly, in contrast to more effective ingredients such as Glucosamine Complex - which also reduce wrinkles - Argireline does not encourage collagen production, so any reduction in wrinkles may not last long.

Okusil also contains DMAE, an amino acid found in the brain. Years ago, researchers who gave volunteers oral supplements containing DMAE noticed an improvement in brain function, but also observed a slight improvement in skin tone and overall appearance. Apparently, some skincare companies have used this research to justify including DMAE in their topical treatments, but we are not aware of any extensive research showing that applying DMAE to the skin will firm it. If Janson-Beckett is aware of such research, they do not post it on their web site. 

Okusil apparently reduces dark circles and puffiness by improving circulation to the eye area. While this is an important effect, Janson-Beckett does not explicitly describe which ingredients accomplish this feat. The only ingredients we could find in the formula that might have this effect include some botanical extracts, such as Ivy Extract, Cucumber Extract and Arnica Extract. While these botanicals do have healthy effects on the body, we are not aware of any research verifying their abilities to reduce either dark circles or puffiness.

Web Site Description
The Janson-Beckett web site contains plenty of information, in addition to a thorough description of the background of the company. The web site lists testimonials and before/after photos for its formulas, but most of them seem to be describing the effects on those who use Okusil along with Alpha-Derma CE. We would hope that Okusil would be able to stand on its own as an effective product, but the information provided on the web site leads us to believe otherwise. While Janson-Beckett offers several online discounts and a 60-day money-back guarantee, the company does not offer a free trial of its product.

Positives
- Argireline does seem to have a moderate effect on crow’s feet

- Plenty of testimonials and before/after photos

 Negatives
- Customers may be expected to use Okusil along with Alpha-Derma CE - higher cost

- Lack of evidence for DMAE’s effect on firming skin via a topical solution

- No scientific evidence for Okusil’s botanical ingredients and their effect on dark circles or puffiness

- No free trial of the product is offered

Conclusion
While we know of plenty of people who like Janson-Beckett’s Alpha-Derma CE formula for the skin, we found ourselves less than enthusiastic for Okusil. The lack of information on DMAE and the herbal ingredients left us wanting more evidence for the company’s claims. We think there are better products available for skin aging near the eyes.