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The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG bottle and box
The Ordinary

Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

Eye Serum 30 ml
8.2OUT OF 10
Great formula

Formula has a high safety profile. Suitable for most skin types.

22
Safe
2
Caution
1
Higher risk

Score breakdown

Safety8.2/10
Barrier support10/10
Acne-safe8.2/10
Active treatment2.9/10

Our verdict

Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is the cheapest credible under-eye serum on the market, and it is honest about what it does — provided you read the claim carefully. Caffeine at 5% is a vasoconstrictor: it temporarily narrows the small blood vessels under the thin eye-area skin, which genuinely reduces the look of puffiness and can soften the bluish cast of dark circles caused by pooled blood. EGCG, the antioxidant from green tea, adds protective support, and hyaluronic acid and glycerin provide light hydration. What it cannot do is address the other causes of dark circles: pigmentation, thin skin showing underlying vessels, or hollowing from lost volume. If your circles are brown rather than blue, or if the issue is shadow from a tear-trough hollow, this will not help. Two practical notes: the tint is naturally brownish (that is the melanin and plant extracts, not a stain), and it can pill under makeup if over-applied. Used morning on clean skin for genuine puffiness, it delivers real, if temporary, results at a very low price.

At a glance

What it does
hydrationbarrier supportbrightening
Best for
sensitive skindry and dehydrated skinmost skin types
Not enough for
active anti-aging treatment

Key ingredients

Hyaluronic Acidintensely hydratesLactic Acidsupports skin comfort

Full ingredient list (25)

Aqua/waterCaffeineMaltodextrinGlycerinPropanediolEpigallocatechin Gallatyl GlucosideGallyl GlucosideHyaluronic AcidOxidized GlutathioneMelaninGlycine Soja (soybean Oil)Pentylene GlycolHydroxyethylcellulosePolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6Xanthan GumLactic AcidDehydroacetic AcidTrisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinatePropyl GallateDimethyl IsosorbideBenzyl Alcohol1,2-HexanediolEthylhexylglycerinPhenoxyethanolCaprylyl Glycol

Colour indicates our safety assessment for each ingredient — green is well-tolerated, amber warrants caution, red is higher-risk. Tap any ingredient to read its full profile.

Frequently asked

Does caffeine serum actually get rid of dark circles?
Only some kinds. Caffeine constricts blood vessels, so it helps with puffiness and the bluish-purple circles caused by pooled blood. It does not fade brown pigmentation, thicken thin skin, or fill hollows — the other common causes of under-eye shadows.
How do you use it without pilling?
Use a small amount — one or two drops for both eyes — patted gently onto clean, dry skin, and let it absorb fully before applying anything on top. Pilling usually comes from applying too much or layering it too quickly under a rich cream or makeup.
Can I use it on the rest of my face?
Yes, it is safe elsewhere, though it is formulated with the eye contour in mind. Some people also use it on areas where they want a temporary tightening or de-puffing effect. Avoid getting it directly in the eyes.
What is the score based on?
The score comes from the same Pure Moonlight ingredient analyzer used across the whole site. It weighs safety, barrier support, acne and comedogenic risk, and active-ingredient strength, so this product's score is directly comparable to any ingredient page here.

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