Vitamin K2 (35) (MK-7) Reduces Dark Eye Circles: a Mechanistic and Human Efficacy Study

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if an eye cream containing 0.05% Vitamin K2 (35) (MK-7) works to reduce vascular-type dark eye circles in women aged 20-60 years. It will also learn about the mechanism of action of MK-7 through laboratory studies. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the MK-7 eye cream improve under-eye skin color (lightness (L\*) and individual typology angle (ITA°)) after 4 weeks of use? Does the MK-7 eye cream reduce under-eye melanin content after 4 weeks of use? Does the MK-7 eye cream perform better than a placebo eye cream in improving these parameters? Researchers will compare the MK-7 eye cream applied to one eye area to a placebo eye cream (a look-alike substance that contains no MK-7) applied to the other eye area to see if the MK-7 eye cream works to reduce dark eye circles. This is a double-blind, split-face study, meaning each participant receives both products but neither the participants nor the assessors know which side received which product. Participants will: Apply the MK-7 eye cream to one eye area and the placebo eye cream to the other eye area twice daily for 4 weeks Visit the clinic at baseline (T0), 2 weeks (T2w), and 4 weeks (T4w) for instrumental assessments, including VISIA imaging and Mexameter measurements Be instructed not to apply any products to the designated test areas for 3-5 days before each assessment Maintain their usual basic skincare routine (e.g., cleanser, toner) on areas outside the test sites Provide informed consent before participating