The Ordinary's Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum is a lightweight, water-based serum pairing a high caffeine concentration with epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside (EGCG) from green tea. The brand targets puffiness and dark circles, saying puffiness may improve within days and dark circles over several weeks of twice-daily use. Dermatologist Dr. Hadley King calls it an elegant formula with enough caffeine to decrease puffiness, and Byrdie testers saw smoother, less puffy under-eyes after about four weeks. The thin liquid can feel slightly tacky and is not very hydrating, so editors suggest layering an eye cream on top, and some creators have stopped using it.

Best for

Morning puffiness on a budget
A light layer under eye cream or concealer
Those who prefer serums to rich eye creams

Why it’s trending

200K+ sold on TikTok Shop

Source

What we love

Very low price for 30 ml
Testers report less puffy, smoother under-eyes within about four weeks
Fast-absorbing serum that layers under eye cream
Vegan, alcohol-free and oil-free

Worth knowing

Can feel slightly tacky
Not hydrating enough to replace an eye cream
Dark-circle results are inconsistent

How it scored

The breakdown.

Five factors, weighted for formulas. Here’s our working.

7.6Good

Beauty score out of 10. Brands can’t pay for placement — ever.

Results30%7.1
Byrdie testers and a dermatologist report reduced puffiness and smoother under-eyes over a few weeks, while dark-circle results are less consistent across creator reviews.
Formula & ingredients20%7.3
A meaningful 5% caffeine level paired with a green-tea-derived antioxidant in a simple water-based serum, but with little to hydrate the delicate eye area.
Texture & experience15%7.0
Absorbs fast and feels refreshing, especially chilled, but Byrdie notes it can feel slightly tacky and is not hydrating enough on its own.
Value20%9.1
$9.20 for 30 ml is a fraction of the price of most eye creams and lasts months.
Community love15%7.8
A widely recommended budget eye serum with millions of video views and Byrdie list placements, though some creators have published why they stopped using it.

Beauty profile

Inside the bottle.

Texture

Lightweight, water-based serum

Format

Serum

Size

1 fl oz / 30 ml

Key ingredients

Ingredient encyclopedia →

What’s in it: 5% caffeine with epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside (EGCG), a green-tea-derived antioxidant; pH 4.50–5.50, per the brand.

How to use

Apply a small amount to the eye contour morning and evening after cleansing and before moisturizer; the brand suggests storing it in the fridge for a cooling feel.

Free from (brand-stated)

alcohol
oil
silicones
gluten

Claims & certifications

Vegan
Cruelty-free (brand-stated)

Official product page

Creator video reviews

Watch it in action.

Real reviews, try-ons and wear tests from independent creators — verified with TikTok and YouTube and labelled when sponsored.

We don’t pay creators for reviews, and they don’t pay us. Nothing from TikTok or YouTube loads until you press play.

Price & value

Is it worth it?

Typical price

$9.20

for 1 fl oz / 30 ml

Per ounce

$9.07

DrugstoreMid-rangePrestigeLuxury

About 81% less per ounce than the typical eye & lip we review. Our value score: 9.1/10 for a drugstore pick.

Price checked November 2026 at a non-Amazon retailer. Prices change — retailers show the current one.

Where to buy

Check price on Amazon Shop on TikTok Shop204022 sold Buy from the brand$9.20 SSee it at Sephora USee it at Ulta

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never affects our scores or what we recommend. How we make money

Community

What members noticed.

Ratings, skin types and the benefits people actually saw — logged on the Benefit Wheel.

No member ratings yet.

Tried it? Your score — and your skin or hair type — helps the next person decide.

Highlighted: what it’s built to do.

Discussion

No discussions yet.

Tried The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG? Ask a question or share how it’s working for your skin or hair — you’ll be the first.

FAQ

Good questions.

How long does the Caffeine Solution take to work?

The Ordinary's FAQ says puffiness may look reduced within a few days of consistent use, while dark circles can take several weeks of regular use to show more noticeable results.

Should I keep it in the fridge?

The brand recommends storing it in the fridge, noting the cooling sensation can feel refreshing on tired eyes.

Can I use it twice a day?

Yes. The directions say to apply a small amount to the eye contour in the morning and evening, after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Do I still need an eye cream?

Byrdie recommends following it with an eye cream because the serum is a thin liquid that can feel slightly tacky and is not very moisturizing on its own.

Sources we checked (7)