Eye Creams With Caffeine
Description
November 1, 2022
By Lisa Petrison
The eye creams listed on this page contain caffeine, which I have found to be effective in terms of helping to address eye bags as well as general eye puffiness.
Sometimes I use these creams on my whole face since they seem effective for reducing general facial puffiness as well.
The improvements that I have experienced as a result of using eye creams containing caffeine have been so helpful to me that I thought it would be worthwhile to put these products on their own page, so that they can be easily found and compared with one another.
I almost always use a cream containing caffeine at least once a day (and then usually use a different kind of eye cream such as one that seems especially good at addressing wrinkles at a different time of day).
While I don’t think that there is any reason why people who do not have bags or puffiness as an issue shouldn’t use the eye creams discussed here, they do not seem to be as specifically suited for them.
All of these creams do offer nice hydration and moisturizing benefits and may have other benefits as well though.
TOP PICKS
♣ Living Clean Superstars:
+100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream ($29)
Alpyn Beauty PlantGenius Line-Filling Eye Balm ($62)
+Mad Hippie Eye Cream ($26)
No B.S. Caffeine Eye Cream ($35)
Typology Caffeine 5% + Niacinamide 5% Serum ($18)
♦ Additional Choices:
Aveda Tulasara Brightening Sleep Eye Mask ($59)
Goop Goopgenes All-In-One Nourishing Eye Cream ($55)
Upcircle Eye Cream with Maple & Coffee Extract ($23)
♦ Not Yet Rated:
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Energizing Eye Cream ($39)
♠ Trash Can:
First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Cream ($36)
♥ Lisa’s Choice:
100% Pure Coffee Bean Eye Cream ($29)
Alpyn Beauty PlantGenius Line-Filling Eye Balm ($62)
√ Aveda Tulasara Brightening Sleeping Eye Mask ($59)
Mad Hippie Eye Cream ($26)
Notes:
1) Living Clean Superstars – Products with high scores on both Performance Rating (5) as well as Ingredients Rating (4/5). + Clean Pick (Ingredients Rating = 5).
2) Lisa’s Choice – Products that I would purchase for my own personal use. √ Lisa’s Favorite
The next section contains affiliate links, which means that Living Clean in a Dirty World may receive a commission if readers click on these links and then purchase products. Living Clean in a Dirty World also may accept product review samples but receives no other compensation from companies mentioned on this website.
100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream – $29
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 10 out of 10
Performance Rating: 
(5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
The description of this product on the 100% Pure website states, “Anti-inflammatory, caffeine rich green tea and coffee de-puff while increasing circulation to brighten dark circles. Concentrated with potent anti-aging vitamins and antioxidants to awaken the eye area, and nourishing rosehip oil for softer, more youthful skin.”
This unusual eye cream smells like a vanilla latte, due to the use of real vanilla and real coffee in the formula.
It has a tendency to separate in the tube so that at first it seems totally watery.
However, after I managed to get the product mixed back up again and got used to the scent, I realized that I really enjoyed using it and that it seemed to be quite effective on my face.
The amount of product provided is more generous than with most eye creams and makes it seem reasonable for me to use it on my whole face rather than just around my eyes.
I think that the caffeine in the formula is helpful for puffiness of my face in general, in addition to helping with the bags under my eyes.
The fact that the product is on the thin side even when thoroughly mixed also makes it seem appropriate for overall face use.
The product contains only natural ingredients, many of them organic.
My skin seems to have reacted very well to this product without becoming at all irritated.
It is a little oily for use during the day but has been fine for me at night.
This is one of 100% Pure’s most popular products and I agree that it is a good one.
I likely will buy it again at some point.
Size: 1 oz.
Pharmaca Rating: 4.4 Stars (74 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Yes
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
Think Dirty Rating: 0 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe (3), Rosa canina seed oil (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rose hydrosol, Rosa canina seed oil, Green coffee seed extract, Coffee cherry seed extract, Rosemary leaf extract, Oregano leaf extract, Thyme flower/leaf extract, Vanilla absolute fruit extract.
All Ingredients: Organic Aloe Leaf Juice*, Rose Hydrosol, Rosa Canina Seed Oil, Green Coffee Seed Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Sodium Ascorbate, Coffee Cherry Seed Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Oregano Leaf Extract, Thyme Flower/Leaf Extract, Vanilla Absolute Fruit Extract, Candelilla Wax.* *Certified Organic
Alpyn Beauty PlantGenius Line-Filling Eye Balm – $62
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 9 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
The description of this product on the Alpyn Beauty website states, “This ultra-moisturizing, under eye treatment applies like a cream but behaves like a balm—instantly improving the look of fine lines. Vitamin C, licorice root and bearberry leaf brighten the look of dark circles, while bakuchiol smooths and firms. Caffeine kicks in by improving the appearance of puffiness for a well-rested look.”
