When kickstarting a healthy morning, most of us reach for a tall glass of water. But why not give your H2O a nutrient-packed twist with sliced cucumber? People on TikTok are raving about this easy infusion—and it’s easy to see why. Cucumber is refreshing, chock-full of antioxidants, high in water for a seamless hydration boost, and keeps you hydrated all day long—which is especially key in the heat of the summer.
“Cucumber water is one of the simplest (and most refreshing) ways to elevate your hydration game, and while it may seem like just a pretty spa drink, it can offer subtle yet meaningful health benefits,” says Samantha Peterson, registered dietitian and holistic health expert at Simply Wellness.
So if you’re looking to update your wellness routine, consider picking up some cucumbers on your next trip to the market. This cool and crunchy veggie isn’t simply for de-puffing your eyes or dipping into hummus. I drank cucumber water every day for 30 days and experienced some pretty amazing benefits that may surprise you.
What Inspired Me To Drink Cucumber Water for 30 Days
You may be wondering what inspired me to sip on cucumber water for an entire month. In the midst of planning my wedding, I was doing everything I could to make sure I looked like a radiant bride. I read that drinking cucumber water can result in beautiful, glowing skin, which totally grabbed my attention. Hey—a glowing complexion is something every bride wants to achieve for her wedding day!
I won’t divulge too many details yet, but keep reading to learn the benefits I derived from drinking cucumber water for 30 days, how to safely prepare it at home, creative enhancements, and potential caveats.
1. It helped my skin look refreshed and all-around healthier
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My skin gets very dry when spending many days in the summer sunshine, and again in the winter when exposed to harsh temps. Drinking this simple concoction of cucumber-infused water helped my skin look all-around healthier and more hydrated. I’m not sure if I experienced just a good month in general, but in addition to a more glowing complexion, my skin was clear of blemishes. (I don’t usually break out a ton on my face, but during the month of my consistent cucumber water routine, my face looked extra clear and rejuvenated.) It took about two weeks for me to notice a difference in my skin’s appearance.
I’ve since learned from Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, registered dietitian and certified specialist in sports dietetics, that cucumbers are chock-full of silica, which offers many benefits for your skin. Cucumbers also contain vitamin B5, which help treat acne.
The antioxidants in cucumbers are all-around stellar for your complexion.
“Cucumbers contain antioxidants like vitamin C, beta-carotene, and flavonoids which can help prevent or delay cell damage from oxidative stress,” explains Peterson.
2. It enticed me to drink even more water than I normally do
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I’ve always been a fan of drinking lots of water throughout the day, but I’m not always good at refilling my glass—especially during a busy workday. In addition, plain old water can get incredibly mundane. So, I decided to spice up my daily H2O with a much more aesthetically pleasing and refreshing beverage: cucumber water. This gave me something to look forward to each morning when I woke up and, in turn, helped me be more consistent with refilling my glass.
“Cucumber water is more than just refreshing- it can help keep you hydrated while adding a subtle, spa-like flavor that encourages you to drink more throughout the day,” explains Brittany Michels, MS RDN LDN CPT, registered dietitian with The Vitamin Shoppe. “Cucumbers are naturally rich in water and contain small amounts of electrolytes, which can help maintain fluid balance. Their mild antioxidant content may also help combat oxidative stress, while their low-calorie nature makes them a healthy alternative to sugary drinks.”
I do have to point out that cucumber water is more palatable in the summer months when I’m craving something ultra-refreshing and thirst-quenching. I was also conveniently picking cucumbers up at the local farmer’s market, which made the routine foolproof.
3. The ease of preparation made this healthy habit a seamless one to stick with
@thesugarfreeguy Sometime you just gotta eat a whole cucumber! Make a pitcher of infused water everyday to stay hydrated and feel great. 75% of Americans are under hydrated, so that probly means you! 💦💦 Thanks @Logan for the inspo! #stayhydrated #hydration #nosugar ♬ 1901 – Phoenix
I enjoyed a fresh pitcher of cucumber water each day in the summer heat, which equates to about six large glasses. I prepared cucumber water the night before so it was ready to pour first thing in the morning. The process was more than seamless. I bought the cucumber, sliced the cucumber, threw the slices into the pitcher with water, and popped the pitcher into the fridge. That’s it!
I loved the fact that I didn’t even have to peel the cucumber. Because, let’s be honest: Regardless of how healthy a particular wellness trend is—if it’s a lot of work, it likely won’t be sustainable in the long run.
4. It helped reduce belly bloating
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So many things I eat and drink—from pasta to sauces to seltzer—bother my stomach, which results in unwanted, inevitable bloating. However, drinking cucumber water actually helped lessen the bloat, which certainly came in clutch leading up to my wedding weekend!
I was curious why this happened and spoke with Goodson who notes, “Cucumber water may help with digestion, thanks to the fiber content in cucumbers. It can promote regular bowel movements and reduce bloating.”
