Caffeine in cosmetics

Many people might be surprised to see caffeine on the cosmetic ingredients list on a cosmetic product label. It is well known that caffeine is extracted from coffee, and it is this substance that gives the drink a tonic effect. But what is its purpose in a face cream? Surprisingly, caffeine is an ingredient that provides a pronounced effect of reducing swelling and local “sculpting” of the face. Details below.

“Caffeine is increasingly used in cosmetics due to its high biological activity and ability to penetrate the skin barrier. This alkaloid is often used as a hydrophilic model substance in studies of the permeability of human and animal skin, as well as in synthetic membranes in experiments with Franz cells. In commercial topical formulas, caffeine is usually contained in a concentration of 3%. In cosmetology, it is used as an active ingredient in anti-cellulite products, as it prevents excessive accumulation of fat in cells. Caffeine stimulates lipolysis by inhibiting the activity of phosphodiesterase. It has pronounced antioxidant properties, protects cells from UV radiation and slows down the processes of photoaging. In addition, caffeine in cosmetics improves microcirculation and stimulates hair growth by inhibiting the activity of 5-α-reductase". © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel, Switzerland.

Caffeine was discovered not so long ago, in 2019 it was only 200 years since the German chemist, physician and philosopher Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge isolated a transparent substance from coffee beans that crystallized during drying and called it caffeine.

Caffeine crystals dissolve well in hot water, but hardly in cold water (which is familiar to anyone who has tried to brew coffee with barely warm water). However, the tonic properties of coffee were known to mankind long before the discovery of caffeine.

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