The eye cream uses a very wide variety of ingredients said to be beneficial for improving the look of the eye area, including caffeine (to address bags and puffiness); an “herbal retinol” (bakuchiol) to address wrinkles; some brightening agents (Vitamin C, licorice root and bearberry leaf) to reduce hyperpigmentation; some hydrators (sodium hyaluronate and squalane); and some exfoliators (such as apple fruit extract).
The product includes herbs that have been wildcrafted in the Jackson Hole (Wyoming) area.
Although the product contains benzyl alcohol (a solvent that can be irritating to the skin), I seem to have done okay with it. Perhtaps the amount used is not very high.
I find this product to be appealing since it contains both caffeine and bakuchiol and thus seems to have potential of addressing both puffiness and wrinkles.
I have liked this product so far but have not used it enough to make any conclusions about how well it works for either of those problems.
Probably I should do an experiment for a few weeks where I use this cream on one side of my face and the Aveda Tulasara cream on the other side, to see if I notice any difference.
Based on my experiences with the product so far, I very well may end up buying it again.
Size: 0.5 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.4 Stars (266 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Benzyl Alcohol)
EWG Product Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3), Benzyl alcohol (4), Licorice root extract (4). (Also contains Ascorbic acid.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Apple fruit extract, Euphrasia officinalis extract, Caesalpinia spinosa fruit extract, Caesalpinia sappan bark extract, Bearberry leaf extract, Sage leaf extract, Arnica flower extract, Borage flower extract, Calendula flower extract, Matricaria flower extract
All Ingredients: Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Squalane, Coconut Alkanes, Glycerin, Apple Fruit Extract, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Bakuchiol, Centella Asiatica Meristem Cell Culture, Xanthan Gum, Euphrasia Officinalis Extract, Cetearyl Glucoside, Sorbitan Stearate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Linoleic Acid, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Caffeine, Tripeptide-29, Potassium Sorbate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Tin Oxide, Caesalpinia Sappan Bark Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil, Bearberry Leaf Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Ceramide NG, Jojoba Seed Oil, Sage Leaf Extract, Arnica Flower Extract, Borage Flower Extract, Calendula Flower Extract, Matricaria Flower Extract. *Certified Organic
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Energizing Eye Cream – $39
Performance Rating: Not Rated
Ingredients Rating: 
(3 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: Moderate
The description of this product on the Aveda website reads, “A plant energy complex gives the skin a boost, helping increase energy in the cells to help brighten the skin around your eyes, while licorice root—known for its soothing properties in Ayurveda, the ancient healing art of India—helps diminish the appearance of dark circles. Suitable for all skin types. Ophthalmologist-tested.”
Based on the ingredient list, this product looks to me very similar to the Aveda Tulasara eye cream, except without quite so many of the supposedly helpful botanical ingredients.
I tried a little bit of it in the store and it felt okay to me.
Personally, I have been happy enough with the Aveda Tulasara cream that I am hesitant to substitute something that might not work as well.
However, those who feel that the Aveda Tulasara product is too expensive might consider giving this one a try instead.
Size: 0.5 oz.
Aveda Rating: 4.5 Stars (220 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: No (Salicylic Acid, PEG, Phenoxyethanol)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: PEG-100 stearate (3), Dimethicone (3), Licorice root extract (4), Salcylic acid (3), Phenoxyethanol (4).
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Ingredients: Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Shea Butter, Safflower Seed Oil, PEG-100 Stearate, Palm Oil, Dimethicone, Cetyl Esters, Molasses Extract, Asparagopsis Armata Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Olive Fruit Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Caffeine, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicylic Acid, Tocopherol, Cetyl Alcohol, Sorbitol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Sodium Pca, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol
Aveda Tulasara Brightening Sleeping Eye Mask – $59
♥ Lisa’s Choice
Living Clean Rating: 8 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: Low
The description of this product on the Aveda website states, “Wake up to brighter eyes. This rich, moisturizing, fragrance-free eye creme is a must-have in your skin care routine, helping diminish the look of dark circles as you sleep. Brightens: Potent turmeric extract helps brighten. Algae, licorice root and molasses root extracts help diminish the appearance of dark undereye circles. De-Puffs: Plant-derived caffeine helps reduce visible puffiness of eyes. Repairs & Smooths: Vitamin C helps skin enhance its own collagen production to help smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Tomato, potato, red raspberry stem cells work overnight to help support skin’s natural repair processes. Strengthens: Fortifies and strengthens your skin’s lipid barrier, sealing in moisture overnight. Dermatologist-tested. Non-acnegenic. Vegan and cruelty-free. Fragrance-free.”
