Eyederm is reshaping the cosmetic conversation in eye care, offering science-backed solutions for one of the most common aesthetic concerns: under-eye bags. In a recent Defocus Media Podcast episode, Dr. Josh Davidson shared his entrepreneurial journey and clinical insights that led to the creation of the Eyederm Eyebag Reducer. As the mind behind Dry Eye Drink, Hydration Masks, and now Eyederm, Dr. Davidson exemplifies how eye care professionals can innovate in the growing field of ocular aesthetics, making patients feel better and look better with products they can trust.

Dr. Davidson’s entrepreneurial journey began with a simple yet powerful observation: many dry eye patients were dehydrated. “When patients started drinking more water, their eyes improved, their skin glowed, and they felt better,” he shared. However, many struggled with water intake, leading him to recommend electrolyte packets like Liquid IV. But as a colleague pointed out, these were often loaded with sugar—a problem for diabetic patients.

This inspired Dr. Davidson to create Dry Eye Drink, a sugar-free electrolyte powder designed with ocular safety in mind. The formula evolved into Dry Eye Drink PM, adding melatonin and chamomile to improve sleep and support ocular health overnight. This patient-focused innovation filled a crucial gap, especially as new TFOS DEWS III guidelines highlighted the importance of sleep in managing dry eye disease.

One of the most common complaints from patients? The inconvenience of heating up a warm compress each night. Dr. Davidson solved this with his Hydration Mask: a single-use, heat-activated eye mask that provides 12 to 15 minutes of therapeutic warmth. “I wanted something that was as convenient as it was effective,” he explained.

Originally developed after a trip to Disney World, the Hydration Mask mimics the sensation of a heated compress without needing a microwave. Ideal for patients with mobility issues or multiple-story homes, it brings a new level of ease to dry eye treatment. Notably, the design is partially recyclable, aligning with modern sustainability values.

Recognizing a repeated concern among his patient base—under-eye bags and fine lines—Dr. Davidson began working on Eyederm Eyebag Reducer. Traditional cosmetic options like Plexaderm delivered results but were packed with ingredients that posed risks to ocular health.

Dr. Davidson’s approach? Combine European ingredient safety standards with the TFOS list of eye-safe components. The result is Eyederm, a lightweight topical cream that visibly reduces puffiness and crow’s feet in as little as 10 minutes. Effects last 8 to 12 hours and the product is safe for daily use.

“If I’m going to create a product as an optometrist, it better be safe around the eyes,” Dr. Davidson emphasized.

In addition to the Eyederm cream, Dr. Davidson is expanding into other cosmetic products aligned with dry eye treatment. These include gold-free under-eye patches, hyaluronic acid-based forehead micro-patches, and other ocular aesthetics tools inspired by Korean skincare innovation.

“Many of these products on Amazon contain heavy metals like gold,” he warned. “They’re not only ineffective but also potentially harmful near the eyes.”

By offering evidence-based alternatives, Eyederm empowers ECPs to expand their dry eye toolbox while offering cosmetic benefits. These tools not only improve patient satisfaction but also open new revenue streams for optometry practices.

While Dr. Davidson’s innovations are game-changing, he was candid about the challenges of entrepreneurship. From filling and shipping orders with his son to losing his voice at trade show booths, the process was anything but glamorous.

“When Dry Eye Drink launched, my name and number were on the back of every box. I fielded calls directly from patients,” he said. Still, seeing his products used in national lectures and featured in clinics across the country has made the sacrifice worthwhile.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Dr. Davidson offers this advice: “Don’t wait for someone else to create the solution. If there’s a need in your clinic, you might be the best one to solve it.”

Dr. Josh Davidson’s work with Eyederm, Dry Eye Drink, and the Hydration Mask reflects a powerful shift in eye care: one that blends therapeutic impact with cosmetic relevance. For professionals seeking to elevate their dry eye treatment offerings and explore the world of ocular aesthetics, his journey is both a roadmap and a call to action.

Whether you’re considering private label offerings or simply looking to expand your patient education efforts, Eyederm invites optometrists to own the aesthetic conversation. Because no one understands the eyes—and what surrounds them—better than eye care professionals.