The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Review
Hello Everyone,
I love The Ordinary Products, first of all they are super affordable but most importantly they incorporate research backed ingredients to target skin concerns. Dark circles has been my major skin concern and I have tired a lot of products from various brands but my dark circles are really stubborn, they refuse to leave no matter how good a product is. I have been using The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG for the past two months so let’s start reviewing it in detail.
Company Description:
Technology
This light-textured formula contains an extremely high 5% concentration of caffeine, supplemented with highly-purified Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside (EGCG) from green tea leaves. Independent studies have shown that topical use of each of caffeine and EGCG can help reduce looks of puffiness and of dark circles in the eye contour. Additional studies have shown that caffeine can also reduce the appearance of cellulite. Independent studies have indicated that topical use of these ingredients can help reduce the look of puffiness and dark circles around the eye contour, reviving and brightening the delicate skin around the eye. The potent blend of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories provided by this lightweight serum will noticeably improve the appearance of your peepers, letting you look bright eyed and bushy tailed – even when you’ve been burning the midnight oil.
Notes:
1. Hollowness in the eye contour as a result of structure of sub-dermal tissues like fat and bone can result in visible shadows under the eyes. This shadow, which is not to be mistaken for dark circles, cannot be addressed with topical skincare including this formula.
2. Fat deposits under the eye contour can create permanent puffiness in this area. This type of deposit cannot be improved with topical skincare, including this formula.
3. Supplied in UV-protective packaging as EGCG is sensitive to light.
Directions:
Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM. If irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Patch testing prior to use is advised. Keep out of reach of children.
Ingredients of the The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG:
Aqua (Water), Caffeine, Maltodextrin, Glycerin, Propanediol, Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside, Gallyl Glucoside, Hyaluronic Acid, Oxidized Glutathione, Melanin, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Urea, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Xanthan gum, Lactic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Propyl Gallate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Benzyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol.
Price of the The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG:
$8 for 30ml of product.
Availablility of the The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG:
You can buy it from Cultbeauty or from The Ordinary Official Website.
My Experience with the The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG:
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG comes in the classic white and black The Ordinary signature cardboard packaging with all the details about the product mentioned on the packaging itself. The solution comes in a dark amber coloured bottle with a dropper for application. The product comes in the basic minimalist The Ordinary packaging, nothing too fancy about it. The packaging is very travel friendly, I have carried all my The Ordinary products with me while travelling but none of them have ever spilled so you can carry all these products without any hassle.
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG has a slightly thicker viscosity than water and has a sticky texture to it. The solution has a very light straw coloured tint to it and it is extremely light weight. It does not feel heavy on the skin at all so it is a perfect product for summer months too. It is very easy to spread the solution on the under eye area because of the ultra light watery texture. It gets absorbed into the skin within seconds of application.
I take about 2 drops of The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG and apply it on my dark circles with my ring finger. I massage it in for 10 seconds and it gets absorbed into the skin completely without leaving behind any greasiness or heaviness. This is an extremely light weight product and does not feel heavy on the under eye area.
Now let me tell you that I have had dark circles ever since I can remember, they are not that intense but they are there and they just don’t leave me. They might become a bit light due to better sleep or due to some skin care product but they refuse to go off completely. I also have very few minute fine lines under my eyes so I started using The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG with high expectations as I have had great experience with all The Ordinary products that I have tried in the past.
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG aims to counter the dark circles with two key ingredients that is caffeine and ECGC. It uses a 5% caffeine solution concentration which the brand calls “extremely high” to reduce eye puffiness. Caffeine helps in reducing under eye dark circles because it increases blood circulation. Another key ingredient in the product is EGCG also known as epigallocatechin gallate glucoside which is derived from gren tea leaves and has soothing and anti aging properties. Now these two ingredients work beautifully on the skin and also help to reduce dark circles and puffiness under the eyes to a large extent.
I have been using The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG for the past three months and I am not that satisfied with the product. The dark area under my eyes has definitely become a bit brighter and it has also smoothened out my fine lines a bit but it has definitely not helped me to get rid of my dark circles completely. If you have very light dark circles caused by pigmentation or you have puffy eyes, this might work for you. But if you have dark circles that are really intense or if you are looking for a magic product that will help you to get rid of dark circles completely then this is certainly not the product for you. This might brighten up your under eye are a bit, reduce puffiness, reduce fine lines under the eyes but other than that this won’t help. If your dark circles are due to irregular sleep cycles or due to stress this might definitely work for you.
If you have under eye dryness you will need something else for that also because this won’t provide enough hydration to the under eye area because it does not have any oil or any hydrating ingredient in it. You require only a drop of this solution so one bottle is going to last you over 6-7 months, I guess. I will be using the entire bottle of this solution and if it helps me to get rid of my dark circles I will come here and update you guys on this. I am not a fan of this product but it is worth a try.
Pros of the The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG:
- Super affordable.
- One bottle will last you over 6-7 months.
- No fragrance.
- It is free of alcohol, oil, silicone and gluten.
- It is vegan and cruelty free.
- Does help in brightening the under eye area.
- Helps in reducing fine lines and wrinkles under the eyes.
- Minimal packaging.
- Is super light weight in texture.
Cons of The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG:
- Does not help in getting rid of dark circles completely.
Rating of the The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG:
I would give it a 3.5/5.
Will I repurchase The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG?
I won’t repurchase it as it didn’t help me with my dark circles.
Will I recommend The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG to anyone?
I would recommend this to anyone who has super light dark circles and has under eye puffiness, this will definitely lighten them.