This is one of the first eye creams that I tried, and I was really impressed at how much of a difference it made in terms of addressing puffiness as well as generally moisturizing my eye area.
I continue to think that this is likely the best eye cream for me that I have tried and therefore usually use it at least once every day or two even though I have been experimenting with quite a few other products as well.
Although I think the caffeine in the product likely has been especially helpful, this eye cream also contains a number of other supposedly beneficial ingredients that may have made a difference.
It is a bit expensive but one jar lasted me for several months even though I have used the product frequently.
Unlike most Aveda products, this eye cream does not include any processed natural fragrance.
On the negative side, this product contains PEG-100 stearate, which is a thickener about which EWG expresses mild concern with regard to it possibly causing cancer, allergies/immunotoxicity, and developmental toxicity. Although this chemical is allowed in the EU, it is listed as a “dirty” ingredient that would keep a product from being sold at Credo.
Although I generally try to avoid PEG’s, I like this eye cream enough in general that I have continued to use it.
The cream also contains phenoxyethanol (a preservative that some people cannot tolerate), salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid used as an exfoliator), and a small amount of dimethicone (a silicone).
Personally, I do not feel that this eye cream has been irritating to me at all and feel okay about continuing to use it.
While it does not seem to do as well as some creams (such as the Beautycounter Countertime or Chanel No. 1 de Chanel ones) with regard to softening the look of my wrinkles, the other benefits have made it worthwhile for me.
Size: 0.5 oz.
Aveda Rating: 4.4 Stars (112 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: No (Salicylic Acid, PEG, Phenoxyethanol)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: PEG-100 stearate (3), Licorice root extract (4), Dimethicone (3), Salicylic acid (3), Phenoxyethanol (4). (Also contains Citric acid.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Turmeric root extract, Cucumber fruit extract
All Ingredients: Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Cupuacu Seed Butter, Squalane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Shea Butter, Safflower Seed Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetyl Alcohol, Coco-Glucoside, Algae Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Apricot Kernel Oil, Tomato Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Potato Pulp Extract, Raspberry Leaf Extract, Turmeric Root Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sweet Almond Seed Extract, St. Paul’S Wort Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Asparagopsis Armata Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Barley Extract, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Molasses Extract, Olive Fruit Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Caffeine, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Sunflower Seedcake, Palm Oil, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Hydrolyzed Algin, Tocopherol, Sorbitol, Sea Salt, Dimethicone, Cetyl Esters, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Lauroyl Lysine, Salicylic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucosamine Hcl, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol
Goop Goopgenes All-In-One Nourishing Eye Cream – $55
Living Clean Rating: 7 out of 10
Performance Rating: (3 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
The description of this product on the Goop website states, “This clinically tested eye cream helps firm and smooth the appearance of crow’s-feet, fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles for a fresh, visibly well-rested look after just four weeks. Made with active ceramides and nourishing botanicals, it improves skin hydration for 72 hours. Note: While the Goopgenes All-in-One Nourishing Eye Cream is ophthalmologist-tested and approved, the high concentration of active ingredients, including caffeine and ribose, may cause irritation for those with sensitive eyes.”
While the wording on the website makes it seem that the potency of this eye cream is the only reason that it might be irritating, it also includes a number of other potentially problematic ingredients.
I do feel that this product has been more likely than most of the other ones that I have tried to be slightly irritating to my eyes.
While it seems to be okay if I keep it far enough away that it doesn’t actually get into my eyes, that seems to me to be somewhat contradictory to the point of using an eye cream.
In looking at the user reviews, I see that while some people have done okay with this product, others have said that they have had much worse irritation from the product than I have experienced myself.
Another small negative of this product is that it is on the greasy side and sinks into the skin pretty slowly.
It therefore seems to me appropriate for use only at night.
I’m not sure whether this product has done much for my eye area beyond just offering some moisturizing benefits and reducing puffiness with the caffeine.
