Tired of puffy eyes and dark circles that just won’t go away? This gentle, plant-based serum harnesses the power of caffeine and cannabis to naturally reduce swelling, brighten the under-eye area, and soothe delicate skin, giving you a refreshed, well-rested glow.

A picture of caffeine eye serum.

Recipe Features

  • Highly Customizable: You can choose your preferred cannabis source, CBD oil, infused coconut oil, or FECO.
  • Dual-Action Relief: Caffeine works to constrict blood vessels to reduce puffiness, while cannabis helps soothe inflammation.
  • Want to skip the hard work? Shop with me and have premium, high-quality cannabis products delivered directly to your door! Now shipping across the US.
A picture of Emily Kyles Bliss Products.

Why This Recipe Works

There’s something truly empowering about taking charge of your own skincare routine, and I’ll admit, I was skeptical the first time I tried using coffee grounds, could they really make a difference?

The answer was a resounding yes. This recipe is simple but so effective: you don’t need any special equipment or heat, just a bit of patience while your oil infuses.

The result is a luxurious, golden oil that smells like a vanilla latte and feels silky smooth on your skin. It’s a perfect fit for a holistic lifestyle, offering you the freedom to use high-CBD hemp flower for inflammation or a THC-rich strain for targeted relief.

With this approach, you’re truly harnessing the full power of the plant to nourish your body from the outside in. Let’s get started!

A picture of caffeine eye serum.

DIY CBD Caffeine Eye Serum

5 from 2 votes
Learn how to make a rejuvenating Cannabis-Infused Caffeine Eye Serum at home. Reduce puffiness and dark circles with this easy DIY recipe using CBD or THC.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Infusion Time: 5 days
Total: 5 days 25 minutes
Servings: 1 ounce

Ingredients  

Cannabis Infusion (Choose ONE):

  • 1 teaspoon CBD oil (5mL)
  • 1 teaspoon cannabis-infused coconut oil (5mL)
  • 0.5 grams FECO or RSO Dissolved into the almond oil for a potent option.

Instructions 

For the Infusion

  • Place the ½ cup (45g) of ground coffee into your clean mason jar. Pour the ½ cup (120ml) of sweet almond oil over the grounds. Ensure all grounds are submerged.
  • Seal the jar tightly. Place it in a cool, dark cupboard for 4 to 5 days. This cold-infusion method preserves the delicate antioxidants in the coffee. Shake the jar gently once a day if you remember.
  • After 5 days, place a few layers of cheesecloth over a clean bowl or jar. Pour the coffee mixture through the cloth.
  • Gather the corners of the cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to extract as much oil as possible. Note: Don't worry if a little sediment remains, but try to keep it minimal.

For the Serum

  • To your strained coffee oil, add the 1 Tablespoon (15ml) of the Vitamin E oil.
  • Add your chosen cannabis element (CBD oil, melted cannabis coconut oil, or FECO). Stir vigorously until the mixture is completely uniform.
  • Use a small funnel to pour your serum into glass roller bottles.
  • Keep in a cool, dark place. For an extra cooling effect, store it in the refrigerator!

Notes

Optional Add-ins: You can add 4–5 drops of vanilla essential oil for a heavenly scent and extra anti-aging properties.
Applicator Tip: If you can find a bottle with a steel roller ball, use it! The metal gets cold and helps physically depuff the under-eye area as you roll it on.

Additional Info

Course: Topical
Cuisine: Topical Recipe
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CBD eye serum with almond oil, vitamin E, coffee grounds, and roller bottle for rejuvenating skincar.

What You Will Need

Equipment:

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (45g) Ground Coffee: Any caffeinated coffee works; light roasts often have slightly higher caffeine content.
  • ½ cup (120ml) Sweet Almond Oil: A lightweight carrier oil that absorbs quickly.
  • 1 Tablespoon (15ml) Vitamin E Oil: For deep hydration and Vitamin E.
  • Cannabis Infusion, Choose ONE:
CBD caffeine eye serum in a jar with a spoon, ready for application.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This step-by-step guide will walk you through creating your caffeine and CBD serum. It’s easier than you might think, and you may even find the process meditative!

