Sunday Spotlight – Cucumber Extract

Choosing Cucumber Extract for my first Sunday Spotlight was a given! Just because it is one of my favourite ingredients. Containing minerals such as magnesium and potassium, along with other components, means that it supports the skin at a cellular level. These two minerals help the skin to retain and control moisture levels in the skin. Vitamin C and Caffeic Acid, (a chemical from plants), have antioxidant qualities. Another substance, Lutein, can help with skin pigmentation and a high silica content helps to boost collagen. This Collagen boosting effect helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

How I discovered Cucumber Extract

I started using Cucumber Extract after finding one of my favourites, a deep moisturising ingredient, was altered to include Propylene Glycol. That product is a by-product of the petroleum industry. After discovering this fact, I had to remove the ingredient from my range of products. As I state that I do not use petroleum-based ingredients in Imago Skincare. I found the process of finding a replacement a little challenging. It was vital that I find a product with the same properties. I realised that I would need more than one product to get the desired effect. While the product I was currently using contained Propylene Glycol, it also contained some useful plant extracts.

I decided to blend Hyaluronic Acid and Cucumber Extract and that resulted in my products being more effective. The two substances have a synergistic effect when used together and, in addition, the Cucumber Extract is made using glycerine which lends even more moisturising qualities to the finished product.

Cucumber in Folklore

Cucumber has a strong reputation in folklore for its benefits to the skin. Everyone knows how lovely cucumber slices feel on the eyes! The instant soothing and cooling effect is felt straight away. *“Cucumber is a diuretic tonic that improves the elimination of excess fluids,” Why not eat a few slices too! Culpepper, one of the first herbalists, writes about lots of uses for cucumbers for skin issues. Cucumber has been used for centuries because of the hydrating, anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as its soothing and cooling effects The plant is thought to have been first grown in India and is also said to have cleansing properties.

Where I use Cucumber Extract

I use this extract in many of my products, including all moisturisers, masks, cleansers and eye products. Cucumber Extract has a wonderful fresh smell which means it needs no added essential oils, making it ideal for eye products. You can see some of the products that contain Cucumber Extract below.