You may have noticed that watermelon beauty products are popping up everywhere. It's not only a seasonal thing, watermelon is also extremely healthy for you. Watermelon, or Citrullus lanatus, comes from a family of desert-dwelling vines and is made up of 90 percent water. Much like its cousin the cucumber, watermelon is ultra-hydrating due to the high water content.
Don't let all that H2O fool you, watermelon is also full of nutrients, enzymes and amino acids — all of which nourish your body from the inside and out. Like tomatoes, watermelon contains the antioxidant lycopene, which gives the watermelon its beautiful, reddish-pink hue and helps to fight pollution and inflammation in the skin. Watermelon is also rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A (retinol) when consumed and helps fight melasma when applied topically. Other nutrients found in the flesh of the fruit include magnesium, potassium and vitamins A, B and C.
The skin of the watermelon is also very beneficial for the body. It's high in chlorophyll and the amino acid citrulline, which is used in sport-enhancing supplements and has hydrating and detoxifying effects on the skin. Watermelon seed oil is another nutrient-dense product from the fruit itself. After being dried and extracted, the lightweight oil is used in all types of products because of its hydrating and antioxidant properties. Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, watermelon seed oil is used to moisturize skin and hair, treat wrinkles, dark circles and hyperpigmentation.
This multi-functional melon is as beneficial for your body as it is good to eat. Check out some of our favorite watermelon beauty products so you can douse yourself head-to-toe in the nutritious (and delicious) super fruit.
Following in the footsteps of its ever-popular Watermelon Glow Sleep Mask, the Pink Juice Moisturizer is just as refreshing and hydrating. Packed with hyaluronic acid and watermelon extract, it adds lightweight hydration and a bouncy, dewy glow — perfect for oily or combination skin. The pretty pink hue and the uncanny watermelon scent make you feel as if you are applying the fruit itself to your face.
Milk Makeup took the hassle out of applying another liquid product in your skin care regimen and replaced it with a simple transportable stick. The solid pink serum contains watermelon extract, Swiss garden cress sprout extract and matrixyl (a peptide) to add moisture, brighten, even out skin tone and prep the face for makeup. Another TSA-friendly product we'll be packing on our next vacation.
This limited-edition sheet mask from Sephora is infused with watermelon-y goodness. Containing watermelon extract, it's used to revitalize skin that's been suntanned or burned. Containing one sheet for your face and one for your chest, it's like a big drink of water for skin that's been overcooked. After just 15 minutes, skin is left soothed, hydrated and less likely to peel. Use the leftover serum in the pouch to calm other areas of the body post-exposure.
This crystal-infused face wash is a truly sensory experience every time you cleanse. The gel itself has an iridescent sheen (thanks to rose quartz powder) to brighten your face and your mood. The uplifting fragrance of watermelon and lemongrass smells nearly good enough to eat. Rest assured, your face will be totally cleansed, hydrated and free from makeup.