Goodson also points out that cucumber water has very few calories, which makes it a much better choice over drinks that are high in sugar and/or calories, especially when watching your weight. “It can be a helpful option if you’re looking to manage your calorie intake,” Goodson adds.
The Scientific Benefits of Cucumber Water
@healthwithanna3 Such a simple way to stay hydrated and get these great benefits #wellness #healingremedies #immunehealth #hacks #cucumberwater #cucumberwaterbenefits #hydratedskin #hydratedhair #stayhydrated #healthyliving #healthyrecipes #lifestyle ♬ Circles – Instrumental – Post Malone
If you’re considering sprucing up your hydration game, I highly recommend trying cucumber water. It’s a stellar alternative to sugary beverages that are packed with empty calories and can help you drink more water throughout the day. Plus, the science-based benefits of cucumber don’t lie.
According to research, cucumber is low in calories and high in water content. It provides antioxidants and serves as a potential antidiabetic. Cucumber cleanses the body by removing built-up chemical toxins and waste materials. In addition, cucumber can be a soothing treatment for skin irritations, decrease swelling, and alleviate sunburn pain.
An added bonus? By regularly shopping your local farmers market for fresh produce, you’re reaping even further benefits for your mental and physical well-being. A 2025 study published in the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development shows that farmers markets are essential “community hubs” that improve your health, promote social connections, and aid local economies.
RELATED: 8 Hydration Secrets That Make Your Body Look 10 Years Younger After 40
Cucumber Water vs. Lemon Water
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If you’re curious about how cucumber water stacks up against lemon water, there are a few key differences.
“Lemon water tends to be more acidic and higher in vitamin C, which can give a quick immune and digestive boost,” Peterson tells us. “Cucumber water is milder and more alkalizing, making it gentler on the stomach while still delivering hydration plus a refreshing, clean taste. Think of lemon water as your zingy wake-up call and cucumber water as your all-day hydration companion.”
Cucumber water offers a “soothing, cooling effect,” Michels notes, while lemon water gives you a “sharper, invigorating taste.”
According to Kezia Joy, RDN, medical advisor, “Both of them are hydrating, yet one can drink cucumber water more often in a day without the danger of enamel erosion.”
Tips To Prepare Cucumber Water Effectively
To ensure your cucumber water is the best it can be, we chatted with experts to learn their go-to preparation tips.
- Wash thoroughly. Especially if you’re keeping the peel on, give your cucumbers a solid scrub. Peterson says that most of the antioxidants are found in the skin.
- Slice thin. Thin slices maximize surface area, which means more nutrients and flavor can infuse into your water.
- Use filtered water. This provides the best taste and safety.
- Chill before drinking. Let the water sit in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes before drinking for that “crisp, spa-like taste.”
- Enjoy it fresh. Drink within 24 hours to ensure freshness and avoid bacteria growth.
Potential Downsides
1. It can increase urination
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One negative about cucumber water “its mild diuretic effect,” explains Peterson, which means it can cause you to pee more. (And I already pee a lot.) While this is a great thing because the drink will rid your body of toxins, drinking a lot of it—especially closer to bedtime—can cause you to urinate much more. Needless to say, I did not enjoy this aspect of my newfound beverage.
2. It can make you feel bloated
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While cucumber water helped ease my belly bloat, that’s not the outcome for some.
“A small number of people with sensitive digestive systems may experience mild bloating or burping due to cucumber’s natural compounds,” Peterson notes.
If you have a sensitive digestive system and experience mild discomfort when sipping cucumber water, Ashlee Van Buskirk, owner at Whole Intent Fitness & Nutrition, recommends reducing the portion size.
Creative Ways To Enhance Cucumber Water
If you want to further enhance your cucumber water, Peterson and Michels share some tasty additions.
- Cucumber, lime, and mint for a cooling summertime refreshment.
- Cucumber and lemon for “coolness with citrus brightness.”
- Cucumber, berries, and basil for a fruity-herbal sip.
- Cucumber and ginger for “warmth and subtle spice.”
Summary
@clairethenutritionist meet your new favorite hydrating beverage! ✨🥥💧🥒 all of the electrolytes & none of the artificial dyes Ingredients: – 1 cup @Vita Coco coconut water – ½ cup sparkling mineral water – 1 TBSP 100% yuzu juice – pinch of sea salt – 1-2 TBSP diced cucumber – 3–5 cucumber thin slices, for garnish 1. Chop cucumber & muddle it in your glass 2. Add coconut water, yuzu juice, sea salt 3. Add ice 4. Top with sparkling mineral water 5. Use a potato peeler to slice your cucumber thin for the garnish 6. Add your garnish & enjoy #vitacocopartner #nutritionistsoftiktok #hydration #wellnesstips ♬ Au Revoir – Sweet After Tears
Drinking cucumber water might not be for everyone, but I’m hooked. The fact that I was able to stick with this healthy habit for a full 30 days leaves me feeling inspired to find more easy habits like this to add to my routine. Plus, the benefits are simply too good to pass on.
Be right back—going to replenish my cucumber water!
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