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The Beauty Wonk

September 6, 2018

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Review For Dark Circles

If I had a dollar for every The Ordinary skincare product that worked for me, I would be pretty darn rich by now! However, their caffeine solution is a little different. Probably, the first product from them that I have mixed thoughts about.

I wanted to include a lighter eye serum that could hide the fact I don’t sleep in time and my terrible lifestyle practices. My main concerns were dark circles, dullness and puffiness! Did The Ordinary Caffeine Solution worked on all of them? You’ll probably have to continue reading to know!

Key Ingredients of The Ordinary Caffeine Solution

Caffeine is supposed to work on reducing puffiness, fighting free radicals, and reducing dark under eye circles.

EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) is found in green tea and it has skin-soothing and antioxidant properties. It also works in reducing puffiness.

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5%+EGCG Product Details
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5%+EGCG | Product Details

pH 4.50-5.00, Alcohol-free, Oil-free, Silicone-free, Nut-free, Vegan, Gluten-free, Cruelty-free


Disclosure: Contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission for purchases made via them.


Price: $6.70 for 30ml 
Availability: You can buy it from the brand’s website,  Sephora or ULTA.

Dark circles is one of the most common skin concerns among people but its remedy goes way beyond just applying eye cream. Here are the few things you need to follow to make sure you’re keeping them in check:

  • An uninterrupted sleep of 7-8 hours at the right time (And no, sleeping in the morning and waking up at noon doesn’t count)
  • Eating healthy and drinking enough water (Cutting down on junks, alcohol, smoking)
  • Using SPF around your eyes and protect them with sunglasses
  • Not spending the entire day in front of a laptop or phone screens. This causes your eyes to look tired. If you have to, install a blue light filter.
  • Hydrating the eye area.

My Thoughts On The Ordinary Caffeine Solution


Packaging

The caffeine solution comes in a dark coloured glass bottle that’s UV protected because EGCG is sensitive to light. There is a dropper to control the amount of product dispensed.

The entire bottle is enclosed in a white cardboard box that mentions the ingredients list and other product details. I love that the packaging is very basic yet elegant.

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5%+EGCG Packaging
Packaging

Texture & Smell

The Ordinary Caffeine solution has a watery serum-like texture that is pale golden in colour. It gets absorbed quickly but leaves slightly sticky/ tacky feel for the first few minutes.

This caffeine eye serum has no added fragrance so it’s suitable for people even with sensitive skin. I tried sniffing and it doesn’t have any smell to it.

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5%+EGCG Texture
Texture

How to use the ordinary caffeine solution?

I only need one drop and that is enough to cover both my eyes. Anything more than that and you’ll probably end up getting that sticky feeling.

I use it both in the morning and night and it also provides enough hydration for my oily skin. If you’re planning to wear makeup over the ordinary caffeine solution, don’t go overboard and wait for a few minutes to avoid your concealer from separating.

If you face a lot of dryness around the eyes, it’s probably not for you. You can add another eye cream over it but I’d suggest buying a rich eye cream that would take care of everything.

The skin around the eyes is very sensitive so always use your ring fingers as it applies the least amount of pressure.

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5%+EGCG Application
How to use?

Does THE ORDINARY CAFFEINE SOLUTION WORK?

I have used the caffeine solution for 2 months consistently and didn’t notice any huge improvement in my dark circles. However, I noticed that it did reduce puffiness and made my eye area look a little firmer and brighter.

If puffiness and dullness are your two major concerns, give The Ordinary Caffeine Solution a shot. It could definitely help!

But if you need something that could make your dark circles disappear then this one would be a disappointment.

I am not completely blown away by the caffeine solution as I do with the other products from the brand (The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension is my holygrail). But this is a decent, affordable eye serum that’d give you a healthier-looking eye area.

For the price, I’d say it’s still a good pick but I’d probably look around more and find something that would work better in terms of brightening.

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5%+EGCG Review
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5%+EGCG | Review

Shop the post!

