Caffeine in Your Skincare Products? It’s a Thing—and IT Works!

But does caffeine really “wake up” your skin in the same way as your go-to cup of coffee? Well, it’s not quite that simple. We asked our team of experts to explain the benefits of caffeine in skincare products, who might benefit from using them, and which products to try. Keep scrolling to discover if your routine needs a dose of caffeine goodness!

What Is Caffeine?

No matter which way you look at it, caffeine—the primary ingredient in coffee—is a pretty hot commodity (pun intended). In fact, it’s one of the most commonly consumed ingredients in the world and the most popular source of antioxidants for Americans. According to the National Coffee Association, about 62% of Americans enjoy at least one cup of caffeine per day.

So what exactly is it about caffeine that keeps us coming back for more? Not only does it taste great, but caffeine is a natural stimulant, meaning it amps up the brain and central nervous system to help keep you feeling alert and energized. It’s most popularly found in coffee beans, tea leaves, and cacao beans. 

Why Is Caffeine Used in Skincare?

Caffeine is totally having a moment in skincare right now! It can be widely found in daytime products—especially moisturizers, eye creams, facial scrubs, anti-cellulite body lotions, and serums. And despite what it may sound like, caffeine-infused skincare has nothing to do with pouring a glass of cold brew over your face (as much as we might want to on some mornings). 

In skincare products, it’s actually a bit more technical than that. Although research into caffeine’s benefits is still ongoing, this ingredient’s skincare claim to fame comes from its ability to constrict blood vessels—making it a vasoconstrictor.

Before you start Googling more about this scientific term, hang on a sec—let’s break down some of caffeine’s noteworthy benefits and game-changing products to see if caffeine is the right wake-up call for your complexion.

Who Should Use Caffeine Skincare Products?

At IT Cosmetics, we partner with plastic surgeons and board-certified dermatologists to develop skin-loving solutions and clinically tested formulas that nourish all skin types, even the most sensitive. If you’re hoping to target wrinkles, puffy under-eyes, dark circles, or dull and tired skin, skincare products formulated with some caffeine may be worth a top spot in your beauty lineup! 

How To Use It

Caffeine is usually featured in formulas containing other complementary skincare favorites—including ginseng, niacinamide, peptides, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. As is the case with any good skincare regimen, it’s important to tailor your caffeine products to your skin type. When in doubt, a dermatologist can help advise you on whether or not caffeine is the right ingredient for your skin’s needs.

Products Formulated with Caffeine

Understanding the basics of caffeine is one thing, but what about choosing the right products to make the most of this trending ingredient? Below, we’re introducing you to some of our IT Cosmetics caffeine-infused favorites.

1. Confidence in an Eye Cream Anti-Aging Peptide Eye Cream

An eye cream, such as Confidence in an Eye Cream can help you begin your caffeine journey! It provides an immediate brightening effect, while also hydrating, smoothing, and refreshing your under-eye area.

IT’s your best eye cream for dark circles

In the words of one itcosmetics.com reviewer: “This cream is amazing! After using twice daily for 3 days, my dark circles were gone! I've told all my friends about it.” 

IT makes your eyes appear instantly more awake 

This eye cream is formulated with a skin-loving 2% Super Peptide Concentrate, plus ginseng extract, to make your eyes appear like you got a great night of sleep.

2. Bye Bye Under Eye Brightening Eye Cream

You’ll also find caffeine in our Bye Bye Under Eye Brightening Eye Cream, the intensely hydrating, quick-absorbing eye cream with caffeine, ginseng extract, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides. A must-have for tired eyes, this eye cream helps enhance suppleness, smooths the look of lines and wrinkles, and features an exclusive “dark shadow minimizing” blue tint to help brighten the look of dark under-eye circles.

IT helps soothe puffy eyes 

Use your Bye Bye Under Eye Brightening Eye Cream morning and night to improve the look of under-eye firmness and soothe puffy eyes. Gently smooth it all around your eye area to help prime your under-eye for a flawless eye makeup routine.

IT restores radiance to the eye area

Use this caffeine-infused formula to help restore radiance, while also helping to make your entire eye area appear firmer.

3. Bye Bye Dark Spots Concealer + Serum

Get this: You’ll even find caffeine in our game-changing concealer, Bye Bye Dark Spots Concealer + Serum! We recommend grabbing this concealer to help instantly improve the look of dark spots and other skin texture concerns. This problem-solving, high-performance formula delivers medium coverage that won’t crease or crack, and is formulated with caffeine, 2% niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.

IT provides 24 hours of hydration

A powerhouse blend of 2% niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine take center stage in this ultra-hydrating under-eye formula that can be used all over or as a spot concealer. Super creamy and lightweight, Bye Bye Dark Spots Concealer + Serum provides buildable medium coverage with a natural finish.

IT layers easily under or over makeup

Using this “skincealer” on clean, moisturized skin—either alone or underneath makeup—helps neutralize and conceal the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, dark circles under eyes, and uneven skin texture for flawless results that last.

So there you have it: our lowdown on caffeine in skincare! If your under-eye area is in need of a pick-me-up, learn more about the common causes of puffy eyes and how to improve their appearance.