What are the benefits of caffeine against dark circles and bags under the eyes?

The skin around the eyes is an area lacking in numerous collagen fibers and contains less subcutaneous adipose tissue compared to the rest of the body. As a result, it is extremely thin to the point of easily allowing blood capillaries to show through the skin, making it more susceptible to swelling and pigmentation. However, one ingredient appears to minimize the appearance of these skin issues, which are considered unsightly, though harmless.

It is common to see caffeine in skincare products, particularly in serums and under-eye creams. Better than a cold compress, they claim to help brighten the delicate skin around the eyes and reduce under-eye puffiness. Small studies suggest that the topical application of caffeine-infused skincare formulas is effective in addressing under-eye issues such as dark circles and bags.

In 2010, a single-center clinical study was conducted with 53 volunteers exhibiting periorbital wrinkles and fine lines, dark circles, and under-eye bags, at a mild to moderate stage. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness in vivo of an eye contour cream composed of 4% blueberry extract, 5% β-C-xyloside, and 0.2% caffeine. After 12 weeks of product use, subjects who received the eye contour cream, applied twice daily in the morning and evening, noticed an improvement in the appearance of dark circles and bags, as well as a reduction in the depth of wrinkles and fine lines.

Similarly, another single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of an eye patch composed of 3% caffeine and 1% vitamin K in an emulsified emu oil base on 11 women. The study revealed a reduction in the appearance of under-eye circles in 100% of the subjects, four weeks after the application of the active patches, compared to the baseline condition observed for each volunteer.

Now, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, BOONME and his team compared the impact of a topical gel with 3% caffeine and a base gel on reducing eye bags in 34 volunteers. A non-significant difference between the efficacy of the caffeine gel and the base gel in reducing tissue swelling around the eyes was observed, as only 23.5% of the volunteers, or 8 out of 34 subjects, responded to the activity of caffeine. The observed results are thus linked to the cooling effect of the hydrophilic gel, rather than the vasoconstrictor effect of caffeine.

Although it is widely used, the current results on the effect of caffeine on dark circles and bags under the eyes are weak and contradictory, not to mention the small sample size on which the studies were conducted. Additional data is necessary to validate these initial findings.

Caffeine: What happens at the level of the eye contour?

The caffeine has vasoconstrictive properties. It is believed to improve blood flow in the eye area, thereby reducing the amount of blood that can accumulate under the eyes, by decreasing the diameter of the blood capillaries. By minimizing fluid accumulation around the eyes, caffeine's action could thus help to diminish the dark appearance of under-eye circles and the puffy look of bags.

If you have bags or dark circles under your eyes due to genetics, caffeine will not help you. Similarly, age also plays a role in the appearance of dark circles and bags under the eyes.

Thus, it would seem that the key to reducing the appearance of dark circles and bags is to opt for an eye care product with caffeine. This is why it has been incorporated into the formulation of a good number of eye products. However, to combat tired eyes, topical formulations must contain between 2 and 5% caffeine, and must serve as a continuous and regular use.

The method of application is also crucial. Given the delicate nature of the area, it is essential to be gentle. Indeed, rubbing the eyes can exacerbate their tired appearance. Following the natural curve of the cheekbone and the brow bone, apply the formula under your eyes both morning and night. Carefully tap the product until it is fully absorbed.

In our usage test on our eye serum, 68% of a group of 22 women reported a more uniform eye contour after 42 weeks of use.