If you’re looking for a targeted, budget-friendly solution for under-eye puffiness and dark circles, few products have garnered as much attention as The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG. It combines high-strength caffeine with potent EGCG extracted from green tea leaves — ingredients chosen specifically for their potential to reduce puffiness, protect against oxidative stress, and support healthier-looking under-eye skin.
In this review we’ll break down the formula, how it performs, who it’s best for, how it compares with alternatives, and the real benefits you can expect.
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is a lightweight, fast-absorbing serum that targets undereye puffiness and dark circles. Its high caffeine concentration and green tea extract work together to help reduce fluid-related swelling and oxidative stress. It’s best used consistently as part of a morning or evening routine, and is especially popular among people with tired, puffy eyes looking for a non-heavy, affordable treatment.
🔹 5% Caffeine
Caffeine is a popular ingredient in under-eye products because it’s thought to constrict blood vessels, which can help temporarily reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. High concentrations like 5% make this serum more potent than many drug-store eye creams.
🔹 EGCG — Green Tea Leaf Extract
EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside) is a powerful antioxidant derived from green tea. It helps combat free-radical damage, which is linked to signs of aging and tired skin. By reducing oxidative stress, EGCG supports overall skin health and may help reduce visible signs of fatigue.
🌱 Lightweight, Water-Based Formula
The texture is thin and non-greasy, which is ideal for layering under moisturizer or makeup. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel heavy on delicate undereye skin.
🧴 How It Feels & Applies
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Texture: Lightweight serum
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Absorption: Fast — no sticky finish
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Application: Use a few drops under each eye, morning and/or night
The lightweight texture makes it easy to integrate into most skincare routines — especially for those who dislike thick eye creams.
📈 Performance & Results
⚡ Puffiness
Many users notice a visible reduction in under-eye puffiness after consistent use (typically over 2–4 weeks). This effect is especially pronounced in cases where fluid retention is the cause of swelling, such as after poor sleep or salty meals.
🌒 Dark Circles
Dark circles are influenced by many factors (genetics, pigmentation, skin thinning), so no product eliminates them completely. But caffeine’s ability to constrict blood vessels can help minimize the appearance of darkness attributed to vascular shadows.
👁️ Brightness & Texture
Over time, EGCG’s antioxidant effects can help the delicate undereye skin appear more refreshed, less dull, and slightly smoother.
📊 How It Compares to Similar Eye Serums
| Feature | Ordinary Caffeine + EGCG | Premium Vitamin C Eye Serums | Retinol Eye Treatments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puffiness Reduction | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐★★ |
| Dark Circle Improvement | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Antioxidant Protection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Texture Lightness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Vitamin C serums can brighten and target pigmentation, but they are often thicker and less focused on puffiness.
Retinol eye products address fine lines and texture but can be irritating in delicate eye areas.
This Ordinary formula strikes a middle ground, primarily targeting puffiness and oxidative stress without heavy texture or strong irritation.
🐣 Real-World Use Cases
🌞 Morning Routine
Apply under the eye first thing to help depuff after sleep and support brightness before makeup.
🌙 Night Routine
Used consistently at night, it supports recovery from daily oxidative stress.
✈️ Travel & Fatigue Relief
Lightweight formula and quick absorption make it a good pick for travel kits or jet-lagged skin.
👍 Pros & ⚠️ Cons
✔ Pros
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Lightweight, non-greasy texture
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High-strength caffeine and green tea extract
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Helps visibly reduce puffiness
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Good antioxidant support
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Affordable compared with many premium eye serums
⚠ Cons
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Results can be subtle and gradual
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Less effective on pigmentation-related dark circles
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Not a standalone solution for aging concerns (use with other targeted treatments)
🧠 Who This Is Best For
This caffeine + EGCG serum works well if you:
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Suffer from under-eye puffiness due to fluid retention
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Want a lightweight, non-heavy eye treatment
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Prefer a budget-friendly yet potent serum
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Want to support antioxidant protection around the eye
🎯 Who Might Prefer Something Else
Consider alternatives if you:
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Have deep pigmentation or age spots under the eyes
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Want a retinol or collagen-boosting eye formula
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Prefer creamier, richer eye creams for severe dryness
FAQ — The Ordinary Caffeine Solution
When should I use this — morning or night?
It can be used both morning and evening. For puffiness relief after sleep, many people prefer morning application.
How soon will I see results?
Results vary, but many users see noticeable reduction in puffiness within 2–4 weeks of consistent use.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
The formula is generally mild and well-tolerated, but patch testing is always recommended. Avoid getting the product into the eye itself.
Can I use it with other eye treatments?
Yes — you can layer it with other eye creams or serums, such as hydrating or retinol formulas, depending on your routine.
By Jessica Borga. Accgo doesn’t review products. It explains whether living with them actually makes life easier—especially in Canada.
