Cucumber Seed Oil - Sublime for Skin and Hair


Cucumber and oil in the same sentence seems a little odd, doesn't it? Cucumbers are all about droplets of watery freshness and a mild scent of green dewiness. Cucumber doesn't associate with anything oily.

Nevertheless, there is an oil that has its origins in cucumber – the seeds to be exact – and I've been in love with it ever since I started working with it last year.

Cucumber seed oil is a skin-loving joy to use that I don't expect to grow tired of any time soon.



Pressed

Despite the watery make-up of this vegetable, cucumber seeds actually contain a fair amount of oil – around 45%.

Still, it takes quite a few cucumbers to provide even a handful of seeds. Now imagine how many cucumber seeds are needed to provide a mere teaspoon of oil and you'll appreciate why cucumus sativus is among the pricier carrier oils.

From my experience so far though, it's worth every penny.

The oil I have been working with is cold pressed ("to preserve as many nutrients as possible" according to my supplier).


Packed With Good Stuff

Cucumber seed oil is rich in all kinds of goodies that skin and hair thrive on:
  • omega 6 fatty acids
  • omega 9 (oleic acid)
  • vitamin B1
  • vitamin C
  • tocopherols
  • potassium
  • sodium
  • magnesium
  • and more...

Cucumber seed oil offers astringent, nutritive, and calming properties, as well as refreshing, soothing the skin.


Yet an Average Oil

Characterized as an 'average' type carrier oil (read: it absorbs at an average speed and leaves a slightly greasy feeling on the skin), cucumber seed oil is recommended for a variety of uses: masks, creams, and lotions, as well as nail, hair, and scalp care products.

It is highly recommended as a moisture-binding, curl-loving conditioner for coily, kinky, and curly hair.


Oh, That Scent

If you are familiar with the distinctly misty light, fresh, and green scent of freshly sliced cucumber, then you know the scent of (water soluble) cucumber extract. Now, multiply that scent by 20 – that's the scent of the oil.

This is one ingredient that has the same fragrance in both oil and water-soluble form.

The best part: even when the scent is 'intensified-by-20' like the oil is, it never becomes cloying, heavy, or tiring in any way.

My nose tends to linger over the open bottle every time I am using it.


Hot and Cold

Although the oil can be heated and used in emulsions, it took me a while to actually use it in a formula where it required heating. The mere thought of 'killing' any of the nutrients made me hesitate.

However, after loving how it behaved in personal oil blends, an emulsion had to be tried. The goal: create a very light, cucumber-themed serum that includes both oil and (water-soluble) extract and is equally suited for day and night use.


Testing

At the moment, I am testing batch 4 of my 'Cucumber Day and Night Serum'. Aside from consistently maintaining a perfect viscosity, the scent is so fresh and inviting that I simply can't get enough of it.

As a day serum, it melts in quickly and gives a toning feeling, and as a night serum, it provides a non-greasy, thoroughly hydrated sensation.

I've only given samples to a very few of my testers so far. That's because I'm taking my time with this serum, which incorporates several other new ingredients.


About Cucumber in Cosmetics

Realize Beauty: Selecting a Good Oil
Tentative Safety Assessment by Cir-safety.org

Comments

Mom said…
Ohhhhh! I truly wish I lived by you and could be a tester for this. Long ago before I got into natural products I used a cucumber night cream from a company I don't even recall the name of. 😜 I loved it for the smell, I think that is the only reason I used it. 😄 Good luck with this product.
JNC
LisaLise said…
Hi JNC - Thanks so much - I promise to let you know if I need an overseas tester. Meantime - if you do think of the name of that night cream or the company, please do post it! :)
Chris said…
I also report for tester duty! :D

Chris
LisaLise said…
Chris - teehee- nice to know there is interest! :)
Olivia J said…
This sounds so interesting! I never thought about cucumber oil! I eat cucumbers everyday and same with tomatoes. Maybe a combo of the two next time? :-)
Tina Rasmussen, CPH said…
Another ingredient I foegot to add to my last order and need to try! Seems like every time I send an order i go - oh but I forgot - so many ingredients to try - this sounds wonderful too :-o
LisaLise said…
Hi Olivia, - it really is a lovely oil - I like your idea of combining :)

Hi Tina - You will love this oil - look forward to it!
Anonymous said…
Can cucumber seed be used as a preservative?
LisaLise said…
Hey there Anon - I've never heard that cucumber seed can function as a preservative.
Elisabeth said…
Hi Lise, I love cucumber seed oil! Do you have tips where to buy it in Europe? I found some places but their oil didn’t have that nice scent. Up to now I found one shop in France with a nice smelling oil, but I would like to compare a few.
LisaLise said…
Hi Elizabeth— have you checked Skin chakra in Germany? I believe they have it. You might also look at Alexmo in Germany — not sure if i’ve seen it there but might be worth a look. 😊
Anonymous said…
Hi! About 15+ years ago, I bought a cucumber scented candle. It was heavenly! When I tried to replace it all I could find were artificially scented cucumber candles and they were all combined with melon or another scent. Do you think it would be possible to make a candle using this oil? Thank you!
LisaLise said…
HI Anon-- what an intriguing idea! I wish I knew if this could be done but I don't make candles so can only guess. The cucumber seed oil is quite heat sensitive, so if it has to be melted with the wax, you might be disappointed. Also, this is not an inexpensive oil.