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Written by Grove Collaborative

6 benefits of coffee for your skin.

Last Updated: October 20, 2021


Your daily dose of caffeine can do a lot more than perk up your sleep-addled brain. Go get a refill then read up on the benefits of coffee for your skin.

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Need a boost? Whether you worship a caramel macchiato or you prefer your morning cuppa on the rocks with a splash of oat milk, you’ll be thrilled to know that your daily dose of caffeine can do a lot more than perk up your sleep-addled brain.


So go get a refill, and settle in to read up on the benefits of coffee — for your skin!

Is coffee good for your skin?

Coffee has a ton of yummy nutrients for your skin. It’s full of powerful antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids that help protect against sun damage and fight off free radicals.


The caffeine in coffee is vasoconstrictive — it constricts blood vessels to reduce inflammation (see ya later, puffiness!). It’s also a known stimulant, and when used as an ingredient in skincare, it can increase blood circulation in the skin.


You can drink coffee and get a lot of these benefits, or you can use skincare that incorporates coffee and caffeine into the ingredients to target those effects straight to your face and skin.

6 benefits of coffee for your skin

Are you an acne-prone night owl who never seems to get enough zzz’s? Maybe you’ve got dull skin that could use a bit of polish.


Whatever your woes, here are six ways to harness the benefits of coffee for your skin.

1. Reduce dark circles

Didn’t get enough sleep — and it shows?


Caffeine for your skin may sound strange but it’s great for waking up tired eyes by constricting blood vessels, which reduces the appearance of dark circles. It’s also chock-full of antioxidants, so it’s a great ingredient to look for in eye creams.

2. Calm your skin

It might sound like backwards logic — coffee is anything but calming, right?


Thanks to the antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory flavonoids and polyphenols in coffee, it actually makes a wonderful skin-soother found in moisturizers and cleansers that reduces redness, inflammation, and helps protect against sun damage.

3. De-puff

Caffeine decreases puffiness and redness due to its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and vasoconstrictive properties.


Unfortunately, the results aren’t long-lasting, so consider adding a product with caffeine to your daily skincare routine.

Shop skincare products made with coffee at Grove

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4. Fight acne

Coffee is full of antioxidants, stimulants, and chlorogenic acids (powerful anti-inflammatory compounds) that make it an effective ingredient in the fight against acne.


Coffee scrubs help get rid of dead skin cells, clear out pores, and may get rid of some strains of bacteria.

5. Exfoliate

Damp coffee grounds offer powerful exfoliation.


Coffee scrubs can help fade dark spots, brighten dull skin, and smooth uneven textures by removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of skin and increasing blood circulation.

6. Stimulate hair growth

Coffee’s superpowers aren't limited to your face and body. Caffeine has been shown to stimulate hair shaft elongation for wider, longer roots and a longer growth cycle.


Read up on Grove members’ fav exfoliators for supple, rejuvenated skin.

Grove Tip

Skin benefits of drinking coffee


Coffee is great for your skin, even when you drink it!


According to Penn Medicine, its powerful antioxidants and inflammatory properties have health benefits and can help fight against skin cancers like malignant melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. For best results, drink it black, and keep it to no more than four cups per day.

DIY coffee scrub

If you like to experiment, try this divine DIY coffee scrub — it’s easy to customize with whatever oils and essential oils you’ve got on hand, plus it’s gentle enough to use on your face and body.


Use leftover coffee grounds from this morning’s brew, or scoop it fresh from the bag (we like using French Vanilla, because it smells heavenly!)


What you’ll need:



Mix the ingredients together in a small bowl, then transfer to an airtight container and store in your shower for up to three weeks. Use once or twice a week for soft, glowing skin.

Grove Tip

Try these quick DIY coffee fixes, too!


For quick de-puffing: Mix 2 teaspoons of fresh or used coffee grounds with a teaspoon of honey, and rub it under your eyes for a quick coffee face mask. Honey also has a ton of skin benefits that’ll leave you glowy and radiant. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, then wash your face as usual.


For shiny, healthy hair: Pour two to four cups of strong, cooled coffee into a spray bottle. Saturate your locks and scalp in the brew, then put on a shower cap and let it do its thing for 20 minutes. Rinse, wash, and repeat up to three times a week.

Shop for the best scrubs and creams with caffeine for your skin

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