I didn’t feel that it was as effective as the Aveda Tulasara eye cream and then lost motivation to experiment a lot with it much more due to the irritation issue.
I suggest that those considering the cream may want to check into return policies of the retailer in the event that they are not able to tolerate it.
Size: 0.5 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.1 Stars (51 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate)
EWG Product Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Cetyl lactate (4), Benzyl alcohol (6), Sodium benzoate (3), Sodium hydroxide (4). (Also contains Citric acid.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Schisandra chinensis fruit extract
All Ingredients: Water, glycerin, squalane, oleyl alcohol, dicaprylyl ether, propanediol, shorea stenoptera seed butter, olus oil, cetyl lactate, c12-16 alcohols, glyceryl stearate citrate, palmitic acid, diheptyl succinate, caffeine, schisandra chinensis fruit extract, terminalia arjuna extract, glycosphingolipids, glycolipids, albizia julibrissin bark extract, rice bran extract, bidens pilosa extract, linseed seed extract, gossypium herbaceum seed oil, palm seed butter, knotweed extract, sunflower extract, terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract, rosemary leaf extract, tocopherol, darutoside, capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer, lecithin, caprylhydroxamic acid, ribose, xanthan gum, hydrogenated lecithin, oleic acid, ethylhexylglycerin, potassium sorbate, benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, sodium hydroxide, sodium citrate, citric acid
Mad Hippie Eye Cream – $26
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 10 out of 10
Performance: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
The Mad Hippie website states about this product, “Our Eye Cream is a blend of peptides, antioxidants, and bioavailable vitamins formulated to nourish and hydrate the eye area, while improving the appearance of discoloration and puffiness. We use a blend of three powerful peptides, ceramides, niacinamide, and antioxidants to improve the appearance of under eye discoloration and hydrate the delicate skin surrounding the eyes. The Eye Cream is wonderful for the entire eye area, however, we encourage caution if you apply it to the lids as it is easy to get it into the eyes during application. It could potentially be irritating if it were to get into the eyes.”
Although the description of this product states that the product could be irritating if it got into the eyes, I have not been all that careful with it and have not found it to be irritating to my own eyes or face.
The ingredient list is free of chemicals that EWG considers to be problematic as well.
Although it does not contain any essential oils or other highly processed fragrance, it does have a distinct scent that I guess is due to the use of a variety of extracts (licorice, chamomile, white tea, lime).
I think I may be slightly allergic to chamomile and am not finding the scent of this product to be especially appealing. It’s not so much of a problem that it has kept me from using the product though.
I’m not sure how effective the product has been for my eye area. While I think that the Aveda Tulasara product is better for me, I have not yet done a controlled trial over an extended period of time to verify that.
I do think that this is a quite gentle and clean product with a good ingredient list, and that the price is reasonable.
I’ve enjoyed using it as an overall face cream as well as just in my eye area.
I am going to keep experimenting with it and might buy it again since it is reasonably priced.
Size: 0.5 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.0 Stars (102 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Licorice (4), Chamomile (4).
Fragrance Ingredients: Licorice extract, Matricaria recutita flower extract, Pomegranate seed oil, White tea extract, Steam distilled lime extract
All Ingredients: Deionized Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Shea Butter, Niacinamide, Syn-Eye (Peptide: Palmitoyl Tripeptide 5-Panthenol-Sodium Hyaluronate), Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Matrixyl Synthe ‘6 (Peptide: Glycerin-Aqua-Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin-Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38), Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Regu-Age (Peptide: Glycine Soja [Soybean] Protein-Hydrolyzed Rice Protein-Superoxide Dismutase), Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Squalane (vegan), Caffeine, Hesperidin, Licorice Extract, Isopropyl Palmitate, Argan Oil, Superox-C (Glycerin-Aqua-Kakadu Plum Fruit Extract), Microcrystalline Cellulose (and) Cellulose Gum, Tocopherol, Matricaria Recutita Flower Extract, Phenethyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Pomegranate Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, White Tea Extract, Steam Distilled Lime Extract, Ceramide 3
No B.S. Caffeine Eye Cream – $35
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 9 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: High
The description of this product on the No B.S. website reads, “Perk up tired eyes with Caffeine and Quinoa Seed Extract for enhanced circulation and reduced discoloration to drastically improve the appearance of your eyes. Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane plump skin and diminish fine lines so that you are beaming day after day.”
This eye cream from No B.S. contains two different kinds of silicone (one listed as the third ingredient), as well as both squalane and sodium hyaluronate.
