Caffeine in skin care

Caffeine is used in skin care products to treat skin aging and facial redness. It is a natural ingredient found in many medicinally valuable plants like various teas and coffee.

In skin care, caffeine is used as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory ingredient specifically targeting conditions like sensitive skin and rosacea where vasoconstriction (shrinking your blood vessels) would be beneficial.

Caffeine does not dry out the skin, cause acne, or carry any other significant risks in skin care. It is considered very safe for treating many skin concerns.

Take our quiz to find out if caffeine is a good addition to your custom skin care regimen!

What is caffeine?

Caffeine is a plant based compound in the methylxanthine family; it is related to xanthine. It is a stimulant that interferes with adenosine receptors.

Caffeine can be found in countless varieties of teas, coffees, and other plants which make it one of the most common antioxidants and anti-inflammatories people consume in their diets regularly.

Despite the similar names, caffeine is actually completely unrelated to caffeic acid.

Caffeine is not composed of any fatty acids, flavonoids, or any additional compounds. It has a neutral pH.

It is not an oil, an essential oil, nor is it an acid. It is simply a chemical compound.

Here’s what Caffeine looks like:

Caffeine

Absorption

Caffeine is able to effectively penetrate and absorb into the skin when applied topically. (1) As a small hydrophobic molecule, caffeine can rapidly cross the stratum corneum outer barrier and enter the epidermis and dermis. Studies show that within 5-10 minutes, over 99% of the applied caffeine permeates the skin and becomes bioavailable to exert its effects. Caffeine is moderately lipid-soluble, allowing it to partition into the lipids that make up the skin’s permeability barrier. However, caffeine is also water-soluble which enables it to then dissolve into the aqueous environments inside and between cells. Once in the skin layers, caffeine diffuses rapidly due to its low molecular weight. The high absorption rate and solubility profile allow topical caffeine to achieve therapeutic concentrations throughout the cutaneous tissues. Levels of caffeine in the epidermis and dermis have been shown to exceed serum concentrations from oral intake. These factors make caffeine an ingredient well-suited for use in topical skincare formulations.

Reactions with Other Ingredients

Caffeine can be readily formulated into a variety of skincare products. As a crystalline powder, caffeine dissolves well in water, propylene glycol, and other solvents suitable for cosmetic formulations. Caffeine has high thermal stability, allowing it to be incorporated in products requiring heat processing or pasteurization. It is chemically compatible with most cosmetic ingredients and maintains stability across a wide pH range. Caffeine’s low reactivity also makes it resistant to oxidation and degradation when formulated with antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E. However, caffeine can interact with select amino acids and proteins, so evaluating compatibility is recommended when combining with peptide ingredients. With its favorable solubility, stability, and safety profile, caffeine presents few obstacles during the product development process. The typical use level is 1-5% caffeine in finished skincare preparations. Overall, caffeine is a versatile and straightforward active ingredient to formulate for a broad range of anti-aging, antioxidant, and skin-firming applications.

Here are some examples of amino acids and peptides that caffeine may interact with in skincare products:

Arginine – Caffeine can form complexes with arginine, reducing the availability of both compounds. This interaction is pH-dependent.

Glycine – Caffeine binds to glycine, making less glycine available for other functions. This can disrupt creams containing glycine.

Proline – Caffeine reacts with proline, especially in neutral pH conditions. This can reduce the effectiveness of proline-containing peptides.

Glutathione – Caffeine binds to the cysteine residues in glutathione through disulfide bridges. This may interfere with glutathione’s antioxidant effects.

Copper peptides – Caffeine can chelate copper ions and disrupt copper peptide complexes and their benefits for skin.

Tyrosine – Caffeine coupling to tyrosine may impair tyrosine’s role as a building block for melanin and other proteins.

Ascorbic acid – Caffeine oxidation is accelerated by ascorbic acid, potentially reducing the efficacy of both compounds.

So in summary, caffeine appears most likely to interact with amino acids and peptides containing sulfur groups, aromatic rings, and acidic or basic side chains. Do not use caffeine containing products with other skin care products in your routine that contain peptides.

How does it work?

The two main functions of caffeine in skin care are as an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant.

The first thing to understand about caffeine is how it expresses anti-inflammatory benefits.

The antioxidant function of caffeine comes from its structure; the chemical has endpoints which can bind and eliminate free radicals.

