At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about cucumber extract. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Cucumber extract comes from the fruit of Cucumis sativus, which is about 96% water with vitamin C, caffeic acid, flavonoids, and minerals. In ORY® products it hydrates lightly and gives a cooling, refreshing feel. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel found cucumber-derived ingredients safe as used in cosmetics. Lab studies show antioxidant activity and inhibition of enzymes that break down hyaluronic acid and elastin. Human evidence is limited.
Citations:
- Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of Cucumis sativus (cucumber)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(2 Suppl). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814526892
- What it shows: CIR safety conclusion.
- Nema, N. K., Maity, N., Sarkar, B., & Mukherjee, P. K. (2011). Cucumis sativus fruit – potential antioxidant, anti-hyaluronidase, and anti-elastase agent. Archives of Dermatological Research, 303(4), 247–252. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-010-1103-y
- What it shows: Lab study of antioxidant, anti-hyaluronidase, and anti-elastase activity.
- Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of Cucumis sativus (cucumber)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(2 Suppl). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814526892
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Cucumber extract is made by pressing the fruit, by water or glycerin maceration, or by drying to a powder. Cucumber seed oil is a separate, linoleic-rich oil. |
Verification: Supported. Composition is documented in phytochemical reviews.
Citations:
- Mukherjee, P. K., Nema, N. K., Maity, N., & Sarkar, B. K. (2013). Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber. Fitoterapia, 84, 227–236. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23098877/
- What it shows: Review of cucumber phytochemistry.
- Mukherjee, P. K., Nema, N. K., Maity, N., & Sarkar, B. K. (2013). Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber. Fitoterapia, 84, 227–236. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23098877/
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Cucumber extract is gentle and suits all seven ORY® skin types and the eye area. |
Verification: Supported. Cucumber ingredients are well tolerated in cosmetics.
Citations:
- Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of Cucumis sativus (cucumber)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(2 Suppl). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814526892
- What it shows: Safety and tolerance.
- Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of Cucumis sativus (cucumber)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(2 Suppl). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814526892
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, cucumber adds lightweight hydration and a cooling, refreshing feel to scalp mists and conditioners. |
Verification: Limited evidence. We found no clinical studies of cucumber on the scalp or hair. ORY® haircare products are not intended to treat scalp conditions.
Citations:
- Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of Cucumis sativus (cucumber)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(2 Suppl). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814526892
- What it shows: Confirms cosmetic use.
- Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of Cucumis sativus (cucumber)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(2 Suppl). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814526892
5. Benefits
Claim: Cucumber extract refreshes and cools, lightly hydrates, and provides antioxidant support. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. In a 4-week study of 21 volunteers, a cream with 3% cucumber extract reduced skin oil; changes in moisture and pigment were not statistically significant. Enzyme and antioxidant effects are from lab studies. De-puffing and brightening claims have limited evidence, so ORY® describes them as a refreshing feel only.
Citations:
- Akhtar, N., Mehmood, A., Khan, B. A., Mahmood, T., Khan, H. M. S., & Saeed, T. (2011). Exploring cucumber extract for skin rejuvenation. African Journal of Biotechnology, 10(7), 1206–1216. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajb/article/view/92859
- What it shows: Small human study of a 3% cucumber cream.
- Nema, N. K., Maity, N., Sarkar, B., & Mukherjee, P. K. (2011). Cucumis sativus fruit – potential antioxidant, anti-hyaluronidase, and anti-elastase agent. Archives of Dermatological Research, 303(4), 247–252. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-010-1103-y
- What it shows: Lab evidence.
- Akhtar, N., Mehmood, A., Khan, B. A., Mahmood, T., Khan, H. M. S., & Saeed, T. (2011). Exploring cucumber extract for skin rejuvenation. African Journal of Biotechnology, 10(7), 1206–1216. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajb/article/view/92859
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Cucumber is used in all four ORY® product lines, including as a partial water replacement in soap. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. The CIR reported cucumber ingredients used at up to 3%, mostly below 1%. Some ORY® levels are higher than those reported to the CIR. We found no data on how much of cucumber’s active compounds survive soapmaking.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 1–10% extract; up to 100% cucumber water | Toners, mists, eye gels, masks, and light moisturizers. |
| Haircare | 1–5% | Shampoos, scalp mists, and conditioners. |
| Handmade Soap | 25–50% of water phase | Cucumber purée as partial water replacement. |
| Cosmetics | 1–5% | Primers, setting mists, and eye creams. |
Citations:
- Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of Cucumis sativus (cucumber)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(2 Suppl). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814526892
- What it shows: Reported use concentrations.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.
- Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of Cucumis sativus (cucumber)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(2 Suppl). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814526892
7. Pros
Claim: Very gentle, refreshing, familiar, and affordable. |
Verification: Supported. Supported by the CIR review.
Citations:
- Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of Cucumis sativus (cucumber)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(2 Suppl). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814526892
- What it shows: Safety.
- Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of Cucumis sativus (cucumber)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(2 Suppl). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814526892
8. Cons
Claim: Cucumber is mild in effect, has limited clinical evidence, and needs strong preservation. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Mild potency. Supportive rather than corrective.
- Limited clinical trials. Most evidence is from the lab.
- Preservation. Water and sugars need robust preservation.
- Soap color and odor. Fresh purée can brown.
Citations:
- Akhtar, N., Mehmood, A., Khan, B. A., Mahmood, T., Khan, H. M. S., & Saeed, T. (2011). Exploring cucumber extract for skin rejuvenation. African Journal of Biotechnology, 10(7), 1206–1216. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajb/article/view/92859
- What it shows: Human study showed mostly non-significant changes.
- Akhtar, N., Mehmood, A., Khan, B. A., Mahmood, T., Khan, H. M. S., & Saeed, T. (2011). Exploring cucumber extract for skin rejuvenation. African Journal of Biotechnology, 10(7), 1206–1216. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajb/article/view/92859
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of Cucumis sativus (cucumber)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(2 Suppl). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814526892
- What it shows: Safety data reviewed by the CIR.
- Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of Cucumis sativus (cucumber)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(2 Suppl). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814526892
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Akhtar, N., Mehmood, A., Khan, B. A., Mahmood, T., Khan, H. M. S., & Saeed, T. (2011). Exploring cucumber extract for skin rejuvenation. African Journal of Biotechnology, 10(7), 1206–1216. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajb/article/view/92859
- Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of Cucumis sativus (cucumber)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(2 Suppl). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814526892
- Mukherjee, P. K., Nema, N. K., Maity, N., & Sarkar, B. K. (2013). Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber. Fitoterapia, 84, 227–236. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23098877/
- Nema, N. K., Maity, N., Sarkar, B., & Mukherjee, P. K. (2011). Cucumis sativus fruit – potential antioxidant, anti-hyaluronidase, and anti-elastase agent. Archives of Dermatological Research, 303(4), 247–252. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-010-1103-y
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