  1. Prepare the Infusion: Place the ½ cup (45g) of ground coffee into your clean mason jar. Pour the ½ cup (120ml) of sweet almond oil over the grounds. Ensure all grounds are submerged.
  2. Let it Steep: Seal the jar tightly. Place it in a cool, dark cupboard for 4 to 5 days. This cold-infusion method preserves the delicate antioxidants in the coffee. Shake the jar gently once a day if you remember.
  3. Strain the Oil: After 5 days, place a few layers of cheesecloth over a clean bowl or jar. Pour the coffee mixture through the cloth.
  4. Squeeze: Gather the corners of the cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to extract as much oil as possible. Note: Don’t worry if a little sediment remains, but try to keep it minimal.
Brightening CBD caffeine eye serum for rejuvenation and hydration. Easy to make with natural ingredi.
  1. Add the Actives: To your strained coffee oil, add the 1 tablespoon (15ml) of vitamin E oil.
  2. Infuse with Cannabis: Add your chosen cannabis element (CBD oil, melted cannabis coconut oil, or FECO). Stir vigorously until the mixture is completely uniform.
  3. Bottle: Use a small funnel to pour your serum into amber glass bottles. A roller bottle with a metal tip is perfect for this recipe.
  4. Store: Keep in a cool, dark place. For an extra cooling effect, store it in the refrigerator!
Rejuvenating CBD caffeine eye serum in a glass bottle with a rollerball applicator.

Why This Process Works

  • Cold Infusion: We use a cold infusion method for the coffee. While you can heat the oil to speed this up, I find that heat can sometimes give the oil a “burnt” coffee smell. Patience pays off here with a fresh, bright aroma.
  • Straining: This is the most critical step. You want to ensure you get the oil out without getting gritty coffee grounds in your serum. If you notice sediment at the bottom of your final bottle, just leave the last few drops in the bottle when you use it.
  • Emulsifying: Because we are mixing oils with oils (Almond + Vitamin E + Cannabis Oil), they blend easily. No heating or vigorous whisking is required, just a good stir.

Updated Recipe Notes

This caffeine eye serum recipe has been shared and tested like crazy and it’s been interesting to see the response. Some of you absolutely love it, while some of you have had disappointing results.

Here’s what we’ve learned, dears!

  • The way the serum turns out varies drastically depending on the type of coffee used.
  • Ashlynn reminded us that “the difference between dark and light roast is caffeine content. Get a light roasted coffee for the most caffeine content!”
  • If you don’t strain it enough, you’ll end up with coffee dust in your serum, which marks your skin and defeats the entire purpose of the serum.

Why Caffeine & Cannabis Are Great For Eyes

When I started researching natural skincare, I learned that dark circles are often caused by oxygenated blood pooling beneath the eyes. Because the skin there is so thin, this blood shows through as dark shadows.

Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor. When applied topically, it can help shrink those blood vessels and boost circulation, effectively “waking up” the skin and reducing the appearance of dark circles.

Cannabis, on the other hand, is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Puffiness is essentially inflammation. By applying cannabinoids like CBD or THC topically, we are signaling the Endocannabinoid System in our skin to calm down and reduce swelling.

Together, they form the perfect morning duo: one to tighten and brighten, the other to soothe and smooth.

How to Use Your Eye Serum

  • Use a small drop (or two) under each eye whenever needed—either first thing in the morning or even at bedtime.
  • To apply, use your ring finger, as it’s gentle on the delicate under-eye skin. Gently dab (don’t rub!) the serum in until absorbed.
  • If you opted for a roller-ball applicator, roll lightly under each eye for a cooling, soothing sensation.

Additional Factors to Consider

  • Coffee Roast: Light roast coffee beans actually have slightly more caffeine than dark roast beans. If you want a more potent serum, opt for a light roast (often labeled as “breakfast blend”).
  • Shelf Life: Since this recipe contains no water, it is relatively shelf-stable. However, oils can go rancid over time. It is best used within 6 months.
  • Sensitivity: The eye area is extremely sensitive. Always do a patch test on your inner arm before applying any new product to your face, especially if you are using essential oils like vanilla.
CBD eye serum dropper with oil in a glass bottle on a silver tray.

