Q: Does caffeine work in skincare products?

Short answer: Yes. Here’s a guide on how to find products containing it.

Almost all effective products for the eye area – targeting surface wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles – contain caffeine. In cosmetics, this active ingredient serves two main functions:

• Antioxidant: Protects against free radical damage, preventing photoaging. Remember, this class of components works preventatively, so their effects are nearly impossible to notice immediately.
• Vasoconstrictor: Constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow and alleviating puffiness.

There’s substantial evidence supporting the effectiveness of caffeine (one, two, three – for the curious). Generally, caffeine is effective at concentrations of 2-3%. It is most commonly used in products for the eye area, where its ability to reduce puffiness helps diminish the appearance of under-eye bags.

How to Find Products with Caffeine?

Here’s a handy tip: Go to the INCIDecoder website, search for “caffeine,” and open the tab with products containing it. Choose the ones you’re interested in. Where caffeine is a key ingredient rather than a marketing buzzword, it will likely be listed as a key ingredient.

By following these steps, you can easily find skincare products that utilize caffeine effectively to improve the appearance of your skin.