Cucumis Sativus Extract

Cucumis Sativus (cucumber) extract is primarily a soothing/humectant botanical used at low concentrations in leave-on products, and it is generally well-tolerated in patch testing and clinical use. However, as a plant extract it contains multiple constituents (including trace proteins and other phytochemicals) that can trigger irritant or allergic contact dermatitis in a small but meaningful subset of highly reactive or eczema-prone patients, especially on compromised skin. Given this nonzero sensitization potential despite its “gentle” reputation, it fits best as a gentle ingredient with minimal but real risk. Safety Notes: In mass-market leave-on moisturizers/serums/toners, Cucumis Sativus (cucumber) extract is frequently used as a minor soothing/marketing botanical at trace-to-low levels (~0.001–0.1%), especially when it appears mid-to-late INCI. Higher levels are found in “cucumber gel” masks, after-sun/soothing gels, and botanical-focused formulas where the extract (often a glycerin/propylene glycol/water extract) is a key story ingredient, commonly ~1–5% and occasionally up to ~10% in consumer OTC products. Actual use level depends strongly on the extract’s solvent/carrier and standardization (active solids are typically much lower than the added extract solution), and both leave-on and rinse-off products are seen across this range.