7 Watermelon-Infused Skincare Products In Tribute To Harry Styles' Watermelon Sugar
Trust Harry Styles to turn the rather ordinary watermelon into the sensual star of his new music video. The singer dropped the MV for “Watermelon Sugar” off his album Fine Line last month, and the internet spontaneously combusted, not only because of all the taction involved (a much-missed act of affection), but also at the sight of Harry Styles eating (and caressing) slices of the titular fruit.
If you’ve watched the video on endless repeat ever since, wishing you were a member of the Cucurbitaceae plant family, you might want to consider a different approach to fulfilling your watermelon cravings. Like putting some gourd on your face (get your mind out of the gutter).
Watermelon is a true skin saviour, loaded with beauty benefits from seed to rind. As its name suggests, the fruit is packed full of H2O (92% to be exact) that soothes and moisturises the skin for a smooth and supple appearance. But there is a lot more to this powerhouse ingredient than just hydration.
Bursting with vitamins A, C, and E, the flesh and rind of watermelon can help to rejuvenate stressed skin, fill out fine lines, lighten hyperpigmentation, and neutralise the effects of free radicals. It’s also rich in phytonutrients such as citrulline, an amino acid that boosts circulation and acts as a gentle exfoliant, as well as lycopene, which reduces inflammation and strengthens skin resilience. The oil extracted from watermelon seeds, meanwhile, contains linoleic and oleic fatty acids, along with ceramides, to lock in moisture, stimulate cell regeneration, and fight acne and eczema.
Pretty impressive, huh? Below, you’ll find 7 of our freshest picks to get you on a watermelon sugar high.
WATERMELON GLOW PINK JUICE MOISTURISER, GLOW RECIPE
Glow Recipe’s watermelon-infused skincare range is so popular, it has sold out multiple times faster than you can say, well, watermelon. This lightweight moisturiser is suitable for all skin types, and is spiked with watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid, and jasmine and peony extracts for superior hydration and a dewy glow. What’s more, the Korean beauty brand’s formula is clean, cruelty-free, and free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, among others, and all packaging used is recyclable (and totally ‘gram-able).
MAKE A DIFFERENCE PLUS+ REJUVENATING TREATMENT, ORIGINS
A pioneer of conscious beauty, Origins prides itself on a firm commitment to helping your skin and the planet. This rejuvenating treatment certainly doesn’t disappoint. Fortified with a special lychee and watermelon hydra-sustain complex, along with Rose of Jericho extract, the oil-free moisturiser is a serious thirst-quencher for dry and dehydrated skin.
B-HYDRA™ INTENSIVE HYDRATION SERUM, DRUNK ELEPHANT
Like a refreshing drink of cool water for your thirsty skin, Drunk Elephant’s biocompatible serum features a unique blend of watermelon rind extract, pro-vitamin B5, pineapple ceramides, and barberry to help hydrate and brighten the skin for a glowing and youthful complexion. The product is also vegan, cruelty-free, and free from silicones and sulfates.
WATERMELON & VANILLA LIP BALM, GROWN ALCHEMIST
Gwyneth Paltrow is a fan of this luxurious lip balm, and you really should be too. It’s made with watermelon extract, shea butter, jojoba oil, sweet almond, and rosehips for the perfect plump pout. And don’t worry, the watermelon and vanilla flavour is surprisingly and pleasantly subtle, thanks to an entirely natural ingredients list.
DR. DENNIS GROSS HYALURONIC MARINE™ HYDRATION BOOSTER
Another celebrity favourite, this professional-strength concentrate is formulated with hyaluronic chronospheres (to provide time-released hydration), watermelon extract (to fight free radical damage), and saccharide isomerate (to bind moisture to skin) so as to give you super soft skin that positively glows.
WATERMELON & CUCUMBER BODY MOISTURISER, ELEMENTAL HERBOLOGY
It can be hard to find the right non-greasy moisturiser, but this light yet nourishing option from Elemental Herbology ticks all the right boxes. A cooling combination of watermelon and cucumber makes it ideal for our tropical weather, while argan and macadamia oil offer essential fatty acids for skin renewal.
ONE LOVE ORGANICS BOTANICAL E SERUM
Small but mighty is a good description of One Love Organics’ Botanical E Serum. Drawing on plant cell technology, including barbary fig leaves, watermelon seed oil, sea kale extract, meadowfoam seed oil, and more, the antioxidant-rich, easily-absorbed serum is your answer to a balanced and youthful-looking complexion.
More of a DIY kind of person? Here are several face mask recipes you can try at home.
WATERMELON + HONEY
Good for those with dry skin, prepare the mask by mixing two tablespoons of cold watermelon juice and two tablespoons of honey into a smooth paste. Massage the mixture gently over your face and leave it on for 20 minutes, then wash off thoroughly with water.
WATERMELON + LEMON
A mild exfoliator suitable for dry skin, lemon juice helps to slough off dead cells, while watermelon restores moisture levels in your skin. Blend two tablespoons of watermelon juice with the freshly-squeezed juice of one lemon, then apply the paste onto your face and neck. Leave it on for 15 minutes before washing off with water.
WATERMELON + MILK
Milk is a natural cleanser that helps to brighten your complexion and, when combined with watermelon, is a good remedy for sunburnt skin. To make this face mask, mash a few pieces of watermelon into a paste, then add 2 tablespoons of milk. Apply onto your face, let it sit for 20 minutes, and wash off with cold water.
WATERMELON + BANANA
It sounds like a smoothie recipe, but this DIY mask can help to regulate oil production in your skin. Using a fork, mash a few chunks of watermelon together with half a ripe banana, then add two to three drops of tea tree oil. Pat the mixture over your face, let it sit for 20 minutes, and wash off with cold water.
