EWG Safety Score
What Is Caffeine?
Caffeine is the chief stimulant in beverages such as coffee and tea. Due to caffeine's ability to increase the microcirculation of blood in the skin, it's often included in skin care products with claims that it will improve the look of cellulite or puffy eyes. Unfortunately, research into caffeine's effects in this regard are mixed. Caffeine's popularity in products related to cellulite is due to its distant relationship to aminophylline (an ingredient once thought to improve the look of cellulite), which is a modified form of theophylline, and caffeine contains theophylline.
Applied to skin, caffeine may have soothing and antioxidant properties, especially when skin is exposed to UV light. It can penetrate skin and has a constricting effect, which can help improve the look of redness but also may be sensitizing. When it comes to puffy eyes, there is no research indicating caffeine can have any benefit; in fact, research has shown caffeine has an inhibitory action on a key protein in skin that helps it look younger. Truly, it's a mix of pros and cons for skin, though lower amounts (less than 1%) in skin care products probably don't present much, if any, risk.
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Journal of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, January-June 2020, pages 18-24 Journal of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, 2020
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Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2012, pages 8-14 Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2012
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Drug Design, Development, and Therapy, October 2014, pages 19,923-1,928 Drug Design, 2014
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Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2013, issue 1, pages 8-14 Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2013
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British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, August 2009, pages 181-186 British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2009
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The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, January 2009, pages 36-40 The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2009
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International Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2006, pages 343-347 International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2006
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BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, March 2006, issue 9, page 17 BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2006
Frequently Asked Questions
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Butylphenyl Methylpropional
A synthetic fragrance ingredient used to add scent to skincare formulations
Butyric Acid
A short-chain fatty acid with emerging evidence for skin microbiome and inflammatory support
C12-18 Fatty Acids Methyl Esters
Plant-derived fragrance component that adds scent to skincare formulations
Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil
A botanical oil traditionally used to soothe and condition the skin
Calendula Officinalis Flower Water
A floral water derived from calendula flowers, primarily used for fragrance and sensory appeal
Camellia Sinensis Callus Culture Extract
A plant-derived extract that conditions skin and contributes subtle fragrance
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