Notes & Expert Tips

  • The “Coffee Dust” Dilemma: If you don’t strain your oil well enough, you might end up with fine coffee dust in your serum. This can look like dark smudges on your skin, defeating the purpose of brightening! If this happens, let your oil sit undisturbed for 24 hours so the sediment settles to the bottom, then carefully pour the clear oil off the top into a fresh bottle.
  • Chill It: I highly recommend keeping this serum in the fridge. The cold temperature constricts blood vessels immediately upon contact, amplifying the effects of the caffeine.
  • Leftovers: Don’t throw away those oil-soaked coffee grounds! Mix them with a little sugar for an instant, moisturizing hand and body scrub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this make me high?

No. Topical application of cannabis, even THC-rich cannabis, does not enter the bloodstream effectively enough to cause intoxicating effects. You can use this serum safely as part of your morning routine.

Can I use Cannabis Coconut Oil if it’s solid?

Yes, but you will need to melt it first. Since this recipe uses mostly almond oil (which is liquid), a small amount of coconut oil should stay relatively liquid or soft once mixed in. If it solidifies in the fridge, the warmth of your finger will melt it instantly upon contact.

How often can I use this?

I use a small drop under each eye every morning. Use your ring finger to gently dab (never rub!) the oil into the skin until absorbed.

Can I use instant coffee?

No. Instant coffee is water-soluble and will not infuse properly into the oil. Stick to regular ground coffee beans.

Why This Serum Belongs in Your Routine

There’s something truly indulgent about crafting your own skincare solution from scratch, especially when it involves ingredients that work harder than you thought possible.

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With caffeine to boost circulation and nourishing oils to hydrate, this serum is an instant upgrade for your under-eye routine.

Take it as a moment of self-care, love, and appreciation for yourself. After all, your eyes deserve it!

Looking for more cannabis-inspired self-care recipes and tips? Subscribe to our blog and stay updated on how to elevate your wellness routine! 🌿

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About Emily

I’m a Registered Dietitian and Holistic Cannabis Practitioner, here to help you learn how to use the amazing benefits of the cannabis plant. My goal is to guide you in managing daily stress, finding joy again, building strong relationships, and improving your overall well-being in a natural and healthy way.

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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124 Comments

  1. As long as no water is introduced and it is stored in a cool, dark, dry location, it should last for 3 months or more.

  2. I have an anaphylactic allergy to all nuts including almonds. Is there another oil I could use to infuse with the coffee?

  3. In regard to the people asking why it didn’t work your coffee may have been ground too fine. Also, while lighter roasts do have more caffeine, the actual difference is minute and you honestly aren’t going to see too much of a difference unless you’re using a very dark roasted (and I mean dark, charred more like) or a decaf bean. Alternatively you could use a green coffee bean extract, the fruit before roasted (probably more caffeine). Also, having worked at a coffee roaster the whole organic coffee thing is mostly a marketing scheme. But honestly, don’t buy fancy coffee for this. Get in to the habit of supporting a local coffee roaster that does business ethically and then use your beans that are stale (literally you don’t need fresh, you’re essentially making cold brew for your face and literally you can use old old old coffee for cold brew and taste no difference, it’s why it’s sustainable and awesome so do the same with your skin care pls). You drink good coffee, your skin gets good products it’s a win win.

  4. cant wait to try this recipe. thank you for sharing!! how long would it take to see results? and would my eye circles come back if i stop using this serum? also, i dont have a cheese cloth. is there anything i can use instead to strain it?

  5. Love this!! I need to try this. I don’t have dark circles, but definitely get tired eyes. I’m a sucker for coffee anyhow, so this is right up my alley:).

  6. Loving this recipe! Swapped out the rose-hip oil for the avocado seed oil (I’m 53) and very pleased with the results. Better than anything I’ve ever bought!!

  7. I read that it will last for months in a cool, dry, dark place. Could you add a couple drops of Vitamin e oil or squeeze out a vitamin e capsule into it to help preserve it?

