Is The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG suitable for sensitive, acne‑prone, or dry skin around the eyes?

The formulation is generally safe for most skin types, but the 5 % caffeine can cause a brief tingling or mild irritation on very sensitive eye areas, it does not contain oils that clog pores, so acne‑prone skin tolerates it well, and because it lacks heavy moisturizers it may feel drying on extremely dry skin, so a follow‑up moisturizer is recommended.

What does EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) do in The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG?

EGCG, a green‑tea‑derived antioxidant, helps neutralize free radicals, supports the reduction of hyperpigmentation and works synergistically with caffeine to brighten the eye contour and improve the appearance of puffiness.

How often should The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG be applied, and does it contain any controversial ingredients?

Apply a few drops to the cleaned eye area twice daily, morning and evening; the product is free of parabens, sulfates and fragrance, but it includes propanediol and phenoxyethanol, preservatives that can be sensitising for very reactive skin.

The Ordinary • 30ml

Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

Cafffeine

Product Insights

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is a water‑based eye treatment formulated with 5 % caffeine and antioxidant EGCG to visibly reduce dark‑circle pigmentation and puffiness around the eye contour. Its formula includes humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid for hydration, while also containing soy‑derived glycine and a low level of preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, which may irritate extremely sensitive skin. Packaged in a 30 ml glass bottle with a recyclable paperboard outer box, the product is vegan‑friendly and bears the EU “green‑dot” safety label, yet the caffeine concentration can cause a mild tingling sensation for some users.

Comparative Analysis

Positioned as a high‑strength caffeine eye solution, this product targets dark circles and puffiness, differentiating itself from typical moisturizers by delivering a 5 % caffeine concentration combined with antioxidant EGCG for rapid de‑puffing.

Ingredients

AQUA (WATER), CAFFEINE, MALTODEXTRIN, GLYCERIN, PROPANEDIOL, EPIGALLOCATECHIN GALLATYL GLUCOSIDE, GALLYL GLUCOSIDE, HYALURONIC ACID, OXIDIZED GLUTATHIONE, MELANIN, GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) SEED EXTRACT, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, POLYACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER-6, XANTHAN GUM, LACTIC ACID, DEHYDROACETIC ACID, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, PROPYL GALLATE, DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE, BENZYLALCOHOL, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL.

84%

35%

Unlock Deep Cosmetic Safety Check

Scan this and millions of other cosmetics with the free NutrScan app to discover ingredient safety, potential concerns, and detailed product analysis before every purchase.