The Ordinary

Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

eyes serum

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Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
48%
Combination (dry)
48%
Balanced
78%
Combination (oily)
92%
Oily
92%

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26
Ingredients
6
Benefits
2
Actives
Find Dupes

A water-based serum that targets dark circles and puffiness around the eyes, promoting under-eye brightening.

Key Insights

Benefits

6
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Oil Control
Smooths Bumpy Skin
Soothing

Active Ingredients

2
AHA Hyaluronic acid

Risks

3
Alcohol
Allergen
Synthetic polymer

Full Ingredients

26 total
AQUA CAFFEINE MALTODEXTRIN GLYCERIN PROPANEDIOL EPIGALLOCATECHIN GALLATYL GLUCOSIDE GALLYL GLUCOSIDE HYALURONIC ACID Hyaluronic acid OXIDIZED GLUTATHIONE MELANIN glycine soja seed extract UREA PENTYLENE GLYCOL HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE POLYACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER-6 XANTHAN GUM LACTIC ACID AHA DEHYDROACETIC ACID TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE PROPYL GALLATE DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE BENZYL ALCOHOL 1,2-HEXANEDIOL ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN PHENOXYETHANOL caprylyl glycol.

About Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

Overview

Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is a watery-light serum from The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 24 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as very light — essentially a water-and-humectant base with little emollient weight. With almost no emollient load it should absorb quickly and finish close to matte. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Propanediol and Hyaluronic Acid, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Propanediol, Hyaluronic Acid and Urea.

Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside and Gallyl Glucoside.

Oil control: Moderate. Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine, and here that comes from Maltodextrin.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it. 2 ingredients on the label have not been matched to our database yet, so the analysis above reads a slightly incomplete list.

What is not in it

It does contain fragrance, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.

Where it fits in a routine

It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes before moisturiser. Tap along the orbital bone with your ring finger; product migrates upward on its own.

This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • No common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

  • Contains fragrance or declared fragrance allergens
  • Part of the label has not been matched to our ingredient database yet

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

May suit

  • Balanced skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive skin

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Hydration 10 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 6 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Evens Skin Tone 2 ingredients

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

  • Soothing 2 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

  • Oil Control 1 ingredient

    Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness

  • Smooths Bumpy Skin 1 ingredient

    Refines texture by gently exfoliating rough, uneven patches

Does not target

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Dark Spot Fading Pore Minimizer

None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.

Key ingredients

The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.

Caffeine

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

1H-Purine-2,6-dione, 3,7-dihydro-1,3,7-trimethyl-

Anti-Aging
Maltodextrin

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Maltodextrin

Oil Control Hydration
Glycerin

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
Propanediol

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

1,3-dihydroxypropane

Hydration
Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside is the product obtained by the reaction of Epigallocatechin Gallate and glucose

Anti-Aging Hydration Soothing
Gallyl Glucoside

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Gallyl Glucoside is the product of the reaction of Gallic Acid and glucose

Anti-Aging Hydration Soothing
Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic acid

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Hyaluronic acid

Anti-Aging Hydration
Urea

11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Urea

Hydration Smooths Bumpy Skin Evens Skin Tone
Pentylene Glycol

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

1,2-Dihydroxypentane

Hydration
Lactic Acid AHA

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Hydration
Ethylhexylglycerin

23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)

Hydration

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support None

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support Low

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control Moderate

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening Low

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Moderate

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal Low

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling None

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (2)

Supporting ingredients (22)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Aqua Caffeine Maltodextrin Glycerin Propanediol Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside Gallyl Glucoside Oxidized Glutathione Melanin Urea Pentylene Glycol Hydroxyethylcellulose Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 Xanthan Gum Dehydroacetic Acid Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Propyl Gallate Dimethyl Isosorbide Benzyl Alcohol 1,2-hexanediol Ethylhexylglycerin Phenoxyethanol

What is and is not in it

Part of this label has not been matched to our ingredient database, so only what is present is listed — no absence is claimed.

Contains

  • Fragrance

    Benzyl Alcohol

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Azelaic acid
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Use with caution

  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • BHA (salicylic acid)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • PHAs (gluconolactone)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • Benzoyl peroxide

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

Where it fits in a routine

Morning Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Eye
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Eye" step.

  • Tap along the orbital bone with your ring finger; product migrates upward on its own.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
No ingredient here is a recognised food source for malassezia.
Sensitive and reactive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Recorded ingredient risks
Alcohol, Allergen, Synthetic polymer

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 24 ingredients on the label.