All of these are ingredients that are commonly found in primers, and I do think that this eye cream seems to function especially well for day use prior to my putting makeup on my eye area.
Two of the ingredients – cyclopentasiloxane (a silicone) and polysorbate-60 (an emulsifier) – would to my understanding automatically disqualify the eye cream from being sold in Credo stores, but EWG does not seem to think that they are nearly that bad.
Phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate (preservatives that may be irritating to some people) also are included in the formula.
Personally, I don’t feel that my skin or my eyes have been irritated by this product at all.
I also like the fact that it comes in a little metal container with a pump rather than in a jar, so that it does not have as much potential of becoming contaminated with bacteria or fungi.
Whether it is as effective as the Aveda Tulasara cream on my eyes, I don’t know. It does seem to work fine in terms of keeping puffiness at bay though.
I don’t think that I would buy this product again due to the fact that I think that my facial skin is healthier when I do not use much silicone on it.
For those who like using silicone, this eye cream seems like it could be a good choice though.
Size: 0.5 oz.
Amazon Rating: 4.0 Stars (494 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Cyclic Silicone, Polysorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate)
EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane (3), Polysorbate-60 (3), Dimethicone (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Sodium benzoate (3). (Also contains Citric acid.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride, Isopropyl Myristate, Polysorbate 60, Dimethicone, Squalane, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carnitine, Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Typology Caffeine 5% + Niacinamide 5% Serum – $18
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 9 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
The description of this product reads, “A circulation-boosting eye serum to visibly reduce the appearance of dark circles. 80% naturally-derived. For optimal results, we recommend using the caffeine serum consistently for at least four weeks. While our serum works to visibly reduce the appearance of dark circles and under-eye bags, it should work alongside a healthy lifestyle. Lack of sleep, frequent alcohol consumption, and dehydration are contribute to darkness and puffiness under the eyes.”
Typology is a French brand that has just become available in the U.S. and so I have just very recently started experimenting with this eye cream.
I’ve not had any problems with it causing irritation and it has offered some nice hydration to my eye area.
Since it contains caffeine, I am thinking that it should work for puffiness issues.
The ratings on the Typology website seem to be a bit lower than is the case with many of the company’s other products, with most people seeming to be complaining about effectiveness rather than irritation issues.
I’m therefore not necessarily expecting this to be a breakthrough product for me, but it seems to be fine so far.
Since it has both niacinamide and caffeine in it, I feel like it might be helpful as a general facial serum at times when my face is feeling puffy even if I eventually conclude that it is not as effective as some other products for my eye area.
Size: 3.5 oz.
Typology Rating: 3.9 Stars (1996 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Benzyl Alcohol)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Benzyl alcohol (6), Sodium benzoate (3), Sodium hydroxide (4). (Also contains Citric acid.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Caffeine, Niacinamide, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Siegesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide.
UpCircle Eye Cream with Maple and Coffee Extract – $23
Living Clean Rating: 8 out of 10
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Chamomile Flower Oil, Limonene
Silicone Level: None
The description of this product reads, “UpCircle Eye Cream with Maple and Coffee Extract is a gentle, revitalizing eye cream that works to brighten the under-eye area which working to boost hydration. This fast-absorbing cream is made with coffee which helps to brighten skin, soothing maple and cucumber extract that combats dark circles and puffiness, and hyaluronic acid that boosts hydration. Delicate enough for the eye area, this eye cream has anti-inflammatory properties thanks to maple bark extract.”
I’ve used this product a number of times but don’t really feel great about applying it to my eye area.
It contains a few ingredients that I consider to be problematic for use in the eye area, including benzyl alcohol, limonene, chamomile essential oil, and citric acid.
I’m not sure that my own very dry skin needs salicyclic acid, especially in the eye area, as well.
This eye cream is unusual in that it includes some processed fragrances, including chamomile essential oil and limonene. I’m not really crazy about the smell.
The product does get good reviews on the Credo site and seems that it may be more appropriate for younger people than it seems to be for me.
I don’t feel that it has actually irritated my eye area, just that it doesn’t work that well for me to apply it there.
I might just use it up on my face in general, since it seems to be fine for that purpose.
