Cucumber Extract
Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract · CAS 89998-01-6 · Kheera ka Arq (کھیرے کا عرق)
Pakistan's most beloved cooling botanical — scientifically validated as a multi-pathway anti-inflammatory, humectant, and antioxidant active. From traditional kheere ki thandak to COX-2 inhibition and idoBR1 discovery: the complete professional and cultural reference for Pakistani formulators.
89998-01-6
Typical
Permitted
At a Glance
Kheere ki Thandak — Pakistan's Cooling Botanical
Cucumber Extract occupies a unique position in the world of cosmetic actives: it is simultaneously a rigorously mechanised scientific ingredient and Pakistan's most beloved traditional cooling remedy. Every Pakistani knows kheera (کھیرے) — the cold slices placed over tired eyes before Eid, the chilled cucumber juice (kheere ka arq) rubbed into heat-reddened skin on a July afternoon in Lahore, the cucumber paste applied in village beauty routines that have persisted for centuries. What modern analytical science has done is transform this folk wisdom into precision biochemistry: the flavonoids quercetin, luteolin, and apigenin that inhibit COX-2; the iminosugar idoBR1 isolated for the first time from Cucumis sativus in 2020 that blocks TNF-α and disrupts the hyaluronic acid–CD44 inflammatory signalling axis; the polysaccharide fraction that deposits a hygroscopic moisture-binding film on the stratum corneum. The cultural narrative and the clinical evidence are now inseparable.
For Pakistani formulators, Cucumber Extract solves problems that are specific and urgent. In Lahore's extreme summer heat of 38–45°C, every consumer's skin is under assault from UV radiation, thermal stress, and the inflammatory cascade it triggers — Cucumber Extract's multi-flavonoid anti-inflammatory profile directly dampens this response within 15–30 minutes of leave-on application. In Karachi's coastal climate, where humidity intensifies the post-sun experience and creates chronic under-eye puffiness from heat and disrupted sleep, Cucumber Extract in an eye gel or cooling serum delivers the most culturally resonant and clinically substantiated response available. The ingredient is fully halal, EU-permitted, CIR-approved, DRAP-unrestricted, and non-comedogenic — a regulatory profile as clean as its clear liquid form. Bio Shop™ Pakistan stocks cosmetic-grade extract standardised to appearance, pH, and microbial limits with Certificate of Analysis available per batch.
Bio Shop™ Pakistan stocks Cucumber Extract at cosmetic grade — clear to pale yellow liquid, fully water-soluble, pH 4.5–6.5, APHA ≤100. Sourced from established international manufacturers with verifiable supply chains and batch-level CoA documentation. Typical use: 1–5% in water-based formulations; add to cool-down phase below 45°C. Suitable for eye gels, toners, face mists, after-sun products, serums, creams, scalp treatments. CoA, SDS, and Halal compatibility documentation available on request. Visit bioshop.pk/products/cucumber-extract for current stock and pricing.
Chemical Identification
Four Commercial Grades
Cucumber Extract is available in several grades differentiated by extraction method, standardisation level, and solvent system. Understanding grade differences is essential for Pakistani formulators evaluating supplier options. Bio Shop™ Pakistan stocks cosmetic-grade liquid extract — the professional specification with CoA per batch.
Concentration Behaviour
Cucumber Extract exhibits a clear dose-response relationship for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The clinically studied and commercially validated range is 1–5%, which delivers full multi-pathway benefits within safe and aesthetically acceptable limits. Use levels are not restricted by regulation — the constraint is practical: above 5%, visible colouration (pale yellow-green tinge) may develop in finished products, and additional actives (Allantoin, Niacinamide, Chamomile Extract) typically provide better cost-in-use improvement than simply increasing Cucumber Extract concentration.
Functional Performance Profile
Three Complete Formulas
Three production-ready formulas from the Bio Shop™ Pakistan reference document — exact weights, exact percentages, all verified at 100g total. Formula 1 is a cooling under-eye gel. Formula 2 is a summer face mist for Lahore and Karachi markets. Formula 3 is a scalp cooling shampoo. All ingredients available at bioshop.pk. Add Cucumber Extract in cool-down phase below 45°C in all formulas.
Classic Pairings
Cucumber Extract performs most powerfully in synergistic multi-active combinations. These pairings represent the most commercially successful and clinically validated combinations for Pakistani formulation, confirmed from the reference document. All available at bioshop.pk.
Cucumber Extract vs. Alternatives
EU Regulation & Safety Overview
EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 — Fully Permitted
Cucumber Extract (INCI: Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, CAS 89998-01-6) is a fully permitted cosmetic ingredient under EU Regulation 1223/2009. It does not appear in Annex II (prohibited substances), Annex III (restricted substances), Annex IV (permitted colorants), Annex V (permitted preservatives), or Annex VI (permitted UV filters). Its absence from all restrictive annexes means it can be used in all cosmetic product categories — leave-on, rinse-off, eye area, lip products (where applicable), children's products — without quantitative limits, subject only to the general safety obligation of Article 3. CosIng entry lists functions as Skin Conditioning and Antioxidant. Pakistani manufacturers exporting to EU can include Cucumber Extract without triggering any specific regulatory obligations beyond standard cosmetic product safety assessment and GMP compliance.
