The Benefits of Caffeine in Skincare

Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD

Caffeine is a natural stimulant that alters brain chemicals in your central nervous system to increase alertness and energy. Coffee and tea are usually people's go-to sources of caffeine, but caffeine has also become a popular ingredient in skincare products like eye creams, serums, and cellulite creams. 

Caffeine skincare often promises to "energize" or "wake up" your skin, but it's not quite the same as sipping a shot of espresso. When applied to your skin, caffeine mainly helps improve blood circulation to help depuff under eyes. As a result, caffeine skincare may help make dull, puffy under eyes look more awake.

However, these potential benefits of caffeine skincare are temporary. Studies are also very limited and have mixed results on how well caffeine skincare actually works. Here's how caffeine-infused skincare may benefit your skin.

May Reduce Undereye Puffiness

If you have bags under your eyes from lack of sleep, a caffeine eye cream may help temporarily reduce puffiness that makes you look tired. Just note: caffeine eye creams will not help puffy under eyes caused by genetics or health issues. When you don't get enough sleep, your under eyes receive less oxygenated blood, which makes the skin look blue and puffy. Research shows topical caffeine can stimulate blood circulation around your eyes, which may help improve the look of dark circles and puffy under eyes. 

A 2015 study found caffeine pads with Emu oil and Vitamin K helped depuff eyes and reduce the look of dark circles. However, Vitamin K can also improve blood circulation, and Emu oil hydrates the skin. A small study of 35 people also found the cooling effect of caffeine eye gels, rather than the increased blood circulation from caffeine, contributed to depuffing eyes. 

Related: The 11 Best Eye Creams of 2023

May Reduce Photodamage, Fine Lines, and Wrinkles

Caffeine has antioxidant properties, which, when added to skincare, may help protect your skin from the damaging effects of oxidative stress. Essentially every day, your skin comes into contact with ultraviolet (UV) radiation and pollution that create molecules called free radicals. These molecules can trigger oxidative stress that damages cells and tissue, breaking down your skin's collagen and causing fine lines, wrinkles, and other photodamage (sun damage).

Studies have found caffeine can help protect your skin cells from UV radiation and slow down sun damage that leads to wrinkles. But don't start swapping caffeine cream for your daily sunscreen. At best, a caffeine cream helps reduce damaging free radicals that lead to premature aging. Still, we need more reliable studies to prove caffeine's antioxidant content has a lasting effect against UV damage and oxidative stress.

May Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite

When fat cells bulge out of connective tissue underneath your skin, you can develop dimpled skin on the butt, thighs, or stomach—called cellulite. Smoothing lotions and cellulite creams often include caffeine to help reduce the appearance of cellulite, but these products won't get rid of it.

Some research has found that by improving blood flow, caffeine may help remove fatty acids from fat and dissolve fat right below the skin—resulting in smoother skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, caffeine creams can also dehydrate the water in fat cells. This effect may deflate the look of cellulite, making it less noticeable.

However, studies on caffeine cellulite creams are minimal, old, and often include additional ingredients that may be more beneficial for cellulite. For example, a 12-week study found women reduced the appearance of cellulite after using caffeine creams with retinol—a known skin-smoothing ingredient.

Related: Can Foam Rolling Really Get Rid of Cellulite?

Side Effects of Caffeine in Skincare

Because caffeine can increase blood circulation to the skin, caffeine creams may cause redness. Products with high concentrations of caffeine may also sting or burn if you have sensitive skin. If you notice any uncomfortable stinging or redness, stop using products with caffeine.

Always do a patch test before using a new skincare product to avoid any potential unpleasant reaction. Apply a small dab of product on the inside of your wrist and wait a few hours to see how your skin reacts.

Can You Use Too Much Caffeine Skincare?

Skincare products with added caffeine are generally considered safe and shouldn't significantly increase caffeine intake. Most skincare products contain low percentages of caffeine (about 3%). So even though caffeine can penetrate the skin barrier, it is highly unlikely a topical cream has enough caffeine to cause significant side effects or caffeine toxicity. Concentrated caffeine powder and liquids are the main culprits of people ingesting toxic amounts of caffeine.

Pregnant people should also consult with a healthcare provider before using caffeine skincare. While it's unlikely topical caffeine will cause any issues while pregnant, there isn't enough research to prove it's safe. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends pregnant people limit caffeine to less than 200 milligrams (mg) daily—about 2 cups of coffee. It is possible adding caffeine skincare may add additional caffeine to your bloodstream, which may increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.

How to Use it

If you use a caffeine eye cream, serum, or moisturizer to brighten or depuff your skin, use it in the morning for the best results. When applying an eye cream, use your ring finger to gently dab the product under your eyes. 

Since the skin-smoothing benefits of caffeine are temporary, cellulite creams will also offer more visible results if you use them in the morning.

Related: 9 Dermatologists Reveal Their Best Skincare Tips

A Quick Review

Caffeine in skincare isn't a miracle cure for wrinkles and dark circles. However, caffeine eye creams and serums may help temporarily depuff under eyes and reduce fine lines. Caffeine creams also won't eliminate cellulite and can only help the skin appear smoother.

Like a cup of coffee, these benefits of caffeine skincare are temporary. For even more skin benefits, look for products with complementary skin repair ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.

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