Coffea Robusta Seed Extract
Extract from unroasted robusta coffee beans. Contains caffeine and chlorogenic acid. Topical caffeine temporarily constricts superficial vessels and reduces puffiness – hence its popularity in eye creams. Chlorogenic acid gives an antioxidant effect. The action is short-term and cosmetic.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Caffeine at 1–3% temporarily reduces periorbital puffiness (Herman 2013). No long-term anti-aging effect.
- Herman A, Herman AP. Caffeine's mechanisms of action and its cosmetic use. Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2013;26(1):8-14. PMID 23075568
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Coffea Robusta Seed Extract is derived from unroasted Coffea canephora var. robusta beans. Contains caffeine (1.5-3%), chlorogenic acid, diterpene compounds, and small amounts of minerals. Mechanism. Topical caffeine constricts superficial vessels, temporarily reduces puffiness, draws water from the perivascular zone (a microcirculatory diuretic effect). Chlorogenic acid provides antioxidant action and suppresses oxidative processes in vitro. The effect is cosmetic and short-term – don't count on a long-term result against puffiness and dark circles. Where applied. Eye creams, anti-cellulite products, toning serums for tired skin, 'morning energy' products. In Spain – in Mercadona Deliplus eye creams, Sesderma Coffeesther, La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 (as a secondary component). Evidence base. Herman 2013 RCT: topical 1% caffeine reduced thigh circumference in 16 women by 0.5 cm over 4 weeks – clinically minor. For the under-eye area, Vergilio 2016 showed a slight reduction in puffiness on instrumental assessment after 8 weeks of use. Safety. CIR confirmed Coffee Seed Extract safety. Irritation is rare, allergies sporadic. Systemic absorption of caffeine through intact skin is low; no risk even with daily use. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Topical caffeine concentrations don't reach a systemic effect or affect the fetus. Best suited to: tired eyelid skin with mild morning puffiness, dull facial skin. Doesn't help with structural dark circles (pigmented, vascular, eyelid hernias) – those need a doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Is Coffea Robusta Seed Extract safe during pregnancy?
Coffea Robusta Seed Extract is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Coffea Robusta Seed Extract for?
Coffea Robusta Seed Extract suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Coffea Robusta Seed Extract and what does it do in cosmetics?
Extract from unroasted robusta coffee beans.
What's the INCI name for Coffea Robusta Seed Extract?
The INCI name is Coffea Robusta Seed Extract. It may also appear as: Robusta Coffee Extract.
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