Can caffeine be absorbed through your skin?

Author: Samanta Osinski  |  Last update: Friday, May 2, 2025

Caffeine is being increasingly used in cosmetics due to its high biological activity and ability to penetrate the skin barrier. This alkaloid is frequently used as a hydrophilic model substance in human and animal skin penetration as well as different synthetic membrane using Franz diffusion cell experiments.

Can caffeine be absorbed transdermally?

Caffeine is administered topically and transdermally for a variety of pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications and it is also used as a model hydrophilic compound in dermal risk assessment studies.

Is it OK to put caffeine on your skin?

Potential Benefits of Caffeine Skin-Care Products

Caffeine may also protect against photodamage, like fine lines and wrinkles after sun exposure. “Studies show caffeine helps when it's applied after exposure to UVA and UVB rays,” Dr. Rodney says.

Can coffee soak into your skin?

Yes, your skin absorbs caffeine into your blood stream, so keep that in mind when deciding when to take your espresso bath!

Will caffeine in skincare keep me awake?

Caffeinated skin care products have small concentrations of caffeine and therefore are not designed to keep you awake at night, so they're suitable for morning or evening use. However, as the product wears off, the benefits will wane.

3 Interesting Benefits of Using Caffeine on Your Skin

How does caffeine work topically?

It helps protect cells against the UV radiation and slows down the process of photoaging of the skin. Moreover, caffeine contained in cosmetics increases the microcirculation of blood in the skin and also stimulates the growth of hair through inhibition of the 5-α-reductase activity.

Does topical caffeine affect sleep?

While not a guarantee, applying caffeine to your skin may disrupt sleep and prevent you from getting your full eight hours.

How long can caffeine be absorbed through the skin?

The in vivo results obtained by Otberg et al. [14] showed a penetration of caffeine into the blood already after a few minutes, following topical application (see Figure 1). The maximum of caffeine penetration was reached after 1 h (control samples) or 2 h (test samples).

What are the side effects of applying coffee on the face?

Are there any side effects of applying coffee powder on my face? Some potential side effects are redness, stinging, peeling, breakouts or dryness. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Importantly, introduce slowly if you have sensitive skin.

What does coffee do to your hair?

Coffee's caffeine content can promote hair growth and halt hair loss. It stimulates the hair shafts, causing the roots of the hair to grow longer and wider. As a stimulant, caffeine promotes blood flow to hair follicles. Additionally, using coffee can strengthen hair and speed up hair growth.

Does quitting caffeine improve your skin?

Slower Skin Aging

Caffeine slows down the rate at which your body makes collagen. This is a protein that gives your skin its tightness and elasticity. Once it drops, your skin starts to sag, and wrinkles appear. You make it more slowly as you age.

Does caffeine stimulate hair growth?

Studies on Hair Growth

The results showed that the stimulant did, in fact, help aid in hair growth, with even the hair treated with growth inhibitors showing improvement. It seems that the caffeine both stimulates the hair shaft and blocks the effects of growth inhibitors such as testosterone.

Why put caffeine in deodorant?

We swap out the antiperspirant properties of aluminum for caffeine, a safe and natural astringent that helps slow sweat by blocking the openings of your sweat ducts, keeping you dry and comfortable all day long.

What is the best way to absorb caffeine?

The Bottom Line

Drinking your coffee on an empty stomach in the morning and choosing lighter-roast beans are some ways to help your body get the most out of the caffeine. Of course, caffeine isn't the only solution to staying energized during the day.

Does caffeine inhibit collagen production in skin?

It showed that exposing the most common type of cell found in connective tissue to different concentrations of caffeine led to up to 92% less of the protein being produced. Less collagen could lead to dryer skin, more wrinkles, and more visible signs of ageing.

Where is the best place to put caffeine patch?

Infused with Caffeine, Green Tea, and Vitamin B12. Perfect for earlier-than-usual mornings, mid-day slumps, post-lunch meetings—or anytime that calls for being (a little bit more) awake. Peel and place one patch on inside of wrist, or any venous area that is clean and dry.

What does caffeine do to your skin?

Caffeine is an antioxidant, which is known to protect skin from damage caused by free radicals — molecules that break down your collagen and cause fine lines, wrinkles and otherwise saggy, sallow skin.

Why use honey on face?

Honey has excellent nourishing and moisturizing properties. It helps soothe inflammation, improve texture and even out skin tone. Topical use of honey on skin helps improve, balance sebum levels and control acne.

Can caffeine be applied topically?

Yes, topical caffeine is good for your skin. On top of the anti-inflammatory benefits mentioned above, caffeine is actually an antioxidant. When applied to the skin, caffeine helps fight off free radicals, which are a form of oxidation caused by UV radiation.

Does caffeine accelerate skin aging?

Caffeine can dehydrate the skin

It can also lead to a dull complexion and skin dryness, which may result in premature fine lines and wrinkles. With overconsumption of caffeine, the area around the eyes can appear sunken, and any imperfections, such as fine lines and wrinkles, can become more pronounced.

Can vitamin B be absorbed through the skin?

While there are some topical B12 creams on the market, Vitamin B12 is generally not effectively absorbed through the skin. Oral supplements and injections remain the most reliable methods for increasing B12 levels.

Can you absorb coffee through skin?

Surprisingly, yes – caffeine can be absorbed through skin. In fact, a study found that when applied to the skin, a significant amount of caffeine actually makes its way all the way through.

Does topical caffeine burn fat?

On the other hand, caffeine applied locally (as in anti-cellulite creams which contain caffeine) is effective in reducing LOCAL fat. This because it does help break down and expel fat molecules from fat cells IN THAT SPECIFIC area where it is applied, and thereby reduces LOCALISED fat deposits and cellulite.

Are caffeine creams safe?

Skin care products that contain caffeine are safe for most people. Most products contain 3% caffeine. This is a low concentration, so it's unlikely to cause any problems. And it's nearly impossible to “overdose” on caffeine at this concentration.

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