Do polynucleotides help dark circles and the under-eye area?
Polynucleotides under the eyes have promising data for improving skin quality, but they do not treat every "dark circle" and there is no evidence that they are always better than hyaluronic acid or filler. In a split-face clinical trial of 27 people, 3 sessions were given two weeks apart: polynucleotides on one side and non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid on the other. There was no significant difference between the two in patient satisfaction or the global aesthetic improvement scale, but polynucleotides showed greater improvement in some measures of elasticity, hydration, roughness and pore size, and no serious events were recorded. In a more recent observational study of 42 patients, the greatest improvement and satisfaction were at 3 months after two sessions, with follow-up to 6 months.
Key numbers
- 27 people — Split-face clinical trial
- 3 sessions / every two weeks — Trial protocol
- Not shown — Overall aesthetic superiority over hyaluronic acid
- 42 patients · 6-month follow-up — 2026 observational study
Which kinds of dark circles may not respond?
- A shadow from the tear trough or clear volume loss: more a structural problem than a skin-quality one.
- True brown pigmentation: needs a pigment assessment, sun protection and a different plan.
- Vessels or a blue/purple color: the vascular cause does not disappear just by improving hydration.
- Fluid retention (edema) or bags at the top of the cheek: injections may not be the right answer at all and can worsen fluid problems in some cases.
Key takeaways
- Polynucleotides make more sense for improving thin skin quality and fine lines than as a treatment for every cause of dark circles.
- In a clinical trial, polynucleotides did not clearly beat hyaluronic acid on overall aesthetic assessment.
- Diagnosing the cause of the under-eye problem matters more than the name of the injection.
Under the Eyes: Dark Circles, Hollows, Puffiness or Thin Skin?