Hylexin - PreVentin AT - Dermactin TS

Comparison of Three Fine Undereye Circle Treatments

Good Deal vs. Real Deal: Hylexin and Drugstore Brands for Serious Dark Under-Eye Circles

Searching for under-eye circle treatments in your drugstore's skincare aisle.

Real Deal: Hylexin Serious Dark Circles

Hylexin is perhaps the most well-known treatment product for dark under-eye circles; but it is a definite splurge at about $95 for a little under an ounce.

Since it is intended for use on such a small area, you can expect a tube to last about 6 months. That's plenty of time to see maximum benefit.

The active ingredients in Hylexin are impressive. It contains two of my favorite anti-aging peptides: Palmitoyl Oligopeptide (a.k.a. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3. The first is a plumping peptide and the second is a lifting peptide. These ingredients are effective on any area of wrinkled or sagging skin.

More specific to the treatment of dark under-eye circles are Dipeptide-2, Chrysin in combination with N-Hydroxysuccinimide and Hesperidine Methyl Chalcone.

Dipeptide-2 is used primarily in eye creams. It improves lymphatic circulation and helps the skin clear away toxins. It is especially effective for drainage of under-eye bags.

Chrysin is a flavonoid with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In combination with N-Hydroxysuccinimide, a ketone that activates the elimination of blood pigments, these ingredients are believed to reduce dark circles under the eyes.

Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone is a flavonoid with antioxidant properties. Taken internally, one study showed that it reduces the flow of oxygenated (blue) blood in capillaries close to the skin's surface. No published research is available on its topical use.

Good Deals: PreVentin-AT Persistent Dark Circles and Dermactin-TS Serious Dark Circles Creams

PreVentin-AT Persistent Dark Circles cream and Dermactin-TS Serious Dark Circles creams are available for approximately one-third the cost of Hylexin.

That's a big saving! Dermactin-TS comes in a one-ounce tube making the saving even greater.

So how do these two copycats stack up as far as active ingredients go? Surpisingly well.

PreVentin-AT Persistent Dark Circles cream has exactly the same active ingredients and in similar or higher concentrations. This is a terrific buy only available at CVS Pharmacies.

Dermactin-TS Serious Dark Circles lacks Dipeptide-2 and Hesperidine Methyl Chalcone, but contains high concentrations of the other actives (Hydroxysuccinimide combined with Chrysin, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3.

On a personal note, my DH (who has dark under-eye circles) has tried both of these copycats. His circles have lightened with Dermactin and he prefers it to PreVentin.