Conclusion

The Ordinary 5% Caffeine Solution is a decent eye serum for people with oily to normal under eye skin. It provides a brighter and firmer undereye area and also reduces puffiness. If you don’t have any other issues apart from these, the caffeine solution would be a perfect budget buy!

Why You Should Buy The Ordinary 5% Caffeine Solution?

  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • No added fragrance
  • Lots of quantity at a very cheap price
  • Gives brighter & firmer undereye area
  • Reduces puffiness
  • Convenient & elegant packaging

Why You Should Avoid The Ordinary 5% Caffeine Solution?

  • Doesn’t do much for dark circles
  • Glass packaging isn’t very travel-friendly

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By: Rifat Yaseen · In: Skincare

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Comments

  1. mariexceline says

    September 12, 2018 at 1:13 am

    Sounds interesting! I have only ever thought of caffeine as being in tea or coffee. Amazing that it can be a beauty treatment too.

    Reply
  2. katesbeautyhome says

    September 11, 2018 at 6:11 pm

    Thanks for the review I am currently waiting on an order to be delivered with a number of products from The Ordinary. I can’t wait to try them as I’ve heard so many good things.
    Have a lovely week.
    Kate x
    http://www.katesbeautyhome.com

    Reply
    • Rifat Yaseen says

      September 11, 2018 at 11:09 pm

      The Ordinary is a drugstore treasure, honestly! I don’t even want to invest in similar products from other brands. ? Thanks for stopping by Kate!

      Reply
      • katesbeautyhome says

        September 11, 2018 at 11:57 pm

        Hopefully I love them x

        Reply
  3. Amie?♍️ (@acurvyvegan) says

    September 11, 2018 at 5:30 pm

    This product sounds amazing! Skincare from The Ordinary is always amazing!

    Love, Amie ❤
    The Curvaceous Vegan

    Reply
    • Rifat Yaseen says

      September 11, 2018 at 11:15 pm

      Thank you for stopping by fellow Ordinary fan girl! I love their skincare as well.
      https://thebeautywonk.com/

      Reply
  4. lifestylebyamanda says

    September 11, 2018 at 8:48 am

    I don’t have this brand in my country ? but I love the style in which you’ve written the review and I LOVE THR PHOTOS!!I hope my photos can look as classy as yours one day ?

    Reply
    • Rifat Yaseen says

      September 11, 2018 at 11:23 pm

      Hey Amanda! Thank you so much for your generous words. I struggle with photography as well and I’m still learning and getting inspired by my fellow bloggers. Will soon buy a good camera. You’ll get there soon!

      This brand isn’t available in my country either. We just wait for some international sites to have free shipping offer or have relatives flying back home get them. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Golly Miss Holly ? (@gollymissholly_) says

    September 11, 2018 at 8:42 am

    I definitely need something like this in my life, my dark circles are awful!! xx

    Reply
  6. Vansh Tiwari says

    September 11, 2018 at 7:49 am

    These are very useful points that you have mentioned. And you have explained it beautifully from starting what your thoughts are to the conclusion. It will really help others.

    Reply
  7. Girly Gabble says

    September 11, 2018 at 7:36 am

    Ooh I’ve never heard of if. Thanks for your honest review! xo

    Reply
    • Rifat Yaseen says

      September 11, 2018 at 1:54 pm

      You’re welcome! Do try it out some day xx

      Reply
  8. herbeautyaffair says

    September 9, 2018 at 8:59 pm

    i love this brand, i am using their primer ! Have to try their skin care .

    Reply
    • Rifat Yaseen says

      September 10, 2018 at 10:32 am

      And I’m yet to delve into their makeup range. Their skincare are amazing!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 10 of the Best Products from The Ordinary Worth Trying - Azuri says:
    September 28, 2020 at 9:46 am

    […] Beauty blogger Rifat  says “The Ordinary 5% Caffeine Solution is a good eye serum for people with not-so-dry eyes that provides brighter and firmer undereye area and also reduces puffiness.” […]

    Reply

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Hello, it's Rifat! Welcome to my beauty space where I talk about makeup, skincare & haircare. My aim is to talk about healthy skin and not run after unrealistic beauty standards.

