Below is every ingredient in 3% Caffeine + Peptides Eye Serum explained, its standout actives, and the side effects reported in research for those actives — analysed for Indian skin.
Flags derived from the ingredient list using dermatology reference data (fungal-acne substrate, comedogenicity, EU allergens). General guidance, not a diagnosis.
Answers are derived from the printed ingredient list and dermatology reference data — general guidance, not a diagnosis or a therapeutic claim.
1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine, commonly known as caffeine, is a methylxanthine alkaloid used topically for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasoconstrictive properties. It is often included in formulations targeting puffiness, dark under-eye circles, and as a supportive antioxidant.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5 is a synthetic peptide used in cosmetics primarily to reduce periorbital puffiness and improve skin elasticity by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and reducing fluid accumulation and glycation. It is commonly found in eye creams and anti-aging formulations.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (licorice) Root Extract is a botanical ingredient containing glycyrrhizin and glabridin, valued for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties. It is commonly used to calm irritation, reduce redness, and help fade hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase activity.
Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin.
Gentiana Lutea (yellow gentian) root extract is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties, attributed to compounds like gentiopicroside and xanthones. It is typically included to soothe and protect the skin rather than as a primary therapeutic active.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Irritation or sensitivity | Very rare | Purified water itself is essentially inert; rare reactions are attributable to contaminants or accompanying ingredients rather than water. |
| Transepidermal water loss aggravation in compromised skin | Rare | Evaporation of water from products may transiently increase dryness in very compromised skin barriers if occlusives are absent. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Localized redness, itching, or rash in sensitized individuals. |
| Mild skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Transient irritation, more likely on broken or compromised skin. |
| Contact urticaria | Rare | Hives or wheal reaction reported in isolated cases. |
| Contact irritation or stinging | Uncommon | More likely on sensitive or compromised skin due to trace fragrance compounds. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Mild stinging if applied near or in the eyes. |
| Photosensitivity | Very rare | Rarely reported; rose hydrosol contains minimal phototoxic compounds compared to citrus oils. |
| Mild transient skin irritation or redness | Uncommon | Usually mild and resolves after discontinuation; more likely at higher concentrations. |
| Skin dryness | Uncommon | May occur with frequent use or in sensitive skin. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic sensitization | Rare | Allergic reactions to topical caffeine are infrequently reported. |
| Stinging or tingling sensation | Rare | Typically associated with application near the eye area or on compromised skin. |
| Irritant contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Mild stinging or redness, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Transient stinging or burning | Uncommon | Usually short-lived, especially on broken or irritated skin. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aqua Solvent / vehicle | Aqua (water) is the most common base ingredient in skincare formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves water-soluble components and forms the medium for emulsions. It has no direct treatment activity and primarily contributes to texture, spreadability, and product delivery. |
| Aloe Barbadensis Extract Soothing/moisturizing agent | Aloe Barbadensis Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polysaccharides, vitamins, and amino acids used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and mild anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly incorporated into moisturizers, after-sun products, and soothing formulations. |
| Rosa Damascena Distillate Soothing/fragrant hydrosol | Rosa Damascena Distillate (rose water) is the aromatic water byproduct of steam-distilling Damask rose petals, used in skincare as a mild humectant, soothing agent, and natural fragrance. It contains trace amounts of volatile rose oil compounds and is valued for its calming and toning properties. |
| 1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine Key active Antioxidant / anti-inflammatory (caffeine) | 1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine, commonly known as caffeine, is a methylxanthine alkaloid used topically for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasoconstrictive properties. It is often included in formulations targeting puffiness, dark under-eye circles, and as a supportive antioxidant. |
| 1,3-Butylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | 1,3-Butylene glycol is a small diol used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity modifier that helps retain moisture and improve product texture. It also has mild antimicrobial properties that can aid preservation. |
| Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5 Key active Anti-edema / anti-puffiness peptide | Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5 is a synthetic peptide used in cosmetics primarily to reduce periorbital puffiness and improve skin elasticity by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and reducing fluid accumulation and glycation. It is commonly found in eye creams and anti-aging formulations. |
| Panthenol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | Panthenol (provitamin B5) is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin, where it acts as a humectant and helps support skin barrier function and hydration. It is also used for its soothing and mild anti-inflammatory properties in topical formulations. |
| Niacinamide Key active Cell-communicating / barrier-repair active | Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%. |
| Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Key active Soothing / brightening agent | Glycyrrhiza Glabra (licorice) Root Extract is a botanical ingredient containing glycyrrhizin and glabridin, valued for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties. It is commonly used to calm irritation, reduce redness, and help fade hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase activity. |
| Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract Soothing/hydrating botanical extract | Cucumis Sativus (cucumber) fruit extract is used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and mild antioxidant properties. It is commonly added to formulations to provide a cooling, calming sensation and to support skin moisture. |
| Benzyl Alcohol Preservative / solvent | Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol used primarily as a preservative and solvent in cosmetic formulations, and it also provides mild fragrance and viscosity-reducing properties. It is approved for use as a preservative at concentrations up to about 1% in leave-on and rinse-off products. |
| Salicylic Acid Key active Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliant / keratolytic | Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin. |
| Sorbic Acid Preservative | Sorbic acid is a weak organic acid used in cosmetics primarily as an antimicrobial preservative, especially effective against molds and yeasts at acidic pH. It is typically used at low concentrations (around 0.1-0.2%) to extend product shelf life. |
| Glycerin Humectant | Glycerin is a widely used humectant that attracts and retains water in the skin, helping to hydrate the stratum corneum and support barrier function. It is considered safe and well-tolerated across most skin types and concentrations. |
| Gentiana Lutea Extract Key active Antioxidant/soothing botanical extract | Gentiana Lutea (yellow gentian) root extract is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties, attributed to compounds like gentiopicroside and xanthones. It is typically included to soothe and protect the skin rather than as a primary therapeutic active. |
| Hyaluronic Acid Key active Humectant / hydrating agent | Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin, helping to maintain hydration and improve the appearance of plumpness and smoothness. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums and is generally well tolerated across skin types. |
| Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside Key active Antioxidant | Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside is a glucoside-stabilized derivative of EGCG, a green tea-derived polyphenol, used in topical formulations for its antioxidant and free-radical-scavenging properties. The glucoside modification improves stability and water solubility compared to native EGCG. |
| Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster | Sodium hydroxide (lye) is a strong alkaline compound used in small amounts to adjust and stabilize the pH of cosmetic formulations. At regulated low concentrations in finished products it is considered safe, though it is corrosive in concentrated form. |
| Xanthan Gum Thickener/stabilizer | Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, used in skincare as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent. It improves product texture and suspension of ingredients without contributing active treatment effects. |
Key active = does the main work. Ingredient explanations are drawn from public databases & literature.
Peer-reviewed papers on the active ingredients in this product, via PubMed.