Size: 0.34 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.7 Stars (671 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: No (Salicylic Acid, Natural Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Salicylic acid (3), Benzyl alcohol (4), Limonene (5). (Also contains Chamomile essential oil, Citric acid.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Cucumber fruit extract, Coffee seed extract, Calendula officinalis extract, Chamomile flower oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Limonene
All Ingredients: Water, shea butter, c14-22 alcohols, c12-20 alkyl glucoside, glycerin, cucumber fruit extract*, helianthus annuus seed oil*, grape seed oil, maple extract, coffee seed extract, sodium hyaluronate, calendula officinalis extract*, chamomile flower oil, olive fruit oil, rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract*, tocopherol, citric acid, salicylic acid, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, benzyl alcohol, limonene**
Shopping List
This section lists products that seem that they may have potential and that I am hoping to try in the near future.
Readers are highly encouraged to bring other relevant products that they have tried to my attention so that I can add them to this list.
Biossance Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel – $56
Dr. Roebuck’s Down Under Collagen Boosting Eye Treatment – $52
Kora Noni Radiant Eye Oil – $40
Tarte Sea Wink of H2O Vegan Collagen Eye Cream – $35
True Botanicals Resurrection Radiance Brightening Eye Cream – $78
Trash Can
First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Cream ($36): This product immediately irritated my eyes to the point that I had to wash it off. EWG gives the product a 6 (yellow), citing the following as potentially problematic: dimethicone (3), licorice root extract (4), glyceryl polyacrylate (3), polysorbate-60 (3), phenoxyethanol (4), sodium benzoate (3), and titanium dioxide (3). It also contains citric acid.
About This Website
The Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping website is designed to provide guidance to those seeking out products that are relatively low in toxicity and that provide generally positive user experiences.
Although the skincare and makeup sections have a particular focus on products appropriate for women who are in their 40’s or beyond, the information provided may be useful for other people as well.
The products are curated by Lisa Petrison, who has been focused on helping people to improve their health by avoiding toxicity since 2008 and who heads the Paradigm Change organization.
Her Living Clean in a Dirty World blog site discusses a variety of topics of relevance to those who are working to pursue a more natural lifestyle with less exposure to harmful toxicity.
Lisa is the author of several books, including A Beginner’s Guide to Mold Avoidance (co-written with Erik Johnson).
She also runs the Paradigm Change website (focusing on issues related to toxic mold illness) and the Mold Avoiders Facebook group (designed for the discussion of all topics of interest to those pursuing the mold avoidance approach described in the “Beginner’s Guide” book).
Lisa was born in August 1964 and has yet to try cosmetic surgery, Botox or other cosmetic treatments requiring interactions with a physician, or beauty products containing retinoids.
In her former life, Lisa worked as a business school professor, as a marketing consultant to a variety of large companies, and as a reporter covering the advertising industry.
She holds a Ph.D. in marketing and social psychology from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University as well as B.S./M.S. degrees from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern.
Lisa would like to extend a special note of appreciation to Ellen Kleiman-Redden for her help in trying out products and discussing issues related to this project.
She also would like to thank the many members of the Mold Avoiders community who have shared suggestions of products to be included here.
A Note From Lisa
Products that I have tried or researched and that I have not found to be acceptable from a toxicity standpoint have been omitted entirely from the discussions on this website.
However, since a goal of this project is to introduce people to a range of options in terms of price and functionality, some products discussed on this site include ingredients that may not be appropriate for everyone.
It’s my hope that all individuals making their way to this site will find at least a few options from each product category that meet all of their own needs and wants from a variety of perspectives.
The vast majority of cosmetics marketers now offer affiliate programs in which Internet content creators may earn commissions if people who are referred to the companies’ sites by clicking on links end up making purchases.
I participate in quite a few individual affiliate programs as well as in the Sovrn/Viglinks program (which automatically converts regular links into revenue-generating links).
Links on this page that may result in affiliate income may include – but are not necessarily limited to – those from the following companies: 100% Pure, Alpyn Beauty, Amazon, Aveda, Biossance, Credo, Dr. Roebuck’s, Goop, Kora, Mad Hippie, No B.S., Pharmaca, Sephora, Tarte, True Botanicals, Typology, and Ulta.
Reader comments about products discussed on this website are very welcome.
Thoughts may be shared either by posting them in the comments section at the bottom of this page or by sending them directly to me at the following email address:
info at paradigmchange dot me
Companies that would like to offer me complimentary products to try out may contact me at this address as well.
Individuals who are seeking out less-toxic products or who are interested in pursuing a cleaner and healthier lifestyle may want to sign up to receive occasional email newsletters from Living Clean in a Dirty World.
Thanks very much for visiting the Living Clean shopping site!
Links on this page are in orange (no underlining).
