Caring For Your Under Eyes

After months of low light and dry winter weather, your eyes may appear puffy once spring finally arrives. Seasonal changes like shifts in weather and exposure to pollen can also contribute to puffiness, dark circles, and dullness.


The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG helps brighten and depuff tired-looking eyes for a more refreshed, awakened look. This guide will break down the benefits of our under-eye solution, and offer tips and techniques for getting the best results.

March 1, 2026

The area around your eyes is home to some of the most delicate skin on your body. This can make your under-eyes more prone to puffiness from environmental triggers like spring allergies. While there’s no direct scientific evidence, some people also report increased dryness and dark under-eye circles during seasonal transitions.


A lightweight, antioxidant-rich eye serum can help reduce the look of dark circles and puffy eyes, and support a more luminous-looking eye area. Our Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is an excellent addition to your regimen if you’re wondering how to reduce under-eye puffiness this spring.

Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is an effective, water-based serum that targets tired-looking eyes. Formulated with a 5% concentration of caffeine and epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside (EGCG), this solution has several key benefits:

In testing, Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG showed:

  • A significant decrease in the look of dark circles after 3 weeks.*

  • A minimized appearance of under-eye puffiness in 3 weeks**

  • Visible brightening of the under-eye area in 3 weeks.*

*Clinical testing on 19 panellists using the product 2x/day for 6 weeks

**Clinical testing on 23 panellists using the product 2x/day for 6 weeks

Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG fits seamlessly into any regimen. When introducing a new formulation to your routine, we recommend doing a patch test first. If no irritation occurs, here’s how to use our caffeine solution effectively:

  1. Use after water-based serums, but before heavier creams or moisturizers.

  2. Apply a small amount to the eye contour in the morning and evening.

  3. Gently tap into the skin around your eyes using your ring finger to avoid tugging.

  4. Follow with a broad-spectrum SPF during the day for protection against the damaging effects of uv radiation.

There are several ways to reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles:

  • Keep Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG in the fridge. The cooling sensation can help eyes feel energized and refreshed, especially after a late night or when you have an early morning.

  • Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) offers plumping benefits which can help minimize dryness and the look of fine dry lines. Add a drop to your Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG, or layer the two formulations around your eye contour for additional benefits.

  • Use the solution consistently for the best results. Improvements are typically noticeable after several weeks of regular application.

An increase in pollen and other seasonal allergens can make the delicate under-eye area more prone to puffiness in the spring.

The epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside (EGCG) in Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce the appearance of dark circles. Caffeine targets puffiness, which helps your eyes look more awakened and refreshed.

Yes. Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum can be used daily as part of your AM and PM skincare regimens.

Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG has not been specifically tested for sensitive skin. We recommend a patch test to see if this formulation is suitable for your skin.

The best ways to reduce tired-looking eyes are consistent use of a targeted under-eye serum like Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG and daily application of broad-spectrum SPF. You can also layer your caffeine solution with plumping, hydrating serums, and store your skincare formulations in the fridge for a cooling, energizing sensation.

Eye serums can be layered in your skincare routine morning and evening. Use them after water-based serums, but before heavier creams or moisturizers. Apply a small amount to the eye contour by gently tapping into the skin around your eyes using your ring finger. In the daytime, always follow your eye serum with a broad-spectrum SPF.

Spring brings light and renewal, but changing seasonal conditions can also make puffy eyes more apparent. The Ordinary’s Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG depuffs and targets dark under-eye circles for a brighter, more energized-looking eye area. Make balance and radiance part of your spring skincare regimen with this effective, targeted formulation.

Awakened-looking eyes start with our Regimen Builder. Receive customized recommendations, tailored to your skin type and concerns, and discover how to incorporate eye serums into your routine.