  8. I’m going to try this serum. Although I have a couple of questions.

    Does the coffee bean need to be whole? Would the resulting serum not be more concentrated if coarsely chopped, or even ground, coffee beans were used?

    Also, other than the natural phytochemicals in coffee, is there any other advantage to using coffee beans? Or, could caffeine tablets be used?

    Thanks for your input.

  9. hey ! what do you mean by ground coffee ? cant we use instant coffee powder that we buy ?
    and can we use almond hair oil ?

  10. Desperate! Serum sounds great and I am going to make some later today. How wet should coffee be after adding oil. Seems like a lot because the only serum squeezed out is the amount of (oil) liquid put in. Seems like there would be little serum squeezed out.

  11. when you say coffee ground do you mean brewed coffee grounds or unbrewed, right from the can.

  12. Does the ground coffee have to be strained from the oil to be used or can it be kept in the almond and avocado oil.

    1. It’s really good to strain it, otherwise you’ll have coffee grounds on your skin! Cheesecloth or a fine woven cloth works well. If having coffee dust on your skin doesn’t bother you, you can leave it, and in fact you would probably find that you end up with an even stronger serum over time. 🙂

  13. I made this!! And it’s lovely. I have a little bottle of vanilla in jojoba oil that I added and wow… the fragrance is beautiful! Smells like a dessert or a specialty coffee. Just started using the serum tonight… can’t wait to see if it helps with puffy eyes and dark circles. Thank you for sharing this recipe – so much fun.

  14. Hi there! Great tutorial, TY!

    Another thing that can cause dark circles under the eyes is an illeocecal valve that is stuck open. I’m not sure if a closed valve can cause them, but I KNOW an open valve does for sure.

    An open ICV also USUALLY causes diarrhea, however, for some (like me & a some of my kiddos) it causes constipation. For my other kiddos, an open valve does cause the dark circles & diarrhea… so everybody does react differently to an open ICV. Just thought I would share that with you.

    We close our valves by massaging the pressure points for them. We know when we have an open valve by pressing down in the location of the valves & there is a tenderness, if we aren’t noticing other symptoms as constipation can be easy to forget about… diarrhea always ends right away or after one more bout after rubbing the pressure points. It’s AMAZING!

  15. Hello, is there a special type of cheesecloth I should buy? Or a preferred brand that works best for straining?

  16. If sensitive to caffeine, I’d avoid using this before bed. I made a very similar version, and since I can’t bear wasting a bit of my lovely concoctions, the evening I strained (I used a coffee filter that I’d dampened slightly) and bottled mine, I swabbed all the drops left in the pan over my face, hands…wherever it would reach. I guess that might have been a tad bit of overdoing it. I was quite “perky” when I went to bed a little later! Lol. Great for the A.M., not so much at bedtime!
    I do love the roller ball idea; soothing and better portion control, tho a dropper bottle would be the most sanitary. And I am definitely going to drop a few coffee beans into mine. I LOVE that! Thanks so much!!

  17. I have about half the sweet almond oil after the infusion than i started with. How much sweet almond and Avocado oil should i combine?

  18. I will have to try this. Did you use this when pregnant? I can’t imagine this small amount of castor oil would induce labor but just wondered. 🙂

  19. Wow! So great! I’ve heard already-used tea bags and cucumbers can support our eyes, but ‘ve not known about coffee beans. Thank you very much for sharing this awesome idea! I’d like to ask if you have any idea about treating dry eyes. Please share with me if you have. Thank you so much!

    1. There are herbal eye washes you can do, but it’s really important to find out what the cause is to find the best treatment.

    1. I’m not certain what you mean. This serum does “plump up” the skin a bit, so it could help. Let us know how it helps you if you do try it!

  20. Hi, i infused coffee grounds in jojoba oil. I ended up with a good 2 ounces of nice oil from it. Should i mix and make up all the bottles i can with it now or just make up a small bottle for now and save the rest? How much would I add and what would I add to make a ! ounce bottle? Thank you

    1. Either way is fine! You can use it just how it is or dilute it with more carrier oil. I just use the infused oil, personally.

