active

Caffeine

Evidence tier

VERY_LOW

Evidence score

HQ studies

Total studies

Goal scores

Brightening

9 studies

Hydration

9 studies

Anti Aging

9 studies

Barrier

9 studies

Sensitivity

9 studies

Sebum

9 studies

Acne

9 studies

Interactions

synergy · Niacinamide

Caffeine constricts blood vessels and reduces puffiness while niacinamide reduces inflammation. Effective combo for under-eye concerns.

myth · Retinol

Myth: "caffeine interferes with retinol absorption." No evidence. Caffeine is water-soluble and does not interact with lipophilic retinol.

Citations

PMID:12476008
Comparison of Cutaneous Bioavailability of Cosmetic Preparations Containing Caffeine or α-Tocopherol Applied on Human Skin Models or Human Skin ex vivo at Finite Doses
DOI:10.1159/000441040
A Comparison of the Penetration and Permeation of Caffeine into and through Human Epidermis after Application in Various Vesicle Formulations
DOI:10.1159/000313514
Development of an in vitro Modified Skin Absorption Test for the Investigation of the Follicular Penetration Pathway of Caffeine
DOI:10.1159/000489857
Follicular Penetration of Caffeine from Topically Applied Nanoemulsion Formulations Containing Penetration Enhancers: In vitro Human Skin Studies
DOI:10.1159/000077237
Bioadhesive Transdermal Film Containing Caffeine
DOI:10.1159/000101389
Follicular Penetration of Topically Applied Caffeine via a Shampoo Formulation
PMID:32866296
Deformable liposomes as enhancer of caffeine penetration through human skin in a Franz diffusion cell test.
PMID:21564138