The Ordinary kofein & EGCG serum

In The Ordinary product line, the only one that treats the exclusive eye area is Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG. This treatment contains caffeine in a concentration of 5% and purified epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) obtained from green tea leaves which is a powerful antioxidant. According to the manufacturer, the serum whitens dark under-eye circles and reduces puffiness around the eyes. 

Independent studies have shown that topical use of caffeine and EGCG can help reduce puffiness around the eyes and dark under-eye circles. The manufacturer correctly distances itself from effective action in these two cases:

1. when a cavity in the contour of the eye, which is the result of the structure of subcutaneous tissues such as fat and bone, results in visible shadows under the eyes. These shadows, which do not need to be changed with dark circles, cannot be treated with this product

2. when fat deposits below the contour create permanent swelling. This type of deposit cannot be improved with skin care, including this product.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Caffeine, Maltodextrin, Glycerin, Propanediol, Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside, Gallyl Glucoside, Hyaluronic Acid, Oxidized Glutathione, Melanin, Glycine Soy (Soybean) Seed Extract, Urea, Hydrocyl Polycelly Xanthan gum, Lactic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Propyl Gallate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Benzyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol.

The treatment contains 5% caffeine, glycerin, EGCG, hyaluronic acid, melanin, soy extract, urea, lactic acid and phenoxyethanol. Caffeine stimulates microcirculation and has antioxidant effects. It does not contain silicone, oil, perfume and alcohol, and the serum is packed in a dark glass bottle due to the sensitivity of EGCG to light. The texture is extremely light and gel-like and is instantly absorbed into the skin, providing a short-term effect of light cooling. It does not leave a sticky layer on the skin, but dries it out and does not provide hydration.

The skin around my eyes is dry and this serum additionally contributed to the feeling of dry skin, so I made sure to combine it with moisturizers. It is recommended to be applied on clean and toned skin, before hydration. I did not notice the effect on the eyelids, but they were not pronounced, but I noticed that in the morning, after a short time from application, it barely tightened my skin and reduced puffiness.

It is applied by dabbing a few drops of serum with your fingertips on the clean skin of the eye area, in the direction from the outside of the eye to the inside, in the morning and in the evening. You need a very small amount of product (1-2 drops) and your bottle will last for months.

After two months of use, I did not notice the effect on the eyelids, but I did on the puffiness, especially if I woke up in the morning swollen. So I can’t say that nothing “works” but that you’ll see instant substantial results, you won’t. On the internet, I also came across the possibility of applying the serum to the whole face or mixed with a moisturizer, to tighten the skin and reduce puffiness, but I did not try it because I do not want to further dry the skin. The serum did not cause any eye irritation or redness in that area.

Like all The Ordinary products, this one is affordable, so if you’re struggling with dark circles around your eyes and puffiness, give it a try, it might suit you better.

Packaging: dark glass bottle with a dropper of 30 ml

Price: 50 kn

Rating: 3/5