I learned recently that caffeine is a common ingredient in mainstream cosmetics.
According to Garneir, (as per the newspaper ad I photographed above), caffeine “stimulates, energizes and refreshes” the skin. The general argument I find for caffeine’s use in skin care products is that it “tightens” or “rejuvenates” skin. Tightening the skin is supposed to decrease bags under the eyes and possibly also cellulite.
The possibility that caffeine decreases cellulite has been largely been disproved by now, especially since cellulite isn’t primarily a skin problem — cellulite occurs under the skin. Naysayers also cite caffeine’s tendency to dehydrate the body, which would not be good for one’s skin.
Also of note is that many of the studies that have been done to prove that caffeine has an improving effect on the skin have been done by companies who, coincidentally, sell skin care products.
On the other hand, in favor of caffeine, it has proven to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent, which very well may substantiate the claims of many cosmetic companies. There is also a steady (large) number of medical specialists who claim that it offers a wide range of health benefits. Caffeine is also suspected to be an antioxidant — antioxidants help prevent cancer.
My day job is includes work for a tanning company. One of their products is tanning lotion with caffeine in it. I really have no opinion on whether it’s good or bad, just something of note.
I guess it’s a pretty common cosmetic ingredient, which isn’t all that surprising