Caffeine

RATING: EXCELLENT

• CAS number: 58-08-2
• Origin(s): Plant, Synthetic
• INCI name: CAFFEINE

Quick Facts

• Contains antioxidant properties allowing it to reduce any signs of damage caused by exposure to free radicals and other skin aggressors
• Improves the microcirculation of the blood vessels which leads to any concerns of under eye circles and puffiness is significantly reduced
• Provides anti-cellulite effects by stimulating lymph system drainage and increase the lipolysis (fat burning cells) process
• Is a water-loving molecule and boasts great skin penetration abilities

Who can use it?

All skin types can use caffeine as long as they have been given the go ahead by a trained professional or dermatologist.

What is Caffeine?

We won’t go into too much detail about what caffeine is, but rather what it does for the skin when formulated into all manner of skincare products. This molecule carries a large number of benefits, from antioxidant properties ensuring it is able to combat free radical damage that your face comes into contact with on a daily basis, such as UV exposure or pollution. It has great penetration abilities and can stimulate the microcirculation of blood vessels, making it the optimal ingredient for almost all eye creams and serums. Not only does it combat any puffiness or tired eyes but can help lighten the under-eye area that is often prone to suffering from dark circles.

Caffeine is impressively versatile and can be used in almost all skin, body and hair care products, from battling pesky cellulite with its fat burning lipolysis process, help to drain the lymph system and stimulate hair growth. Pretty impressive, although many have the unpopular opinion it is an ingredient that doesn’t deliver, but instead give the skin a slight pick me up. Nonetheless, the results can often speak for themselves!

Side effects of caffeine?

None for those with normal to oil skin types, however sensitive skins may want to check their skin can tolerant this versatile ingredient before applying it all over the skin.

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What Causes Puffy Eyes and How To Get Rid of Them

SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE

• Amnuaikit, Thanaporn, Duangkhae Maneenuan, and Prapaporn Boonme. "Evaluation of Caffeine Gels on Physicochemical Characteristics and In Vivo Efficacy in Reducing Puffy Eyes." (2011).
• Bussoletti, C., M. V. Tolaini, and L. Celleno. "Efficacy of a cosmetic phyto-caffeine shampoo in female androgenetic alopecia." Giornale italiano di dermatologia e venereologia: organo ufficiale, Societa italiana di dermatologia e sifilografia (2018).
• Dhurat, Rachita, et al. "An Open-Label Randomized Multicenter Study Assessing the Noninferiority of a Caffeine-Based Topical Liquid 0.2% versus Minoxidil 5% Solution in Male Androgenetic Alopecia." Skin pharmacology and physiology 30.6 (2017): 298-305.
• Herman, A., and A. P. Herman. "Caffeine’s mechanisms of action and its cosmetic use." Skin pharmacology and physiology 26.1 (2013): 8-14.