Many of us rely on a cup or more of coffee (or caffeine) to wake up and reduce tiredness. As a natural stimulant, caffeine increases the activity in the central nervous system to increase alertness, so you’ll feel more awake. 

Coffee, furthermore, is one of the main sources of caffeine worldwide, but did you know that it is also a popular ingredient in eye creams and serums? Continue reading as we discuss the potential benefits of caffeine in skincare and how it can help promote a more rested and youthful appearance. 

What does caffeine in skincare claim to do?

One of the reasons caffeine became a popular skincare ingredient is because it has active compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These can improve the most common eye area concerns and a few signs of aging for a more refreshed and younger-looking appearance.  

Here are some of the potential benefits of using caffeine products in your eye area:

1. Reduces under eye puffiness and discoloration – Eye creams and serums with caffeine can temporarily improve under-eye bags caused by not sleeping enough. Lack of sleep can make the skin look puffy and darker (that may sometimes have bluish or purplish pigmentation) because the area receives less oxygenated blood.

Topical caffeine products can stimulate circulation around the eyes, which can improve puffiness and dark circles. Just do take note that eye creams or similar products will not work on hereditary eye bags or those caused by health issues. Dermal fillers can be beneficial in such cases, as they fill the empty spaces below the eye for an even appearance. 

2. Offers sun protection and helps with photoaging– Caffeine is an antioxidant that can deactivate free radicals and protect the skin from UV damage. Exposure to UV rays and pollution almost every day can cause oxidative stress that damages collagen, cells, and tissue, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, and UV damage. 

While caffeine products offer UV protection and may help decelerate sun damage, they are not a substitute for your daily SPF. You still need to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and practice other sun protection measures, especially when you’re outside. Creams or serums with caffeine can supplement your sunscreen in protecting the skin against UV radiation.

3. May help with collagen formation and signs of aging– The amino acids in green bean coffee oil, according to some skincare providers, can assist in collagen and elastin production. These two proteins are known to give the skin strength, stability, and structure, as well as a plump, youthful appearance. 

A 2024 review of literature on active ingredients in eye creams found that caffeine, vitamin C, and retinoids show promising results in reducing wrinkles and pigmentation. More studies and clinical trials, of course, are needed to examine how effective caffeinated products are compared to other skincare products. 

What results can you expect with caffeinated skincare?

When using caffeine eye creams to wake up tired-looking eyes, be reminded that their effects are temporary. If you want to take advantage of all the potential benefits, you need to consistently use the products. Regular use can lead to an improvement in the appearance of puffiness, fine lines, and darkening or discoloration. 

When you discontinue use, it is likely that under-eye bags, dark circles, and related issues will reappear. This is why you should continuously apply the product and pair it with other ingredients that can address your other concerns and support skin health. You can also consider aesthetic treatments that offer more lasting results. 

The eyecare product we recommend

Dr. Sylvia’s Espresso Eye Lift is a caffeine-infused formula that helps wake up dull and tired eyes. It can give the eyes a refreshed and rested appearance by minimizing the look of dark circles, puffiness, and under-eye bags. 

Benefits include:

• Revitalizing effect – the caffeine in the formula awakens and energizes tired eyes for a more youthful appearance. 
• Depuffing action – reduces under-eye bags and puffiness for a more awake and refreshed look. 
• Minimizes dark circles – brightens the eye area by lightening dark circles for a more rested appearance.