8
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

7
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

4
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

4
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

3
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

3
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

2
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

2
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

1
Fragrance / colour

Changes how the product smells or looks

1
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

1
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

1
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Aqua Solvent
Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Water

2 Caffeine
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

1H-Purine-2,6-dione, 3,7-dihydro-1,3,7-trimethyl-

Anti-Aging
3 Maltodextrin Occlusive
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Texture agent

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Maltodextrin

Oil Control Hydration
4 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
5 Propanediol Texture agent
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

1,3-dihydroxypropane

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • PubChem Compound Summary, April 2021, ePublication
  • SpecialChem, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, June 2018, pages 1-73
  • Cosmetics & Toiletries, May 2013, pages 81-86
6 Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside Antioxidant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside is the product obtained by the reaction of Epigallocatechin Gallate and glucose

Anti-Aging Hydration Soothing
7 Gallyl Glucoside Antioxidant
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Gallyl Glucoside is the product of the reaction of Gallic Acid and glucose

Anti-Aging Hydration Soothing
8 Hyaluronic Acid Humectant
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Active

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Hyaluronic acid

Anti-Aging Hydration
5 scientific references
  • Journal of Evidence-Based, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, October 2017, pages 816-823
  • Journal of Medicinal Food, October 2016, pages 1, 172-1, 179
  • Nutrition Journal, July 2013, ePublication
  • Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011, issue 9, pages 990-1000
  • Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, March 2009, pages 38-43
9 Oxidized Glutathione Emollient
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

bi(glutathion-S-yl)

10 Melanin Occlusive
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Melanins

11 Urea Humectant
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, pH adjuster

11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Urea

Hydration Smooths Bumpy Skin Evens Skin Tone
12 Pentylene Glycol Solvent
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

1,2-Dihydroxypentane

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • https://thedermreviewcom/pentylene-glycol/
  • Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, July 2017, pages 106-111
  • Prospector, June 2015, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, October 2012, pages 147S-168S
13 Hydroxyethylcellulose Occlusive
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Texture agent

13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl ether

14 Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 Texture agent
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a copolymer of ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate, dimethylacrylamide, lauryl methacrylate and laureth-4 methacrylate, crosslinked with trimethylolpropane triacrylate

Synthetic polymer
15 Xanthan Gum Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Texture agent

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Xanthan gum

16 Lactic Acid Humectant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Active, pH adjuster

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Hydration
9 scientific references
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, April 2020, pages 116-126
  • International Journal of Dermatology, March 2019, ePublication
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, October 2018, pages 491-497
  • International Journal of Dermatology, September 2018, ePublication
  • Molecules, April 2018, ePublication
  • Journal of the American Dental Association, April 2016, pages 255-263
  • Cutis, January 2016, pages E9-E11
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, November 2010, pages 135-142
  • The Journal of Dermatology, January 2006, pages 16-22
17 Dehydroacetic Acid Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

3-Acetyl-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2,4(3H)-dione

18 Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Chelator
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Chelator

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

L-Aspartic acid, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, trisodium salt

19 Propyl Gallate Antioxidant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Propyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate

20 Dimethyl Isosorbide Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent

20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,4:3,6-Dianhydro-2,5-di-O-methyl-D-glucitol

21 Benzyl Alcohol Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent, Preservative, Fragrance / colour

21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Benzyl alcohol

Alcohol Allergen
22 1,2-hexanediol Solvent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

23 Ethylhexylglycerin
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • PLoS One, October 2016, ePublication
  • Contact Dermatitis, May 2016, pages 281-288
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2013, pages 5S-21S
  • Personal Care, 2008, pages 1-4
  • Cosmetic Science Technology, 2006, pages 1-11
24 Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Phenoxyethanol

Not yet matched to our database

These are printed on the label but have not been linked to an ingredient record yet, so they are excluded from the analysis above.

glycine soja seed extract caprylyl glycol.

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG?

AQUA, CAFFEINE, MALTODEXTRIN, GLYCERIN, PROPANEDIOL, EPIGALLOCATECHIN GALLATYL GLUCOSIDE, GALLYL GLUCOSIDE, HYALURONIC ACID, OXIDIZED GLUTATHIONE, MELANIN, 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.

What are the active ingredients in Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG?

HYALURONIC ACID, LACTIC ACID.

How do I use Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG?

Apply a small amount onto the eye contour in the morning and evening. If irritation occurs, rinse off, 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. This lightweight formula is ideal for those looking for a targeted eye brightener that fits seamlessly into any skincare routine, leaving you with more refreshed and awakened-looking eyes.

What skin types is Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG good for?

Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.

Is Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG good for sensitive skin?

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Can I use Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG while pregnant?

Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.

Is Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG fragrance free?

No — it contains Benzyl Alcohol.

What can I layer with Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG?

It layers well with Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.

When should I apply Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG?

Use it morning and evening, before moisturiser.

How many ingredients does Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG have?

It lists 24 ingredients, of which 2 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG?

The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.

Brand
The Ordinary
Country
Canada
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