Look at the structure of caffeine above to see how the shape of caffeine helps it bind free radicals.

Anti-inflammatory Benefits

Caffeine also exhibits anti-inflammatory activities that can benefit skin health. Studies show that caffeine is able to suppress inflammatory pathways by blocking receptors like A2A receptors and inhibiting enzymes like COX-2. This leads to decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-alpha. The anti-inflammatory effects of caffeine are mediated in part through vasoconstriction. By constricting blood vessels, caffeine reduces edema and accumulation of inflammatory cells and mediators. This mechanism helps reduce redness, swelling, and puffiness associated with inflammatory skin conditions. The vasoconstrictive effects of caffeine also promote drainage of excess fluids and waste products generated during the inflammatory cascade. Furthermore, the free radical scavenging activity of caffeine provides additional anti-inflammatory effects by neutralizing oxidative stress, a key trigger of inflammation. The combination of direct cytokine inhibition, vasoconstriction, and antioxidant activity allows topically applied caffeine to disrupt multiple parts of the inflammatory process for an improved anti-inflammatory outcome.

Antioxidant Benefits

Caffeine is a potent antioxidant that can help protect skin from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Caffeine neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) like superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals through donating electrons. This prevents the ROS from initiating chain reactions that damage cell lipids, proteins, and DNA. Caffeine also boosts the body’s natural antioxidant defense system by increasing the expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes like glutathione S-transferase and catalase. These enzymes further enhance the skin’s ability to deactivate ROS within cells. In addition, caffeine is able to regulate the redox-sensitive transcription factor Nrf2, which turns on genes involved in the antioxidant response. Through these combined mechanisms, topical caffeine strengthens the skin’s protection against UV radiation, pollutants, and other environmental oxidants that generate free radicals. By neutralizing ROS and augmenting antioxidant defenses, caffeine provides anti-aging and photo-protective benefits that can reduce signs of premature skin aging caused by oxidative damage.

How does caffeine work

What does caffeine do for your skin?

Caffeine’s benefits in skin care include antioxidant, anti-cellulite, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging capabilities.

Some studies have shown promising results that caffeine might be useful in preventing certain kinds of skin cancer. (2,3)

Specifically, this study found that UVB induced carcinogenesis was particularly inhibited by caffeine.

That being said, more research is always needed for cancer treatments and caffeine is not a miracle cure for any variety of tumor.

Caffeine soothes inflammation, so is commonly found in treatments for rosacea, eczema, acne, and many other inflammation related concerns.

Caffeine is effective at binding and eliminating various kinds of free radicals on the skin, meaning it is a good antioxidant. (4)

This ingredient provides anti-inflammatory benefits through vasoconstriction, the shrinking of enflamed blood vessels. By shrinking blood vessels, the apparent redness of the face as well as swelling is reduced.

Caffeine is not moisturizing or tyrosinase inhibiting, and is only considered antimicrobial in high concentrations. For those reasons, the primary uses of caffeine in skin care are in inflammation and anti-aging treatments.

Caffeine Increases Autophagy in Skin

Skin aging is caused in part by cellular damage from oxidative stress. One way skin cells normally remove damaged structures is through autophagy. Autophagy is like the cell’s recycling system that breaks down and removes the damaged parts. As we age, autophagy becomes less efficient. Topical caffeine applied to the skin can help boost autophagy.(12)

Caffeine increases autophagy by interacting with receptor proteins on skin cells called A2ARs. This sets off a chain reaction that activates proteins called SIRT3 and AMPK. These proteins work together to stimulate the autophagy recycling system. With a boost in autophagy, the skin cells can clear out more toxic free radicals and damaged structures that accumulate with age.

Removing the damaged cell parts helps prevent the cells from entering senescence, which is a state of dormancy cells adopt when overly damaged. In this way, increasing autophagy with topical caffeine protects skin from aging-related changes induced by oxidative stress and senescence. Through simple application to the skin, caffeine can activate the cells’ own protective mechanisms against environmental damage.

Facial Redness and Rosacea

Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it causes blood capillaries and vessels to become narrower. This reduces blood flow close to the surface of the skin. Restricting blood flow to superficial capillaries can help diminish facial redness and visible capillaries that contribute to rosacea and a flushed complexion.