    1. It should be very potent and effective, Mariya! You can dilute it with sweet almond oil if that makes you more comfortable. 🙂

  21. would I be able to use coconut oil or olive oil in place of avocado oil? Or does that ruin the effects?

  22. Dear Kylie,

    Its sound good!!! I like coffee too ;-)))
    By the way, I want you advice that can i replay coffee ground by coffee Essential oil?? I will blend 24 drop of coffee EO with 1 oz Carrier oil ( Avocado & Sweet Almond )??

    Appreciate your comment,

    Best regards,
    Kenny Nguyen

  23. I made a mixture of infused oil, sea buckthorn oil (i think it’s the fruit oil), aloe vera gel and 2 drops of callendula and rozemary essentil oils. You can try it too if you want. The sea buckthorn oil is full of vitamin E, A and C, along with beta carotene and fatty acids. find more here http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/sea-buckthorn-oil.aspx.
    I’m super excited. I will come back with th results in 2 weeks

  24. I wish I had seen Ashlynn’s post about using a light roast. I just made mine with dark roast. The serum is dark. Can I add more avacado oil to lighten it or will that weaken the caffiene too much. When I rubbed a small amount on the back of my hand it left my skin a little darker so that will defeat the purpose of the eye serum. It smells wonderful! The scent alone will wake me up in the mornings. Lol Thank you for your time.

    1. It should still work! I am surprised it darkened your skin, you must have a very potent infusion! You could add more carrier oil OR use the serum right away when you wake up, then wipe away any residue 15 minutes later. The oils (+ caffeine!) should sink in by then.

      1. Thank you for the great idea. After sitting a couple of days it kinda separated so I have been using what was on top. I’ll mix it and then wipe off the extra after a few minutes.

      2. I made mine with a medium-dark organic roast and after straining mine in 4 layers of cheese cloth it was still dark but testing it out I didn’t notice it leave a dark coating at all. I figured if it does, I’ll just wait like Kylie said then ripe any residuals off. 🙂 Super excited to see how this works – been battling bags under my eyes, one more than the other since allergies have been so bad this season & a tad bit of sleep loss maybe as well as not drinking enough water (all three are top causes for those pesky bags).

    2. I also made mine today…not sure if I got it all squeezed out, but I definitely have serum that “looks” like coffee…i.e., very dark. I would guess adding more carrier oil would lighten, but wonder if it would “weaken” the caffeine effect.

  25. This looks so awesome! Just remember that coffee comes in different roasts and the difference between dark and light roast is caffeine content. Get a light roasted coffee for the most caffeine content! =) Happy DIY’s!

  26. My coffee and oil mixture sat for 4 days and I went to strain it and nothing came out.. Did I not add enough oil? Do you mix the oil in with the coffee or just enogh to have a small later on top? Thanks!

    1. That is so interesting! Was it in an airtight container? I wonder if some coffees are more “absorbent” too! LOL. If I were you, I would try again with a different coffee or add more oil.

        1. I had the same problem! It is still sitting on my counter. I Don’t want to give up on it yet. Any secret strategies for the squeeze??

    2. Same thing happeened to me. I used plastic wrap. I guess it needs to be air tight. Disappointed. I also may have had it sit 6days. I was looking for he avocado oil 🙂 Might just use as a body scrub instead. I hate to waste…

    3. This was a complete waste of coffee grounds, really expensive organic oil (I used argan oil), and time. The oil absorbed all the coffee and no matter how much I squeezed, all I got was coffee stained cheesecloth and some oil residue on my hands. Can someone please tell me why this didn’t work as written?

      1. What a bummer! Argan oil is a light, thin oil that would be more easily absorbed by the coffee grounds. If you try again, it would be good to infuse a thick oil like avocado or jojoba with coffee, then add the argan oil after straining the coffee grounds out. I am sure that will work better for you! Best wishes.

    1. Any carrier oil would really work. Some people have used castor oil for this recipe with great results. 🙂

  27. Hi Marcie – You can leave the aloe out but I’m not sure what would make a good replacement. The aloe is a pretty important ingredient, so let me know how it works if you try it without!

