How to use The Ordinary caffeine eye serum

What is The Ordinary caffeine serum?

The Ordinary calls it Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum, giving a small area of skincare a rather large name. It is an eye serum intended to target dark circles and puffiness. That makes those concerns the reason to consider it, rather than treating it as an all purpose eye treatment.3

Test it before putting it near your eyes

The skin around your eyes is delicate, so do not make it the first place you try a caffeine product. Sensitive or compromised skin can find caffeine skincare irritating. A home skin test helps predict a reaction before you commit to using the serum around your eyes.24

1. 1Choose a spot about the size of a quarter on the underside of your arm or inside your elbow, where the serum will not be rubbed or washed away.
2. 2Apply the normal amount and thickness twice daily for seven to 10 days. Leave the serum on as you would during regular use.
3. 3If the test area stays free of redness, itching and swelling, move on to using the serum in your routine.

Where does it go in your routine?

1. 1Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and gently pat it dry.
2. 2Apply the eye serum at the treatment stage, before moisturizer. Handle the eye area gently; general guidance for applying eye creams recommends the ring finger because it pulls less forcefully on delicate skin.
3. 3Follow with moisturizer and, in the morning, sunscreen. Sun protection around the eyes matters because sun exposure can contribute to dark pigmentation.
4. 4Apply makeup after skincare, if you wear it.

For the exact amount and whether to apply the serum again at night, follow the directions on your bottle. The sequence above is general layering guidance, not a product specific dose. Avoid crowding the routine with extra treatments: using too many skincare products can irritate skin, especially when several target signs of aging.1

What results should you expect?

Caffeine tightens blood vessels, which can make the under eye area look brighter and less puffy. The effect can be modest and temporary, rather than a permanent change. Temporary brightening is a cosmetic effect, not a lifetime subscription. Benefits fade when you stop applying caffeine skincare, so think of the serum as help while you use it, not a cure that you finish.2

Dark circles are not one problem with one solution. Dark pigment, thin skin, puffiness and shadows from the shape of the eye area can all create a dark appearance. Hollowing means loss of tissue around the eye, which can create shadows. Caffeine will not help bags caused by genetics or structural factors. If the main issue is hollowing or pigmentation rather than temporary puffiness, caffeine is not a complete treatment plan.26

When should you stop or get help?

If the serum causes redness, itching or swelling, gently wash it off and stop using it. A cool compress or petroleum jelly can help soothe a skin reaction. See a dermatologist if the reaction is severe and those measures do not relieve it. If reactions keep happening and you cannot identify the trigger, a dermatologist can arrange medical patch testing to investigate the cause.4

Contact a healthcare provider if darkening or swelling appears under just one eye. Persistent dark circles or excessive swelling also deserve assessment rather than repeated attempts with the serum.5