By promoting vasoconstriction in facial capillaries, topical application of caffeine can improve the appearance of skin prone to redness, rosacea, and under-eye bags.

Puffy Eyes and Under Eye Bags

The vasoconstrictive properties of caffeine also decrease puffiness and under-eye circles related to dilated blood vessels.

Cellulite

Cellulite forms when fat cells accumulate excess fluids and push up against the skin, creating a dimpled appearance. Caffeine and related compounds like theophylline and aminophylline belong to the methylxanthine class and have been shown to help reduce the appearance of cellulite. When applied topically, these methylxanthines penetrate the skin and inhibit phosphodiesterase activity in fat cells. This prevents the breakdown of cyclic AMP, which causes the fat cells to release their stored triglycerides and fluid. This helps shrink the fat cells and drain excess fluid, smoothing the puckered appearance of cellulite. The methylxanthines also stimulate the release of fat for energy metabolism. The combined actions of reducing fluid accumulation in fat cells and mobilizing fat break down lead to a reduction in the visible dimpling effect of cellulite. Topical creams containing caffeine or aminophylline are an accessible way to improve the appearance of cellulite on the thighs, buttocks, and stomach.

What does caffeine do for your skin

Side-effects

There are very few notable side-effects associated with use of caffeine in skin care, and an allergy is uncommon.

Caffeine is a stimulant, which means use can result in jitteriness, mild nausea, diarrhea, and headache.

These are the same general side-effects you might expect when having too many cups of coffee for breakfast.

Overall, caffeine is not something to be fearfully avoided in skin care, but it still might not be best for everyone’s skin type. To see if caffeine is right for your custom skin care regimen, take our quiz and shop by your Baumann Skin Type!

Take the Quiz

Is it safe?

Caffeine is considered the most common antioxidant in the average persons diet. It is present in dozens of common edible plant species and has never demonstrated significant health risks in topical uses.

If you have concerns of recurring inflammation, sun damage, or enflamed acne, caffeine can be a perfectly safe and effective choice for many skin types.

The CIR (Cosmetic ingredient review) concluded that caffeine and other methylxanthines like theobromine and theophylline are safe for use in cosmetic formulations. (8)

The EWG gives caffeine a score of 1.

Caffeine is usually considered a clean ingredient.

Overall, caffeine is considered a very safe ingredient for use in skin care.

Caffeine for inflammation

Inflammation

Caffeine is very effective for treating inflammation because it constricts blood vessels that cause redness when dilated. In other words, it is a vasoconstrictor.

Inflammation and redness is a common skin concern, and is one of the main concerns associated with rosacea.

For this reason, caffeine is good for rosacea treatments.

Anti-inflammatories are great for acne prone, dry, or sensitive skin types.

Wrinkles

As a potent antioxidant, caffeine is a good choice for many anti-aging and wrinkle treating regimens.

One of the main causes of aging is free radicals on the skin which lead to genetic damage and wrinkles. Since caffeine binds and eliminates many kinds of free radicals, it protects the skin from aging.

Like most other anti-aging ingredients, caffeine is most effective when used in combination with other anti-aging ingredients that have supplemental benefits like collagen synthesis stimulation.

Some great anti-aging ingredients to use alongside caffeine in skin care are:

Coenzyme Q10

Hyaluronic acid

Retinoids

Vitamin C

Acne

Caffeine can be used in acne treatments for its anti-inflammatory benefits. It is not comedogenic.

Caffeine is not significantly antimicrobial, so it does not eliminate acne causing bacteria on the skin.

It is not particularly useful for exfoliating clogged pores or removing sebum from the skin.

The best acne treating ingredients are antimicrobial, either too acidic or too alkaline for bacteria, exfoliating, non-comedogenic, as well as anti-inflammatory.

For those reasons, there are better options to consider if you are looking for natural acne treatments. Some great natural compounds for treating acne are:

Azelaic acid

Eucalyptus oil

Lavender oil

Marula oil

Peppermint oil

Tea tree oil

Products

Before you buy skin care products, be sure to find out your Baumann Skin Type so you can get custom, dermatologist recommended skin care regimens tailored to your specific needs.

Once you’ve found your skin type, check out some of our favorite skin care products containing caffeine!

Thanks for checking out this blog! We hope you’ve gained some valuable tools to make finding your next favorite skin care products a little easier!

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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