There’s a reason the phrase “cool as a cucumber” became the popular way to describe someone who’s calm and relaxed. Cucumbers contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and caffeic acid (a polyphenol antioxidant), giving them super soothing powers, according to dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden. Caffeic acid also helps battle the signs of aging. Crisp cucumbers are anti-inflammatory, reduce itching and relieve the heat and pain associated with sunburns, making them a popular ingredient in after-sun skin care products.
Co-founder of BIA Life Dr. Shasa Hu adds that cucumbers retain hydration especially well, which is something our skin craves in summer. Cucumbers are also pretty versatile, suitable for the vast majority of skin types. “Cucumber is rarely allergenic, which is why it can be used for almost all skin types,” says Hu. “It is particularly suitable for people with sensitive skin, redness-/rosacea-prone skin, dry skin or photodamaged skin.”
Fresh cucumbers are go-tos in DIY face masks and treatments. But if you plan on saving your stash for a salad, take advantage of cucumber skin care products. Try these cool products as part of your calming summer skin care routine, then keep calm and carry on using them the rest of the year.
Cucumber Is the Cooling Skin Care Ingredient for Summer
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Native
Cucumber & Mint Body Wash, $7.99 at Target
You'll look forward to hopping in the shower thanks to this cooling cucumber and mint body wash. Boasting both cucumber and spearmint extracts, it relies on a cleanser derived from coconut oil to get you squeaky clean.
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COOLA
Classic Face Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 - Cucumber, $32 at COOLA
Make full use of cooling cucumber with this nongreasy sunscreen. The antioxidant-rich vegan formula moisturizes while offering water- and sweat-resistant protection for up to 80 minutes. The organic sunscreen even has the faint scent of fresh cucumbers.
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Mario Badescu
Cucumber Cleansing Lotion, $15 at Mario Badescu
Those with oily or combination skin will appreciate cucumber's versatility in this cleansing lotion. The toner has the classic refreshing effect of cucumber plus it harnesses the ingredient's natural astringent properties to balance face grease.
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Herbal Dynamics Beauty
Essentials Pure Cucumber Hydrosol Mist, $12 at Indie Beauty Market
Mists are the easy way to get a refreshing pick-me-up anytime, anywhere. Keep this one within reach because the healing mist balances skin's pH and boasts a calming aromatherapy effect. Suitable for all skin types, it can even be spritzed on your body and scalp.
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ClarityRx
Cold Compress Soothing Cucumber Mask, $29 at ClarityRx
Red, sensitive skin is often exacerbated by soaring mercury. This cooling gel mask provides relief. It contains all the hero calming ingredients: cucumber, aloe and chamomile. It's like the best cold compress for inflamed skin, but in jar form.
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Ouai
After Sun Body Soother, $24 at Feelunique
Your skin can get hot even if you don't have a sunburn. Use this cooling spray foam all over your body after sun exposure to keep cool. Aloe-infused bubbles plus rosehip oil and cucumber provide instant hydration.
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Yes To
Cucumbers Cooling Moisturizer, $12.99 at ASOS
Keep skin as cool as a cucumber with this hydrating moisturizer made with 98 percent natural ingredients. It has an extra dose of freshness thanks to the rollerball applicator and it's mess-free.
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ILIA
Cucumber Water Stick, $42 at Smallflower
It's a vegan toner in handy stick form. The solid product is a travel-friendly mist and toner in one package that can be used almost anywhere to refresh skin. Swipe it on and an array of botanical extracts, including cucumber, aloe and chicory root, smooth and soothe complexions and prep faces for makeup. The solid toner can even be used around your eyes to wake up tired peepers.
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Kiehl's
Cucumber Herbal Conditioning Cleanser, $24 at Kiehl's
The cucumber and glycerin in this gentle gel cleanser make skin feel refreshed, but never tight. The nature-inspired pick is still potent enough to melt away dirt, however. And it's suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.
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Babo Botanicals
Cucumber and Aloe After Sun Soothing Hydrating Gel, $12.99 at Target
Revive skin after a day out in the sun with this nonsticky hydrating gel. The aloe and cucumber formula absorbs into skin to provide a major dose of moisture courtesy of hyaluronic acid. Limbs will be left feeling smooth and nourished. Best of all, the gel has a cooling effect.
