Fresh-Roasted, Organically shade Grown
What is Coffea arabica?
Coffea arabica is one of the most cherished coffee species, grown in high-altitude regions where cooler climates and shade support slower bean development and richer phytochemical profiles. The beans used here are organically grown, shade-grown, and freshly roasted by a local roaster.
When infused into oil, roasted arabica beans release a spectrum of oil-soluble compounds such as cafestol, kahweol, tocopherols, phytosterols, and phenolic lipids—but not caffeine, which does not dissolve in oil (Schmidt, 2017; Bakry et al., 2016; Sarmento, 2016). These compounds contribute to antioxidant protection, barrier support, and skin repair.
When brewed coffee replaces water in soapmaking, the water-soluble molecules (such as caffeine, niacin, melanoidins, tannins, and trace polyphenols) make their way into the finished bar, where they bring circulation-boosting, brightening, and antioxidant benefits (Koo & Lee, 2014; Draelos, 2013; Bekedam et al., 2008; Sarikurkcu et al., 2020).
Why We Love It
We love Coffea arabica for how it supports the skin differently depending on how it’s used.
In oil infusions, diterpenes like cafestol and kahweol provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support, helping defend against UV-induced damage while encouraging epidermal healing (Schmidt, 2017). Tocopherols and phenolic lipids protect lipids from oxidation and reduce barrier dysfunction, while phytosterols boost moisture retention and keep skin feeling supple (Bakry et al., 2016). The result is an oil that hydrates, repairs, and strengthens without overstimulating the skin since caffeine is not present in oil extracts.
In soaps, coffee shows a different side of its personality. Here, the caffeine remains stable, bringing microcirculation support, antioxidant action, and a touch of vasoconstriction (Koo & Lee, 2014). Niacin (vitamin B3), formed during roasting, survives in soap and contributes to skin brightening and inflammation reduction (Draelos, 2013). Melanoidins, the brown compounds from roasting, act as antioxidants and give coffee soaps their rich color (Bekedam et al., 2008). And tannins provide natural astringency and antimicrobial support, helping to tone and balance the skin (Sarikurkcu et al., 2020).
Together, these two methods—oil infusion and soapmaking—allow us to capture the full spectrum of coffee’s gifts for the skin: protective oils for hydration and repair, and antioxidant-rich soaps that energize and refresh.
References
- Schmidt (2017). Ethnobotany: Diterpenes in coffee oil (kahweol, cafestol). Wiley Online Library.
- Bakry et al. (2016). Microencapsulation of Oils: Benefits, Techniques, and Applications. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety.
- Sarmento (2016). Antioxidant oil-extracts from Coffea arabica. University of Porto Repository.
- Koo & Lee (2014). Caffeine and its cosmetic applications. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
- Draelos (2013). The use of niacinamide in dermatology. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
- Bekedam et al. (2008). Coffee brew melanoidins: structural and antioxidant properties. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
- Sarikurkcu et al. (2020). Phenolic content and bioactivity of coffee extracts. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences.
