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.