Neocutis Lumiere Bio-Restorative Eye Cream with PSP

Bottom Line

Neocutis Lumiere Bio-Restorative Eye Cream with PSP is praised by reviewers for its ability to lighten dark circles and reduce puffiness, although it can't completely eradicate them. It contains intriguing yet controversial ingredients that appear to be promising according to manufacturer-funded studies, but experts say more research is needed to determine long-term safety. Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector (*Est. $40 for 0.33 oz.) is reviewed more often and is a better option, say skin care professionals.

Performance

Intriguing ingredients, but more studies needed. Neocutis Lumiere impresses editors at InStyle magazine and users alike with its effectiveness. Editors say, "It's the closest you can get to auto-fixing puffiness and dark circles." Users at Amazon.com mostly agree. Although the eye cream doesn't completely eradicate dark circles and puffiness, they say, it does make a visible difference. Many see improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, as well, but most results fade with discontinued use and others see no improvement at all.

Neocutis boasts three power ingredients: hyaluronic acid to prevent moisture loss; human growth factor (HGF) to promote new collagen growth; and caffeine, which may tighten and restrict blood vessels to alleviate puffiness. In her Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, skin care expert Paula Begoun says, "The research into HGFs is without question intriguing, but much remains unknown at this time, especially in terms of long-term risk or stability when they are used in cosmetics and applied to skin."

The existing research isn't enough to evaluate HGF's topical use on healthy skin for long periods, she adds. HGF helps to stimulate collagen and skin cell production, but there's concern that too much of the ingredient could produce cancer cells and/or scarring. Begoun says that if cosmeceutical companies continue to use HGF in their skin care products, it effectively creates guinea pigs out of consumers.

Feel And Smell

Silky texture. Reviewers say Neocutis Lumiere Bio-restorative Eye Cream feels silky on the skin and absorbs well. The formula is fragrance-free.