New — The Accelerator Discovery Kit. Pick 2 stock-formula samples, credited toward your project.
New — The Accelerator Discovery Kit
Not ready for a full project? Pick up to two stock-formula samples to trial first — $89, shipped worldwide, and credited toward your Accelerator project.
C&T Allē Awards 2026 — The INCI Lab named Double Winner. Second year!
C&T Allē Awards 2026 — Double Winner
The INCI Lab won two categories at the 2026 C&T Allē Awards in New York, both powered by our proprietary mānuka complex ECMT-154:
Winner — Finished Indie Formula: Acne/Compromised Skin Care The Mānuka Ritual Blemish Kit (Rejencia)
Winner — Prototype Product/Chassis: Hair/Scalp Treatments Scalp Oil by The INCI Lab Ltd.
The C&T Allē Awards are run by Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine and recognise breakthroughs in cosmetic R&D worldwide. The 2026 winners were announced on May 18, 2026 in New York City.
A gentle, hydrating botanical enriched with naturally occurring water, minerals, and antioxidants like vitamin C and caffeic acid. Its cooling and soothing nature makes it ideal for calming redness, reducing puffiness, and strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier. A versatile ingredient for sensitive, irritated, or dehydrated skin, it offers comfort and refreshment while delivering a light, revitalised complexion.
Cucumber Extract (Cucumis sativus Fruit Extract) is a refreshing, skin-comforting botanical made from the fruit of the cucumber plant. Long loved in traditional care for its cooling feel, it’s now a modern staple for daily hydrators, after-sun gels, eye products and gentle cleansers. Naturally rich in sugars, amino acids, minerals, and mild antioxidants, cucumber extract helps the skin feel soothed and lightly moisturised while supporting a fresher, more even look.
What it does
Soothes & calms: Delivers an instant cooling sensation that helps reduce the feel of tight, overheated or wind-stressed skin—great after cleansing, light exfoliation or sun exposure.
Hydrates (lightweight): Humectant sugars and amino acids attract and hold water at the surface, improving skin comfort without heaviness or residue.
Brightens the look of dullness: Gentle antioxidant components help fend off everyday environmental stressors for a fresher, well-rested appearance.
De-puffs eye area: In eye gels and patches, the cooling, film-forming action helps the under-eye feel smoother and look less puffy (cosmetic effect).
Skin suitability
Ideal for all skin types—normal, oily, combination, dry and sensitive.
A handy pick for reactive or post-activity routines (non-broken skin), and for hot, humid climates where light hydration is preferred.
Typically low-sensitising and fragrance-lean; suits minimalist, barrier-first formulas.
Why Cucumber Extract is a Skincare Staple
Cucumis sativus is composed of about 95% water, but the remaining 5% is a dense cocktail of minerals, amino acids, and phytosterols. It is one of the few ingredients that is universally tolerated by all skin types, including those with extreme sensitivity or conditions like rosacea.
Key Nutritional Highlights:
Silica: A trace mineral that strengthens connective tissue and boosts skin elasticity.
Caffeic Acid: An antioxidant that reduces puffiness and water retention.
Vitamin K: Known for improving circulation and lightening under-eye circles.
Polysaccharides: Natural sugars that create a breathable moisture barrier on the skin.
Great pairings
Hydration & barrier: Glycerin, betaine, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, aloe, beta-glucan, ectoin and ceramide blends to build a gentle moisture stack.
Tone-evening & clarity: Niacinamide or tranexamic acid for brightening routines; cucumber helps improve cosmetic tolerance.
After-sun & soothing: Allantoin, bisabolol and madecassoside for calming gels and mists.
Eye care: Caffeine and peptides in featherweight gel textures.
Product ideas
Daily hydrators: Splash-on toners/essences and featherlight serums for comfy, shine-friendly moisture.
Recovery care: Post-sun or post-workout gels and sheet masks that cool and calm fast.
Cleansers: Micellar waters and gentle gel cleansers that refresh without stripping.
Mists: Desk or travel sprays to top up comfort during the day.
Eye gels: Morning de-puffers with a quick-dry, non-sticky finish.
What does Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract do for the skin?
Its primary roles are hydration and cooling. It acts as a natural humectant, pulling moisture into the skin, and serves as an anti-inflammatory agent to calm heat, redness, and irritation.
Can it actually reduce under-eye puffiness?
Yes. The extract contains high levels of caffeic acid and Vitamin K. These compounds help to contract dilated capillaries and reduce fluid retention, which is why it is a lead ingredient in premium eye creams and gels.
Is it safe for acne-prone skin?
Absolutely. Cucumis sativus is non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) and has a slight astringent effect. It helps balance oil production and provides hydration without the heavy, greasy feel of oils or waxes.
How does it help with sunburn?
The extract has a natural cooling sensation. When applied to sun-damaged skin, it lowers the skin's surface temperature and provides the essential moisture needed for the dermis to begin the repair process.
Does cucumber extract have anti-aging properties?
While not as aggressive as Retinol, it fights aging by combating oxidative stress. The manganese and potassium in the extract help firm the skin, while the silica supports collagen production to minimize fine lines.
Can I use it if I have sensitive skin or eczema?
Yes, it is one of the gentlest botanical extracts available. It has a pH level that is very close to human skin, which helps maintain the natural acid mantle and prevents "flare-ups" in reactive skin types.
What is the difference between cucumber juice and the extract?
Cucumber juice is the liquid pressed from the fruit, which can spoil quickly. The extract is a concentrated version where the bioactive compounds are stabilized, making it more potent and effective for long-term skin benefits.
Does it help with skin brightening?
It provides a subtle brightening effect. By hydrating the skin deeply and reducing inflammation, it removes the "dullness" associated with dehydration, resulting in a more radiant, dewy complexion.
How should I look for it on an ingredient label?
In the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) list, it will appear as "Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract." It is often found in toners, mists, and lightweight gel moisturizers.
Does cucumber extract help with large pores?
Yes, it acts as a natural mild astringent. While it cannot physically change the biological size of your pores, it helps clear away excess oil and tightens the skin surface, making pores appear smaller and more refined.
Work with our chemists
Turning this into an actual product?
The INCI Lab is an award-winning cosmetic formulation studio in Auckland. We formulate for indie beauty brands across New Zealand and Australia — low MOQs, full regulatory support, and 100% IP ownership stays with you.