    1. Your ingredients above did not include any aloe. Did you mean to say avocado, or did you forget to include aloe in your list of ingredients? I’m confused.

  28. This is great! I made coffee ground scrub for my kids Eczema when it gets hot and inflamed. This idea is similar to that theory – to reduce inflammation! Thx for the recipe! And yes, using it COLD would definitely be great! And I always use the ring finger for around the eyes too!

      1. A preservative isn’t needed, especially if you keep it in a cool, dark, dry place and make sure that water isn’t ever accidentally introduced.

  29. Would this work as a balm? Could I maybe make the serum, then add coconut oil and/or some shea butter and refrigerate to keep it solid?

    1. Sounds like a great idea! I wouldn’t add a butter to this finished product, since it might become too diluted to be effective. Just replace some of the avocado oil with shea butter or coconut oil. Let me know how it goes!

  30. What if I mix the coffee with coconut or castor oil or petroleum, because those are the stuff I always have in hand?

    1. A warm infusion with coconut oil would work. Use a double boiler to warm the coffee grounds and coconut oil on the LOWEST heat possible. About 5 minutes would be fine, then just let it sit right on the stove until it’s cool enough to strain.

      1. Coconut oil is not a good idea to use under the eyes as it causes milias to form, which are those little white heads, and the skin around the eyes is prone to developing them.

        1. If you are going to use coconut oil on your face it should be “Fractionated”, also known as “100% MCT OIL” otherwise it clogs the pores.

  31. Is there anything that can be substituted for the avocado oil? My local health store doesn’t have any in at the moment

    1. Hey Ella! Pretty much any carrier oil would work. I chose avocado for its anti-aging properties, but you could easily just use more sweet almond oil.

  32. This looks like a really cool idea – never heard of caffeine helping with dark circles but will need to try this…

    1. A lot of the over the counter stuff for eye bags and darkness has caffeine as their active ingredient, however, they also include quite a bit of chemicals I wouldn’t want to put on my face let alone that close to my eyes.

  33. I need to make like a gallon of this stuff!! No matter how much sleep I get, I still always look like I’ve not slept in months!

    1. Give it a try!

      If it’s a chronic issue, though, there might be something else you need to address. Brittany just told me that dark circles can be a sign of food allergies, too.

      1. I made a similar concoction using coconut oil and grape seed oil but instead of cheesecloth, I put the coffee in a sachet bag and put in a jar with the oil to infuse it.

        1. Omg I know this is an old post but I can’t believe I didn’t think about using a sachet….I tried this recipe as written and I couldn’t get any of the oil out. The coffee grounds had become completely saturated and squeezing of the cheesecloth just left me with coffee stained hands and no serum. Thank you so much for this idea!!

    2. This is so cool – I have to try it – I have always made my own remedies because i have so many allergies; and i don’t like the crap and chemicals put in even what is supposed to be the safest products – plus there is the ridiculous cost. My doctor finally told me about the ‘hereditary’ thing – I got so tired of people always suggesting i wear makeup – which makes it worse! I’ve just invested in some glycerine, castile, vitamin E and aloe and have made my own soap and body lotion – but still have a mystery for my face and eyes! Thank you for this! I wonder if it would work with Virgin Olive oil?

    3. Hi 😄 I made this serum…minus the avocado oil…only because I forgot. For that matter it infused for 10 days lol because I would remember then forget immediately…this brew has been LIFE CHANGING!!!! I apply a few drops after taking my make up off…let my skin rest…then a few drops before bed…then a few drops before makeup in the morning…a perfect primer…I end up with a dewey look all day. Make up is less and smooths beautifully.I was told today from a friend I have known for years that I am looking soooo young…and I recently turned 44!! My face had turned very old due to excessive smoking and drinking…never thought I could regain my youth…but this serum literally has taken at least 5 years off my appearance. I know a lot of ladies in my community that could benefit from this…so I’m making up small batches for these ladies so they can learn the art of learning to love their skin again.THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH…It’s an amazing feeling to be able to get up in the morning and leave the house feeling beautiful 🌺🌺🌺