What’s With Watermelon?

It’s no surprise that skincare companies try to create the next buzz worthy product to launch, and watermelon has certainly become the latest trend to hit shelves. This juicy, summertime-favorite, has made an appearance in quite a few products, thanks to K-beauty lines like Glow Recipe.  It doesn’t look like the trend is stopping anytime soon.

According to LiveScience, watermelons are made up of mostly water (92% to be exact), along with Vitamins A, B6, C, lycopene, antioxidants, and amino acids. The rind in particular contains an amino acid called Citrulline, which converts to arginine. Arginine may sound familiar, as this ingredient has long been used in anti-aging skin care lines.

While watermelons clearly have many nutrients when consumed, how well does it fair for skin? Skincare companies claim that watermelon as an ingredient is hydrating, brightening and even reduces redness. Many claim that this ingredient is great for all skin conditions from dryness to oily or acne-prone.

A large factor in skincare ingredients comes down to the process in which the extracts are derived. Reading the skincare label is always a good idea and you should recommend your clients to do the same. Is watermelon extract near the top of the ingredient list or is it buried behind 20 other ingredients that you can’t pronounce? Does the product contain artificial fragrance to increase the fruity scent? Any type of fragrance added is a no-no for skin and can lead to further irritation.

The quality of the watermelon used in formulation is even a factor. Is the watermelon growing in an area where pesticides and chemicals are sprayed? Is it harvested before it is ripe and has lower levels of lycopene? How does the manufacturer formulate their product? All of these factors can produce different grades of extract, which definitely means different benefits from the skin care product.

While more research may be needed to officially prove the claims of brightening and reducing oxidative stress, at the very least, watermelon extract does provide hydration when applied topically.  The other bit of good news is there is a low likelihood of this ingredient interacting or interfering with other ingredients in a skin care regimen, so you can recommend other products that will be ok.

While the jury is still out on the efficacy of watermelon extract in skin care, we’ll be sure to eat lots of watermelon just in case. Comment below, have you hopped on the watermelon bandwagon? If so, what are your favorite products to use?