INCI Name
Caffeine
Functions
1 Roles
Sustainability
7/10
Category
actives
What It Does
Caffeine is a naturally occurring methylxanthine alkaloid most commonly sourced from coffee beans and tea leaves, or recovered as a byproduct of industrial decaffeination. In cosmetic formulations, it is uniquely valued for its ability to inhibit phosphodiesterase, thereby promoting lipolysis in adipocytes and transiently constricting blood vessels — mechanisms that underpin its visible reduction of under-eye puffiness and dark circles. Formulators favor the anhydrous USP-grade powder for its high purity, reliable bioactivity, and the fact that it remains stably solubilized at use concentrations (typically 0.5–2%) when processed in a heated aqueous phase with glycol co-solvents.
Technical Properties
pH Range
5.0-7.0
Optimal working range
Ionic Charge
nonionic
Molecular charge type
Viscosity Effect
neutral
Impact on formula thickness
Foaming Ability
none
Lather generation
Ingredient Compatibility
Known Interactions
Caffeine + Ephedrine combination is banned by FDA due to cardiovascular risk (hypertension, tachycardia, stroke). Never combine in any consumer product.
Sustainability Profile
Sustainability Score
Biodegradability
readily biodegradable
Source
plant-derived
Feedstock
Primarily extracted from coffee beans (Coffea arabica/canephora), tea leaves (Camellia sinensis), or recovered as a byproduct of decaffeination processes; synthetic routes also exist but are less common in cosmetics
Available Variants
8 forms available
Anhydrous Fine Powder, USP Grade (dissolve in heated water phase at 70°C; solubility limit ~2.2% at 25°C, fully soluble at processing temp, remains in solution upon cooling with glycol co-solvents)
Anhydrous Powder
Fine Powder
Fine Powder, Anhydrous, USP Grade
Powder
Powder 99%
Standard
Anhydrous Fine Powder, USP Grade
Quick Reference
- Full INCI Name
- Caffeine
- Common Name
- Caffeine
- Category
- actives