The Ordinary

Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

Eye ProductBudgetMorning or evening
High-dose caffeine with green-tea-derived EGCG antioxidants for dark-circle and puffiness support. Water-based and light — applies under any moisturiser or eye cream. Best results on vascular-type dark circles, less on pigmentation-type.

What this is good for

✓ Great forDark CirclesDullness

Ingredient stack

Each ingredient is listed in descending concentration. Above the 1% line the order is regulated — below it, brands can list in any order.

Ingredients above the dashed gold line are dosed above 1% (the regulatory threshold) — these are what the formulation is really built on.

~50–80%Aqua (Water)
5%Caffeine
~3–10%Pentylene Glycol
~2–6%Propanediol
~1.5–4%Epigallocatech…
~1–2%Glycerin
~1–2%Ethoxydiglycol
~1–2%Panthenol
≤ 1% each9 more ingredients below 1%
position-estimated %★ brand-disclosed %1% regulatory line

What's actually doing the work

Caffeine
1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine / Eye Area Vasoconstrictor
Antioxidant
Topical caffeine works as a potent vasoconstrictor (reducing undereye puffiness and dark circles), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (breaking down fat in adipocytes for cellulite applications), and an antioxidant protecting against UV-induced DNA damage. Studies show significant improvement in undereye puffiness and dark circles at 3%.
Green Tea Extract
EGCG / Epigallocatechin Gallate / Camellia Sinensis
Botanical
Rich in catechins, primarily EGCG — a potent free-radical scavenger, anti-inflammatory, and mild androgen receptor inhibitor relevant to sebum reduction. Topical EGCG reduces sebum, calms inflammatory acne, provides UV photoprotection, and inhibits MMP activity that degrades the dermal matrix.

Routine placement

Morning or evening

Similar on the shelf

Put this in context

Skin Stacker is independent and receives no payment from any brand. Ingredient analysis is based on publicly disclosed INCI lists and the peer-reviewed literature. Formulations change — always re-check the label on your specific batch before using.