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Rifat 🇮🇳 Skincare Blogger
Want to know how I keep my hands a big diamond roc Want to know how I keep my hands a big diamond rock💍 ready even in the middle of a panasonic?

𝗔𝗠 & 𝗣𝗠 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 (𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗺):
👉 Hydrating toner or essence or serum
👉 Moisturizer
👉 2-3x a week retinol
👉 Sunscreen when I'm out

‼️Now I don't have separate products for these steps (I'm not that bougie come on 😌) I just take 4 extra drops of whatever I'm using on my face (or if I have some extra skincare I want to finish)

✨ Your hands go through so much washing, AND they're always moving/ folding. While you can't completely stop them from "ageing", they still need the extra TLC.

✨ I also put whatever cream I can find throughout the day after each wash. Plus Araina nail oil on nails and the area around them, whenever I remember.

"𝗗𝗼 𝗜 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀?"
I said I use whatever I'm using on my face and retinol is a very consistent part of my routine. Skip if you don't have it, just moisturize normally.
I try a lot of cleansers and they're almost always I try a lot of cleansers and they're almost always nice - non-drying and good at cleansing. But sometimes, a few stand out!

One such is the @drsheths ABC Cleansing Gel. I don't have a lot left (and the packaging has turned a bit dirty) because it is something I keep going back to all the time.

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼? 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼 𝘀𝗼?

👉 It has 0.5% Salicylic Acid, 2.5% Lactic Acid, and 2.5% Glycolic Acid to give you some gentle exfoliation.

👉 I love using it when my skin is dealing with excess oil production and clogged pores. It's also completely non-drying.

👉 If you're someone dealing with similar concerns, I highly suggest including it in your skincare routine.

‼️The beads aren't plastic, they dissolve when the cleanser lathers. 

👉 No added fragrance and no sweet smell (their brightening cleanser has this and I'm not a fan)

PR sample/ affiliate code - RIFAT for 20% off.
TV ads are to be blamed when it comes to dandruff TV ads are to be blamed when it comes to dandruff shaming. They project it as something that's to be ashamed of, and something that makes you dirty and unhygienic.

👉All of this results in desperation. People start looking for "quick hacks" to undo the "dirtiness". But it doesn't work that way.

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 "𝗱𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆" 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗿𝘂𝗳𝗳?

🤓 Using anti-dandruff shampoo is a simple way to control dandruff, and the itchiness and flakiness that come with it.

👉All you have to do is wash your hair with a regular shampoo, then go in with an anti-dandruff one, keep it on for 10 minutes and rinse. (Cross-check the instructions on the bottle, it might vary across different brands)

📝I've had dandruff since teenage and this is the best, lazy girl routine that works for me. If after a month or two of usage, you see zero difference, then please go see a doctor to discuss your options.

‼️I repeat - you can't eliminate it. It'll come back as soon as you stop.
ad | Summer skincare tip ft. @thefaceshopindia_off ad | Summer skincare tip ft. @thefaceshopindia_official 
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩'𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙮 𝙩𝙞𝙥 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙮?
Mine's incorporating clays!

🌞 These suck out excess oil from your skin which makes your pores clean and help you prevent pimples. 

🌞During summers, oily skin goes into overdrive and incorporating clays in the routine 1-2x a week is always a good idea for oil control.

Key ingredients - Kaolin clay and Volcanic ash to suck the oils w/o over drying.

𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦

👉I have been using the Jeju Volcanic Lava Scrub from TFS for a month but with my own twist because I'm not a face scrub person.

👉I apply a thin layer of this on my wet T-zone, wait for 1-2 minutes and gently massage it with some water to wash off. It leaves the skin really clean and soft to touch. With regular maintenance, I do notice that my T-zone starts acting normally.

👉When my nose feels crusty with dead skin, I use this to get the instant smooth skin. Not a corrective product though!