CIR Safety Assessment (2012) — Approved Safe
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel assessed six Cucumis sativus-derived cosmetic ingredients in 2012 and concluded they are safe in current practices of use and concentration. Key data: single insult patch test with 1% Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract in 20 subjects — zero erythema or oedema at 24 or 48 hours; repeat insult patch test with 0.5–2.5% extract in O/W cream — no irritation, erythema, oedema, or sensitisation reactions. The ingredient's fragrant components (naturally occurring C6 aldehydes and alcohols) are noted as non-sensitising at typical use concentrations. No mutagenicity concern; anti-tumor promotion activity demonstrated in controlled studies. No reproductive toxicity data indicating concern at cosmetic use levels.
DRAP Pakistan & Halal — Fully Compliant
No current restriction under Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) cosmetics regulations. Pakistani formulators may include Cucumber Extract freely in domestic cosmetic products. Halal status is unambiguous: Cucumber Extract is derived entirely from Cucumis sativus fruit through aqueous or water-glycol extraction. No animal-derived components, no ethanol fermentation at any production stage, no non-halal processing aids in standard cosmetic-grade manufacturing. Major international Halal certification bodies (JAKIM Malaysia, HFA UK, IFANCA USA, Pakistan Halal Authority) recognise plant-derived aqueous botanical extracts as inherently Halal. Bio Shop™ Pakistan can provide manufacturer Halal compatibility documentation on request for brands seeking formal product certification.
Clinical Safety Profile — Well-Documented
Acute oral toxicity: practically non-toxic (cucumber widely consumed globally as food — FDA 21 CFR 101.44 GRAS). Acute dermal toxicity: no adverse effects in CIR safety review at cosmetic use concentrations. Eye irritation: non-irritating at cosmetic use levels; specifically safe for periocular application at 1–3% (confirmed safe for eye gel applications). Skin irritation: non-irritating in controlled patch test (CIR 2012). Sensitisation potential: not a known skin sensitiser; no furocoumarins or phototoxicants in cucumber fruit extract. No phototoxicity; no UV-sensitisation risk — important for Pakistani formulators developing leave-on products used under intense sun exposure. Non-comedogenic. Safe during pregnancy at cosmetic use levels; no reproductive toxicity data indicating concern.
Environmental Profile — Biodegradable Botanical
Cucumber Extract has a favourable environmental profile as a fully plant-derived, water-soluble botanical extract. The flavonoid and polyphenol fraction undergoes aerobic biodegradation in aquatic environments through standard microbial oxidation pathways. No persistent bioaccumulation concern. No heavy metal catalysis of environmental degradation. Aqueous botanical extracts are among the most environmentally friendly cosmetic active classes. For Pakistani formulators pursuing sustainability claims: Cucumber Extract is compatible with natural, organic, and eco-certified formulation frameworks. No special disposal requirements for diluted wastewater; dispose of concentrated waste responsibly per standard cosmetic manufacturing protocols.
Formulation Stability Precautions
Key stability vulnerabilities require management. Heat: add below 45°C in all formulations — ascorbic acid begins degrading measurably above 40°C; flavonoids stable to 60°C but protect sensitive ascorbic acid fraction. UV: always use opaque or UV-blocking packaging; UV accelerates polyphenol photodegradation and causes colour darkening. Oxidation: use EDTA 2NA at 0.05–0.1% as metal chelator to prevent metal-catalysed ascorbic acid oxidation, especially in Pakistan where tap water quality is variable — always use distilled water. Microbial: aqueous botanical extracts support microbial growth — always include a broad-spectrum preservative (Germall Plus 0.5%, Optiphen Plus 1–1.5%, or Phenoxyethanol/Ethylhexylglycerin). Alkaline pH above 7.0: causes flavonoid oxidation and browning; maintain formulation pH at 5.0–6.5.
Storing in Pakistan's Climate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cucumber Extract halal? What is its complete plant-derived origin?
How do I verify quality and purity when purchasing Cucumber Extract in Pakistan?
Which skin types benefit most? Is Cucumber Extract safe for South Asian and Fitzpatrick III–VI skin?
What use level should I choose? Can I use more than 5% and how do I measure accurately?
How should I store Cucumber Extract in Pakistan — specifically Lahore and Karachi?
What is the EU regulatory and export status? Can Pakistani brands include Cucumber Extract in products for European markets?
Which Pakistani consumer segments respond best to Cucumber Extract-based products?
What Urdu product names work for Cucumber Extract formulations? How does it perform in Pakistan's summer heat?
Dive Deeper — Read the Complete Guide
The complete professional reference document covers everything on this page and substantially more: full idoBR1 isolation chemistry and mechanism (ACS Omega 2020 study), complete bioactive compound profiles with concentration ranges in fresh cucumber, detailed COX-2 inhibition mechanism diagrams, comprehensive skin layer interaction analysis from stratum corneum through viable epidermis, advanced Liposomal and niosomal encapsulation formulation strategies for enhanced bioavailability, full Unani medicine (Tibb-e-Unani) cultural documentation including Ibn Sina and Al-Biruni's classification of kheera as Bard wa Ratb (cold & moist), three complete product concept business cases with PKR pricing analysis, comprehensive Lahore and Karachi climate storage protocols, accelerated stability testing methodology for Pakistan conditions, detailed formulation compatibility matrix for all major cosmetic ingredient classes, and a 20-term professional glossary covering all key botanical extract and skin science terminology.
