Under Eye Studies

Dark Circle Reduction Testing, Undereye Bags, and Ophthalmologist Tested Claims

Don’t Settle for Tired, Puffy, and Sad Looking Undereyes

Since the eyes are one of the main focal points of the face, people tend to take extra care to ensure that the area that frames them is well-kept and looking its best.

While the long-term effects of UV exposure, pollution, and the environment are unavoidable, there are numerous products designed to minimize the effects and appearance of aging and to make sure your eye area appears healthy and radiant.

Dark Undereye Circle and Puffiness Reduction

Dark undereye circles and undereye puffiness are synonymous with tired, older looking eyes and are universally undesirable.  They can also be extremely difficult to get rid of.

Most people want to appear younger and well rested, and combatting undereye circles and puffiness has become a thriving multibillion dollar international industry.

Though dark circles and puffiness can affect anyone, they are most prevalent in certain individuals including:

• Those with a genetic disposition known as periorbital hyperpigmentation
• Individuals who are not getting enough sleep
• Individuals who have anxiety and/or depression
• Those over 60 years old
• Those with Fitzpatrick Skintypes IV, V, and VI (darker complexions)

Reduction mechanisms include cosmetic coverup and blending combined with longer term treatments designed to improve overall skin health.

Most undereye products are not classified as OTC drugs in the current market – claims are constantly changing and it is extremely important that you consult your legal team for final label claims.

Ophthalmologist “In Use” Safety Testing

Ophthalmologist “In Use” Safety testing is an excellent way to ensure that your product doesn’t irritate the skin and the sensitive area around the eyes.  These tests can be combined with most of our other claim support techniques at VCS, and they provide an excellent safety plus efficacy hybrid clinical study design.

With these studies, products designed for use around the eye area (toners, moisturizers, serums, etc) are distributed to a test panel are also evaluated directly by a board-certified Ophthalmologist.  The doctor assesses multiple conditions of the eyes and scores each individual eye for signs of irritation using a slit lamp.

The evaluations can occur at a variety of timepoints depending on the particular product use instructions and expectations for product use.

Any irritations are noted in detail, including severity, location, and secondary parameters including upper/lower lid positioning, palpebral conjunctiva, and bulbar conjunctiva.

These studies are often combined with Sensory Feedback Questionnaires which provide additional data on the subjects’ interaction with the products and their performance.

These studies provide substantiated support for the claims “Ophthalmologist Tested” or “Ophthalmologist Approved,” however as with all individual final label claims it’s imperative that you review them with your legal and marketing teams.

No Tears and Direct Instillation Techniques

You may have a product that requires direct Installation clinical testing that will prove that your ingredients are safe for use when in direct contact with human eyes, whether the product is intended for direct use or not.

Typically, this test is run on a panel of 12 healthy female and male subjects to evaluate the comparative eye irritation potential of 1 test article plus our standard controls.

The Consultant Ophthalmologist facilitates slit lamp assessments instantly prior to, during & after the test article’s direct instillation which has been appropriately diluted.

The study is based on the original published Johnson’s Baby Shampoo Clinical, which has been a tried-and-true industry method since the 1950s.

The “No Tears” direct installation test is run by a licensed Ophthalmologist and will allow you to make label claims such as “Ophthalmologist Tested, Ophthalmologist Approved, No Tears, Kind to Eyes, Safe for Eyes.”

Please contact VCS for more information on this and other Ophthalmologic Testing.

Undereye Wrinkle Reduction Testing

Along with puffiness and dark circles, the tender undereye area is also extremely susceptible to other visual signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.

This area is one of the most common locations for fine lines and wrinkles to develop, and the eye area in general is a particularly densely populated region for the visible signs of aging.

By helping to make these conditions less visible or by affecting properties of the skin such as elasticity and firmness, it’s possible for a product to make people appear younger and more well- rested.

Wrinkles and Fine Lines are a particularly common theme with anti-aging products, and with the right clinical support, it is possible to demonstrate quantified, percentage-based claims or self-perceived, sensory claims as well.

Please visit our Anti-Aging Page for additional details.

Facial Hydration and Moisturization Studies

Skin hydration plays a major role in the appearance of youthfulness and health, and as far as prevention is concerned it is the second most important thing that people should consider after SPF and sun protection.

Undereye hydration can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as undereye puffiness. The most effective anti-aging ingredients tend to have a drying effect, so moisturization is an incredibly important component for undereye and eye area products in general.

Please visit our Moisturization and Hydration Testing page for more specific information.

Under Eye Claim Support Validation Techniques

• Clinical Photography
• Biophysical Instrumentation
• Expert Clinical Grading
• Subjective Questionnaires
• Safety in Use and Ophthalmological Testing

Sample Under Eye Claims

• Supports Maintaining a Youthful Appearance
• Reduction In the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles
• Dark Undereye Circle Treatment
• Reduces Undereye Puffiness
• Ophthalmologically Tested
• Safe for Contact Lens Wearers
• Improvement In Skin Firmness
• Radiant, Even Skin Tone
• Healthy, Youthful Appearance