Caffeine Powder, 500 g

Caffeine in pure powder form is an active ingredient for anti-cellulite preparations, eye area serums and scalp hair tonics. In formulations it acts as a stimulant and antioxidant: it tones the skin and helps protect it against oxidative stress, making it suitable also for mature skin products. As a pure substance it is dosed precisely by percentage, without conversion calculations based on the active content in an extract.

Effects and applications

• Anti-cellulite – the most common use of caffeine in body cosmetics. It is added to firming gels, creams and massage preparations for thighs, abdomen and hips, where it helps improve skin appearance and tone.
• Stimulating effect – energises and refreshes the skin. It is therefore a common ingredient in eye serums and gel roll-ons for a tired-looking eye area, as well as in refreshing facial and body tonics.
• Antioxidant and mature skin care – supports skin protection against free radical damage. In anti-aging preparations it promotes a smoother skin appearance. The effect on wrinkles is cosmetic and relates to skin appearance.
• Against hair loss – in shampoos, hair tonics and scalp serums caffeine is used for weakened, thinning hair. Here too the product acts cosmetically on the appearance and condition of hair and scalp.

Use in formulation

Caffeine belongs in the water phase. It is sparingly soluble in water and partially soluble in alcohol, so it is dissolved in heated water with constant stirring. The recommended processing temperature is up to 80 °C. Once fully dissolved, the water phase is processed in the usual way: in emulsions it is combined with the oil phase during emulsification; in gels the caffeine solution is prepared before the thickener is added.

The recommended dosage is 0.5 – 3 % depending on the product type. It can be used in rinse-off and leave-on products.

Verify stability and clarity in the finished formulation, especially at higher doses and in cold-process preparations. The powder itself does not contain preservatives, so aqueous products with caffeine require their own preservation system.

Suitable for products such as

• Body gels and anti-cellulite creams – often with massage application.
• Eye serums and roll-ons – lightweight aqueous or gel bases to refresh the appearance of the eye area.
• Facial serums and tonics – aqueous and hydroalcoholic preparations for all skin types, antioxidant and toning role.
• Shampoos and hair tonics – rinse-off and leave-on preparations for the scalp.
• Lightweight O/W emulsions – caffeine is dissolved in the water phase before emulsification.

Pure caffeine requires an aqueous portion in which to dissolve. It is therefore not suitable for anhydrous products such as oil serums, balms and butter-based creams.

Good to know

In alcoholic tonics, dissolve caffeine first in the aqueous portion and add the alcohol only afterwards, as it dissolves only partially in alcohol alone. In sprays, ensure complete dissolution; otherwise undissolved particles will clog the nozzle.

Caffeine powder is a 100 % active substance in both cosmetic and pharmaceutical (pharmacopoeial) quality, produced by chemical synthesis. The white powder does not alter the colour of the finished product and is dosed directly by percentage, which distinguishes it from plant-based caffeine extracts (green coffee, guarana, green tea) that also introduce their own colouring into the product.

Frequently asked questions