Coffee cosmetics you can make at home

Natural cosmetics that are easy to make at home are becoming increasingly popular. If we already have coffee in the kitchen, why not try it in a home-care routine? Ground coffee beans offer more than delicious drinks: they can also be used in homemade cosmetics for refreshed, younger-looking skin.

The secret of homemade coffee cosmetics

Did you know that caffeine appears in many shop-bought shampoos, hair rinses, scrubs, lotions and creams? It is valued for its effects on the appearance of hair, body and complexion.

Its cosmetic reputation is linked with antioxidant activity and effects on local circulation. It is used in products targeting puffiness, lymphatic drainage, cellulite appearance, firmness and contouring. Other uses include uneven skin tone and haircare.

Does coffee quality matter?

If you are making coffee-based cosmetics, do not simply choose the first or cheapest coffee you see. Robusta is particularly interesting because of its higher caffeine content, the ingredient sought in this home-spa approach. Robusta may contain up to 4% caffeine, compared with up to around 2% in Arabica.

It is also worth grinding the beans just before preparing the mixture. This releases their aroma and oils into the finished product, making the routine pleasantly fragrant as well as practical — rather like a little spa session.

Coffee body scrub — a recipe for smoother-feeling skin

Shop-bought scrubs can be expensive and sometimes contain surprisingly few exfoliating particles. Instead, try a homemade coffee version.

Measure an amount of ground coffee suited to the area you want to treat. Add just enough boiling water to cover it and leave to infuse. Once cool, add one tablespoon of olive oil to help spread the grounds and moisturise the skin.

Mix, apply to the body or selected area, and massage gently in circular movements for around five minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.

A homemade coffee rinse for dark hair

Coffee is especially suited to dark hair, where it can deepen the apparent colour, add shine and smoothness, and make styling easier. Caffeine has also attracted research into hair-follicle activity and the effects of dihydrotestosterone, including studies associated with the University of Jena.

To prepare the rinse, combine one tablespoon of freshly ground coffee and one tablespoon of cinnamon. Cover with boiling water and leave to cool. Strain thoroughly through muslin or another suitable cloth.

Pour the cooled rinse over freshly washed hair, gently squeezing it through so the liquid is distributed well.

Coffee face mask — for a refreshed complexion

You need two tablespoons of freshly ground coffee, one tablespoon of pure cocoa and two tablespoons of thick cream.

Cover the coffee and cocoa with just a little boiling water, enough to wet the ingredients while keeping the mixture thick. Leave it to cool, then stir in the cream.

Apply the cooled mask to the face, neck and décolletage. Leave for around 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.