Why watermelon is the beauty ingredient you need this summer

Watermelon is not just made of water. It’s also got plenty of health-boosting phytonutrients so smother it all over your face to tackle dull, wintry complexions

Sarah Jones
Friday 04 May 2018 11:20 EDT
Comments
One in a melon: they boost blood circulation, act as an exfoliant and work as anti-inflammatory
One in a melon: they boost blood circulation, act as an exfoliant and work as anti-inflammatory (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A fruit synonymous with summer, watermelon is about to make an appearance in more than just your salads.

Thanks to the genius of Korean beauty experts, the super-fruit is now having its moment in the skincare world too.

The latest in a long line of K-beauty imports, you’d be forgiven for assuming that watermelon is primarily made of water – 96 per cent in fact – but there’s actually more than meets the eye to this unassuming ingredient.

While it’s undoubtedly jam-packed with H20 to hydrate your skin, it also boasts an impressive cocktail of essential phytonutrients ideal for tackling dull, wintry complexions.

One of the most important components is citrulline – an amino acid that not only boosts blood circulation but also doubles as a mild exfoliant – while lycopene works as an anti-inflammatory.

It’s because of this unique combination of phytonutrients that watermelon is considered such an impressive ingredient in the beauty world.

Glow Recipe, Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask, £40, Cult Beauty
Glow Recipe, Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask, £40, Cult Beauty

Not only is it suitable for all skin types but it’s especially effective for those who struggle to settle breakouts, redness and dry, flaky skin.

Even better, it’s also rich in antioxidants, meaning it works wonders for lessening the signs of ageing.

Origins, Make A Difference, Overnight Hydrating Repair Cream, £32.85, Look Fantastic
Origins, Make A Difference, Overnight Hydrating Repair Cream, £32.85, Look Fantastic

Luckily, there are plenty of products on the market that boast watermelon as a main ingredient with Korean beauty brand Glow Recipe leading the way.

Last year, it launched its debut own-brand product, the Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask, which proved so popular that it sold out within just five hours and accrued a waiting list of almost 20,000 people.

Grown Alchemist, Watermelon & Vanilla Lip Balm, £14, Net-a-Porter
Grown Alchemist, Watermelon & Vanilla Lip Balm, £14, Net-a-Porter

But, the fanfare doesn’t stop there. Now you can get your hands on watermelon-infused everything, including thirst-quenching moisturisers, cleansers and even lip balms.

Su-Man Refining Facial Polish, £38, Look Fantastic
Su-Man Refining Facial Polish, £38, Look Fantastic
Murad, Hydro-Dynamic Quenching Essence, £55.25, John Lewis
Murad, Hydro-Dynamic Quenching Essence, £55.25, John Lewis

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in