Caffeine is not just for mornings anymore.

This simple, effective ingredient is gaining traction in the beauty world, thanks to its popularity on TikTok and to celebrity endorsers who say caffeine-infused skin-care products are a quick, affordable way to give your face a little pick-me-up.

Why Caffeine Is Added to Skin-Care Products
While it may sound too good to be true, those caffeine skin-care devotees may be onto something.

Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it makes your blood vessels smaller and tighter, says Jeffrey Hsu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the codirector of Oak Dermatology in Chicago.

“When used in skin care, caffeine reduces blood flow to the skin and makes it look brighter and tighter,” Dr. Hsu says. “It’s often seen as an anti-aging or wrinkle-smoothing ingredient in face care, eye care, and even body care.”

The key to making skin-care products work is proper formulation. In particular, when the right amount of caffeine is used, it can be an effective ingredient to freshen up your skin, eliminate dark under-eye circles, and reduce puffiness in your face.