PoreWise One finding · Human trial · 2021
Study title
A validated photonumeric scale for infraorbital dark circles and its application in evaluating the efficacy of a cosmetic treatment product in a split-face randomized clinical trial
- Kind of evidence
- Human trial 2021 · 58 people · subjects with visible infraorbital dark circles · PMID 33038017
- Measured outcome
- Skin effect
- Year
- 2021
- Who was studied
- 58 subjects with visible infraorbital dark circles
- Sample size
- 58
- Measured outcome
- In a split-face randomized clinical trial of 58 subjects with visible infraorbital dark circles, 8 weeks of a cosmetic eye treatment reduced the validated 10-point dark-circle grade by 0.74 versus baseline and by 0.59 versus the untreated control (P<0.001).
- Certainty
- Low
- Who was measured
- Infraorbital dark-circle grade over 8 weeks, assessed with a validated photonumeric scale.
- Study limits
- The study's primary purpose was scale validation; the control is an untreated half-face.
Where it comes from
- A validated photonumeric scale for infraorbital dark circles and its application in evaluating the efficacy of a cosmetic treatment product in a split-face randomized clinical trial
Published by International Journal of Cosmetic Science (O'Mahony MM, 2021) · Last checked 2026-11-10
Skin concerns studied
Other findings on the same ingredient or concern
- Skin effectEvaluation of the Effect of Artemisia Absinthium L. Eye-Cream on Infra-Orbital Dark Circle: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, a 20% Artemisia absinthium aqueous-extract eye cream produced a significant between-group difference in Mexameter-measured periorbital melanin after treatment (p=0.01), with a greater melanin reduction than placebo.
Human trial · 2023 · 45 people · completers (21 active / 24 placebo) out of 60 enrolled with infraorbital dark circles · Mexameter-measured periorbital melanin, erythema and colour values. · Baseline DE and DL values differed significantly between groups (randomisation imbalance); 15 of 60 participants dropped out; the melanin endpoint reached between-group significance.
- Skin effectEvaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of an eye counter pad containing caffeine and vitamin K in emulsified Emu oil base
In a single-blind trial of 11 women, an eye pad containing 3% caffeine and 1% vitamin K in an emu-oil base was worn under one eye and a water pad under the other for four weeks. Visual and instrument assessment found less wrinkle depth and lighter dark circles on the caffeine side.
Human trial · 2015 · 11 people · healthy women · Wrinkle depth and the appearance of dark circles under the eyes over four weeks, assessed visually and with a skin-testing instrument. · This pad also contained 1% vitamin K and an emu-oil base. 11 women took part, the trial was single-blind, the control was a water pad. Wrinkle reduction was the main aim; dark circles were assessed alongside it.
- Skin effectIn vitro, ex vivo, instrumental and clinical evaluation of a topical cream on the signs of periorbital ageing
In 33 women, an eye cream lightened dark circles within 7 days by instrumental measurement and within 28 days by clinical assessment over a 56-day study.
Human trial · 2025 · 33 people · women in a 56-day instrumental and clinical study · Women using the eye cream twice daily for 56 days, assessed by instrumental and clinical grading of periorbital ageing signs. · In-vitro work is prominent; industry-funded. A systematic review of periorbital hyperpigmentation notes few high-quality studies.
- Skin effectClassification by causes of dark circles and appropriate evaluation method of dark circles
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled split-face trial, 24 people with mixed-type dark circles used a test product containing 3% vitamin C, 0.1% vitamin A and 0.5% vitamin E for eight weeks. Brightness (L*), melanin index and image-analysis lightness improved significantly on the treated side compared with the placebo side.
Human trial · 2016 · 24 people · adults with mixed-type dark circles · Instrument-measured brightness, melanin index and skin thickness in mixed-type (pigment plus vascular) dark circles over eight weeks. · Three actives were used together. 24 people took part, all with the mixed type of dark circles; a separate 100-person study was used first to choose which measurements to trust. The abstract reports instrument readings.