VKI warns: Coffee cosmetics contain problematic substances

The discrepancy between advertising and content was particularly striking: many coffee cosmetics marketed as natural or nature-inspired contain ingredients of health concern. Consumers therefore cannot rely on terms such as „naturverbunden“ or „Kaffee“ to indicate an unproblematic formulation, the VKI explained.

The criticized substances primarily include synthetic polymers and certain fragrances. Synthetic polymers are often difficult to biodegrade and can accumulate in the environment over the long term. This calls into question not only skin compatibility but also the ecological sustainability of the products.

Environmental aspect: hard-to-degrade polymers

Birgit Schiller from the VKI explained the findings in detail. The results were gathered as part of a joint cosmetics check carried out by the Verein für Konsumenteninformation together with students from the University of Applied Sciences Tulln. The aim of the investigation was to compare the actual composition of coffee cosmetics – including creams, lotions and products for cellulite reduction – with the manufacturers' advertising claims.

The VKI also criticized the fact that some ingredients are only discernible on packaging at second glance. Terms such as „Koffein“ or references to guarana may also create the impression that the product has an invigorating or fat-burning effect, even though this has not been scientifically proven. There is no guarantee of the promised effect.

VKI recommendations for consumers

The consumer advocates therefore advise consumers to read ingredient lists carefully and not to be guided solely by marketing terms such as „natürlich“ or „mit Kaffee-Extrakt“. In cases of uncertainty, the VKI recommends favoring products with short, clearly declared ingredient lists.

The results were distributed via the APA and attracted attention in Austrian media. The VKI announced that it would confront the affected manufacturers with the test results and use the findings as a basis for further consumer information.

Overall, the check shows that the marketing of coffee cosmetics as „natürlich“ or „umweltfreundlich“ must be viewed critically. The study is intended as a contribution to greater transparency in the cosmetics market and is meant to support consumers in making informed purchasing decisions.