The bad news is, we aren’t about to tell you that your morning latte has the power to deliver a crystal-clear complexion. But the good news is, these caffeine-infused beauty products just might.
A powerful stimulant, caffeine possesses a whole host of beauty benefits that make it an ideal ingredient for use on both your face and body. “Caffeine has the ability to drain excess fluid from the tissue so, when applied topically, it drains water retention to give your skin an instant lift and firm feeling” explains facialist Su-Man. “It contains multiple antioxidants like Hydrocinnamic acid and polyphenols, which are very effective at neutralising free radicals and works to reduce inflammation, leaving your skin softened and glowing.”
Intrigued? Here’s our verdict on the very best products to supercharge your skincare routine...
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5%, £5 at The Ordinary
No-nonsense beauty brand The Ordinary doesn’t mess around when it comes to high-performance skincare saviours. The brand’s Caffeine Solution 5% contains - you guessed it -a super-high 5% concentration of caffeine that has been proven powerful enough to decrease puffiness and tackle dark circles around the eye contour. Simply pat it gently over the orbital bone to banish any trace of that big Saturday night.
Sister & Co Skin Food Raw Body Scrub, £24 at Asos
Sister & Co’s Skin Food Raw Body Scrub is formulated to ‘wake up’ the surface of your skin, leaving it smooth and toned. It’s loaded with organic ground Robusta coffee beans - chosen for their sky-high caffeine content - along with raw, organic coconut sugar and mineral-rich Himalayan salt to stimulate circulation. Raw cacao butter, pumpkin seed and coconut oils deliver deep hydration, while a hit of peppermint ensures you’re wide awake - with or without that latte.
Eyeko Lash Alert Mascara, £19 at Eyeko
The latest launch from mascara masters Eyeko is packed with nourishing properties, so actually improves lash condition while delivering dramatic black colour and incredible length. A hit of caffeine works to perk up your lashes - so much so we’ve ditched the curlers - while biotin encourages growth and shea butter prevents flaking and clumping. The icing on the cake? The brand’s genius signature squeezy tube means absolutely no drying out or wastage.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, £44 at Liberty
Yes, it’s called Bum Bum Cream (best name ever) but this jar of South American goodness isn’t solely reserved for your derrière. Inspired by Brazil’s most celebrated body part, this ultra-luxurious body cream is rich in native Amazonian guaraná, which contains one of the most powerful forms of caffeine in the world. Combine this with intensely rich cupuaçu butter, antioxidant açaí extract and coconut oil, and you’ve got yourself the secret to toned, glowing skin. And the scent? It’s so good, the brand actually sells it in body-mist form.
Stemm Density Stimuli Serum, £35 at Victoria Health
Stemm’s very clever Density Stimuli Serum demonstrates the health-boosting benefits of caffeine on hair fibres. Part of Deciem’s high-tech haircare line that works to improve scalp health, it’s perfect for anyone suffering from hair loss, thinning, or slow-growing tresses. A highly soluble form of caffeine is absorbed into the roots, stimulating growth, while silica, biotin and natural amino acids keep each follicle in peak condition. Massage it into clean hair before bed, using the collection’s corresponding shampoo and conditioner for supercharged results.
Su-Man Exfoliating Facial Polish, 40 at Su-Man
Su-Man’s oil-based, multi-award winning Exfoliating Facial Polish is packed with coffee grains to tackle congested areas and re-awaken your complexion. The benefits here are two-fold, as the grains themselves work to physically slough off dead skin cells and the high caffeine content delivers a heavy radiance boost. Antioxidant-rich camu camu extract fights damage caused by free radicals, while Su-Man’s signature dragon’s blood – actually a bright-red resin from the Amazonian Sangre de Drago tree – works to strengthen collagen. Consider this one the ultimate early-morning treat.
Perricone MD Cold Plasma Body, £45 at Perricone MD
Perricone MD raises the bar with its cult Cold Plasma collection, and this highly active body lotion does so much more than simply moisturise. A heavy hit of caffeine minimizes the appearance of cellulite and dimples, while the dermatologist’s patented DMAE - a powerful anti-inflammatory - works to tighten and tone areas that are beginning to lose elasticity.
Main picture: Sam Hendel
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