What it does
- Provides antioxidant protection.
- Popular in scalp and hair products as a stimulating active.
- Helps reduce the look of puffiness in eye-area products.
How it works
Caffeine is widely documented as an antioxidant and a vasoactive, stimulating compound. In eye products it is associated with a temporary reduction in the look of puffiness, and it is a common feature of scalp-and-hair products aimed at supporting the scalp. It penetrates reasonably well and is easy to formulate.
Use level
- Typical use level
- typically 0.5–3%
Commonly used at 0.5–3% across scalp, hair and eye-area products.
Formulation considerations
- Water-soluble; dissolves more readily in warm water, then cool the batch.
- Broadly compatible and stable.
- Ensure full dissolution to avoid recrystallisation at high levels.
What it pairs with & what to avoid
Pairs well with
- Rosemary extract (scalp/hair)
- Niacinamide, peptides (eye area)
- Hydrators
Use with care / avoid
- Incomplete dissolution at high levels (crystallisation)
Regulatory status
Caffeine is listed in the EU CosIng database and is a well-established cosmetic ingredient.
Common questions
What does caffeine do in skincare?
It acts as an antioxidant and stimulating active; in eye products it is associated with a temporary reduction in the look of puffiness, and it is common in scalp/hair care.
What percentage of caffeine is used?
Typically 0.5–3%.
Is caffeine good for hair?
It is a popular scalp-and-hair active; it is best considered a supportive ingredient within a complete formula.