Does Caffeine Actually Work for Under Eye Circles?

Admittedly, my day doesn’t start until I have my morning coffee—but now I wonder if the same should go for my skincare routine. Is the current buzz around caffeine in skincare just a fad or can science back it up? As more and more skincare—specifically eye products—are formulated with the stimulant, I can’t help but wonder if it’s just a marketing ploy. Let’s investigate.

Benefits of caffeine for your skin

For my caffeine fix, I’ll probably drink any cup of joe without thinking. But when it comes to our skin, I had to dig into the science first.

Turns out, caffeine is a natural stimulant that offers benefits both when ingested and topically. Applied to the skin, it penetrates to boost circulation and temporarily constrict blood vessels to reduce the look of swelling, puffiness, and inflammation. Not only that, it also has a brightening effect that can decrease the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark circles.

Bonus: caffeine also contains amino acids that can help boost collagen production and antioxidants to help protect skin from free radicals, like pollution and sun exposure.

But here’s the thing— the results of caffeine in eye products are just as temporary as the energetic buzz of your favorite coffee, tea, or energy drink. Still, I, for one, have never been one to say no to a quick caffeine fix—for my mind or skin.

Best caffeine infused skincare products

Ready to give caffeine in skincare a shot? Here are our favorite caffeine-infused products to wake up tired eyes.

Herbivore Super Nova 5% THD Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream, $48

This potent yet gentle formula combines caffeine, 5% THD vitamin C, turmeric root, eclectic daisy, and astragalus to help even skin tone and reduce puffiness and fine lines for a visible lift.

Good Molecules Caffeine Energizing Hydrogel Eye Patches, $18

Late nights are no match for these caffeine-infused eye masks that energize, brighten, and firm for a quick pick-me-up.

Chantecaille Stress Repair Concentrate Plus Eye Cream, $210

Caffeine and depuffing botanicals combined with a potent lipopeptide and wrinkle-fighting hexapeptide leave the eye area looking smooth and visibly lifted.

Charlotte Tilbury Cryo Recovery Eye Serum, $70

Treat your undereye to an ice gym charged with Revital-Eyes™, caffeine, and a skin-cooling cryo-tip applicator to look fresher, brighter, and more awake in an instant.

Jouer Cosmetics Luminize Overnight Dark Circle Slugging Balm, $30

Take slugging to the next level with this overnight eye balm formulated with caffeine and vitamin K to help hydrate, brighten, and reduce the look of dark circles and aging.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream with Niacinamide, $55

Visibly brighten all types of dark circles for a revitalized, refreshed appearance. Niacinamide smooths skin and caffeine targets blue and purple dark circles, while Viniferine targets brown and black circles.

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydration Gel Eye Patches, $55

These eye contour gel patches are the perfect pick-me-up for tired eyes. Ceramide NP, collagen, and marshmallow root extract help smooth and soften the look of fine lines, while caffeine helps depuff the eye area and arnica helps diminish the appearance of dark circles.