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡

👉It's not must-have/HG product for me but since summers are here, it does serve a purpose in my routine because I always incorporate clay masks during hot seasons for oil control. It's not a "mask" per se but ykwim.
It's also decently priced.

👉Only recommend it to oily skin types and suggest to spot treat over oily areas otherwise it's too strong (when used how I use) or just use as a face scrub if you're into that.

Price: Rs 690 for 140 ml (15% off, link's in bio) #TheFaceShopIndia
Is Vitamin C an integral part of your skincare rou Is Vitamin C an integral part of your skincare routine? What do you expect from Vitamin C?

👉I use it mainly for its antioxidant effect to fight free radical damage, to reduce sun damage, and get an overall brighten (not lighten or whiten, just "un-dull") complexion.

👉It also helps in making skin's natural healing process better so that the skin is able to recover from damages on its own.

👉However, I have always said it's not for PIH irrespective of what other people say.✋Think of it as a maintenance product, not a corrective one.

➖ I've been using the new @drsheths Amla Vitamin C Serum for over a month now. It has,
◾20% Vitamin C derivative
◾1% Vitamin E
◾1% Sodium Hyaluronate
◾0.5% Ferulic Acid

It's loaded with antioxidants!

➖ Experience ➖

◾When I apply it on slightly wet skin, the absorption is the best (and there's no stinging so dw). It leaves my skin soft, hydrated, and brightened.

◾The ✨glowy effect✨ is way more when you don't apply on wet skin but it gives a tacky finish so don't do that if you have oily skin especially in this heat.

👉Their packaging has full details on how to use and stuff which is very helpful in avoiding confusion.

‼️I don't see any drawbacks as of now, will update, if any, in my empties post once I finish it.

gifted/affiliate code RIFAT for 20% off
I've been creating content for 3+ years now and in I've been creating content for 3+ years now and in this journey I have tried A LOT of products. So if you want to know what I think NOW about any of those products, let me know!

All you have to do is mention the product name in the comments and I'll tell you if I still love it or hate it. Have my thoughts changed? Have I found something better? What are those alternatives? If I'm reviewed them recently, do I still stand by what I said? What changed? 

For eg: I really used to like the garnier pink cap micellar water years ago but then I grew out of it. I found better stuff.🤷‍♀️ And I'm sure it's the case with many products I've reviewed so this is your chance "to know the truth". :p
I'm having a hard time coming up with skincare po I'm having a hard time coming up with  skincare posts for the past few months. I have a lot to share but somehow I'm not able to. A major reason behind it is the excessive *absolute* skincare information all over the internet.

If there's one thing I've always believed in is that skincare can never be black or white. But the recent skincare craze has resulted in a huge influx of information which is choking me. It's sooo much that I am starting to detest talking about skincare.

The clout chasing has clearly taken out all the joy. The blanket statements, the rUleS, the gUidEs - SO MUCH CONTRADICTOING INFORMATION EVERYWHERE! It's literally not helping anyone. Bit*h I'm tired, okay? RANT OVER. Hi, how are you guys?☺️♥️
✨Current haircare routine with a few haircare ti ✨Current haircare routine with a few haircare tips I stand by.✨ What's yours?

👉 Step 1 Nykaa Shampoo: It doesn't make my hair limp and I lovee that about it.🥺 I think I might end up buying a second bottle when it's over.🙃

👉Step 2 Selsun Anti-dandruff shampoo: It's a staple in my haircare routine because I have dandruff. And the thing with dandruff in my case is that you can control it but you can't eliminate it.

👉 Step 3 Nykaa Conditioner: Remember when I said it doesn't condition your hair? I still stand by it. The conditioning you get is so minimal, it's disappointing.

However, I have really short hair now so not much dry strands to take care of. And this conditioner works just fine for that.

The only reason why I'm using it is because I love finishing products. Also, the packaging is cute so I look forward to hairwash days.😌

PS: I do think leave-in hair serums really add to your hair health. But again depends on your hair and whether you need them.☺️
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