Does Putting Cucumber on Your Eyes Really Work?

We asked experts about the old-school trick.

You’ve seen all those images of people in a heightened moment of self-care—hair wrapped in a fluffy towel, limbs stretched out on a bed, and two perfectly cut cucumbers on each eye. It’s an iconic visual, but is the whole putting cucumbers on your eyes thing legit or is it pure photo opp? Curious about the answer, we reached out to some skincare pros.

Turns out, this old-school beauty hack actually does have some notable benefits. Keep reading to learn about why using freshly sliced cucumbers on your eyes is beneficial and how to get the most out of this DIY beauty trick.

RELATED: How to Do an At-Home Facial, According to an Esthetician

What Does Putting Real Cucumber on Eyes Do?

While placing finely sliced cucumbers over your eyes isn’t going to completely transform your face, this timeless, tried and true beauty remedy does have a few key benefits.

“The cooling effect of the cucumber can reduce swelling and puffiness while stimulating blood flow to the skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Deanne Robinson, MD, FAAD. “Cucumbers are also high in water content, making them very hydrating to the skin. If they sit on the skin for a few minutes, then the skin can absorb this water to plump fine lines.”

Erica Marie Gatt, esthetician and founder of EM Skin, agrees. She adds that cucumbers are rich in vitamin C and K, which can provide a brightening effect, minimize dark under eye circles, and help ward off free radical damage.

“Since cucumbers have a natural cooling sensation—especially if being used directly from the fridge or freezer—they also act as a vasoconstrictor, slowing blood flow therefore tightening and smoothing the under eye,” notes Gatt. “And the good news is you can get all these wonderful benefits for free by growing them in your very own garden,” Gatt says.

(Or if you’re not really a green thumb sort of person, you can easily pick them up in the grocery store for pretty cheap.)

Benefits of Applying Cucumber on Eyes

In a nutshell, using fresh sliced cucumbers on eyes can:

• Hydrate

• Soothe

• Minimize puffiness

• Tighten

• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles

• Brighten dark circles

How to Use Cucumber on Eyes

Using cucumbers on eyes is as simple as it sounds.

Step 1: Wash

Make sure it’s been washed well and rinsed thoroughly if you use soap. This reduces the chance of bacteria or dirt making its way into your eyes. On that note, Robinson advises choosing organic, if possible, since cucumbers are notorious for pesticides.

Step 2: Patch Test

“If you have sensitive skin, you may want to test a patch on your arm to ensure you don’t cause any swelling, especially near the delicate eye area,” Gatt advises. Let it sit on your skin for 10 minutes and make sure there’s no redness, irritation, or swelling.

Step 3: Slice & Apply

If all’s well, slice the cucumbers about ¼-inch thick and then place them over your eyes. You can chill them in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes beforehand for an extra soothing treat. Let them sit for about five to 10 minutes, or until they become warm, and then discard.

Step 4: Apply Moisturizer

Lock in the hydration and vitamin goodness with a nice eye cream.

Alternatives to Using Real Cucumbers on Your Eyes

If you’re allergic to cucumbers, don’t have any of this veggie on hand, or simply want to try something different, there are some alternatives that work brilliantly, as well.

Ice Rollers

Dr. Robinson says you can enjoy that soothing and depuffing effect via a chilled ice roller or ice globe. Try Flawless Facial Massage Ice Roller ($9.99, Ulta) or Sephora Collection Mini Cooling Eye Set ($15, Sephora).

Cool Compress

“Prefer cucumbers in your salad and not on your eyes? Cool compresses can be swapped for the green snack,” says Adriana Martino, licensed esthetician and co-founder of Skinney Medspa. Try the Up&Up Hot+Cold Gel Bead Eye Mask ($8.79, Target).

Chilled Eye Masks

An eye mask that covers your eyes (versus one that’s applied just underneath) can mimic the effect of sliced cucumbers on eyes. Earth Therapeutics Recover-E Cucumber Eye Pads ($9, Ulta) are even shaped like cucumbers and formulated with cucumber extract, aloe, green tea, chamomile and Vitamin E.

Water-Based Hydrators

Double up on your moisture by first applying a water-based hydrator, which provides plumping action similar to a cucumber, then apply an eye cream over it. Check out e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Eye Cream ($10, Target). 

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