Coffee isn’t just for jump-starting your mornings; it can also revitalize tired eyes. This coffee-infused under-eye cream includes nourishing antioxidants, along with butters and oils. Understanding the reasons behind under-eye circles is key before trying to fix them. While many eye creams make miraculous claims, lifestyle changes are also necessary to combat under-eye circles effectively.
A 2016 study on “Periorbital Hyperpigmentation” examined the causes of under-eye discoloration and puffiness, revealing that 81% of dark circle cases were women. Factors contributing to these dark circles can vary, and addressing health concerns alongside using an effective eye cream is important.
So, with so many eye creams available, why pick this one? Much like my shea butter eye cream recipe, it’s made with natural, nourishing ingredients, with the standout ingredient being coffee-infused coconut oil. Although coffee is known for its health benefits, this cream likely doesn’t contain caffeine because caffeine is water-soluble and doesn’t survive the oil infusion process. However, coffee is a fantastic source of antioxidants that combat damage from oxidative stress and UV exposure while reducing inflammation.
Many commercial coffee eye creams utilize green coffee extract from unroasted beans, but a 2019 study in the journal Metabolites suggests that darker roast coffee holds more antioxidants. These antioxidants, created during the roasting process, are more potent in roasted beans compared to green ones.
Avocado oil is another key player, boasting vitamins A, B, and E, proteins, and amino acids. It helps increase collagen, supports cellular health, and can mitigate signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Avocado oil also contributes to reducing inflammation, aiding tissue repair, and providing UV protection. For skincare, unrefined, dark green avocado oil is the most beneficial.
With a delightful chocolate aroma and smooth texture, cocoa butter is well-loved in skincare products. It contains tocotrienols—antioxidants that are significantly more effective than those in vitamin E. Tocotrienols are easily absorbed by the skin, reducing inflammation and shielding against damage.
Mango butter, softer than cocoa butter and high in vitamin C, repairs and revitalizes damaged skin. Its high antioxidant content balances out the rich oils in the cream without making it overly heavy.
The combination of coffee, lavender, and chocolate might sound unusual, but it results in a lovely fragrance. Lavender is excellent for soothing irritated skin, though only a small amount is used to ensure safety around the eyes, taking care to avoid contact with the eyes themselves.
This under-eye cream should be stored in small glass jars or metal tins, lasting 6-12 months. Like most DIY skincare products, it is best kept away from direct heat and sunlight. The absence of water in the formula helps prevent bacterial growth, negating the need for preservatives. However, adding 1% vitamin E can further extend the oils’ shelf life—a suggestion of about 10 drops of vitamin E oil.
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Shani Muhammad, MD, a board-certified family medicine practitioner with over ten years of experience. This information is not a substitute for personal medical advice, so consulting with your doctor is recommended.
Do you incorporate under-eye cream in your routine? How do you care for your eyes through self-care practices?
