7 Cooling Indian Ingredients to Elevate Your Summer Skincare Routine

As the Indian summer intensifies, our skin faces challenges such as sunburn, dehydration, and increased oiliness. Incorporating natural, cooling ingredients into your skincare regimen can provide much-needed relief. Here are seven traditional Indian ingredients renowned for their cooling properties and detailed methods to integrate them into your routine.

1. Aloe Vera (Ghritkumari)

Aloe vera is celebrated for its hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E, it soothes sunburns, reduces acne, and promotes skin elasticity. Recent studies highlight its potential in protecting against UV-induced skin ageing.

DIY It:

• Aloe Vera Ice Cubes: Freeze fresh aloe vera gel in an ice tray. Rub the cubes on your face to reduce puffiness and tighten pores.
  

• Cooling Face Mask: Mix 4 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 1 tablespoon of yoghurt. Apply to the face, leave for 15 minutes, and rinse with cool water. This mask soothes irritated skin and provides a refreshing glow.
  

• Moisturiser: Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel post-cleansing to hydrate and nourish the skin. Its humectant properties help retain moisture.
  

Try This: If you're after a no-fuss way to soothe and hydrate your skin or hair, this aloe vera gel from Plum can be a total game-changer—cooling, calming, and completely fragrance-free.

2. Cucumber (Kheera)

Cucumber, composed of 96% water, is a natural hydrator. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties, reduces puffiness, and soothes sunburns. Rich in vitamins K, C, and E, it rejuvenates dull skin and combats free radical damage.

DIY It:

• Cucumber Juice Face Mask: Blend cucumber pieces into a watery paste, strain, and apply the juice to your face. Leave for 15 minutes and pat dry. This mask hydrates and refreshes the skin.
  

• Cucumber and Aloe Vera Mask: Blend cucumber slices and mix with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel. Apply evenly to the face, rinse after 15 minutes. This combination soothes and moisturises the skin.
  

• Cucumber Toner: Boil thin cucumber slices in water for 5-7 minutes, blend, strain, and store the liquid in a spray bottle. Refrigerate and use as a cooling toner to calm sunburnt skin.

Try This:  If you’re after a no-fuss way to hydrate and cool your skin, Cucumber Quench Gel Moisturiser from 82°E can be a game-changer. With cucumber extract as its star, this lightweight gel soothes, plumps, and delivers long-lasting hydration—ideal for parched summer skin.

3. Sandalwood (Chandan)

Sandalwood is renowned for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in reducing acne, soothing sunburns, and imparting a natural glow to the skin.

DIY It:

• Sandalwood Paste: Mix sandalwood powder with rose water to form a paste. Apply to the face, leave until dry, and rinse with cool water. This mask soothes irritated skin and reduces blemishes.
  

• Spot Treatment: Apply a paste of sandalwood powder and water to acne spots. Leave overnight and rinse in the morning to reduce inflammation.

Try This: Looking for a mess-free way to use sandalwood? The Sadhev Sandal & Saffron Bathing Bar offers the benefits of sandalwood in a luxurious, cooling daily cleanser.

4. Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Neem possesses antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It effectively combats acne, purifies the skin, and controls excess oil production.

DIY It:

• Neem Paste: Mix neem leaf powder with yoghurt to create a creamy paste. Apply to the face, leave for 15 minutes, and rinse with cool water. This mask purifies the skin and prevents breakouts.
  

• Neem Infused Bath: Boil neem leaves until the water turns green. Strain and add this to your bathwater once a week to rejuvenate and purify the skin.
  

Try This: Struggling with breakouts in the heat? The Biotique Bio Neem Purifying Face Wash is a gentle yet effective herbal cleanser to purify and cool summer-stressed skin.

5. Rose Water (Gulab Jal)

Rose water is a natural astringent that balances the skin's pH, controls excess oil, and hydrates the skin. Its antioxidant properties reduce oxidative stress, and its soothing aroma alleviates stress.

DIY It:

• Toner: After cleansing, apply rose water using a cotton pad to tone and refresh the skin.
  

• Eye Soother: Soak cotton pads in chilled rose water and place them over closed eyes for 10-15 minutes to reduce puffiness.
  

• Face Mist: Pour rose water into a spray bottle and refrigerate. Spritz on the face throughout the day for instant hydration and freshness.
  

Try This: For a refresh on-the-go, try the Pure Rose Water from Kama Ayurveda, distilled from Kannauj roses, it’s cooling, alcohol-free, and suitable for all skin types.

6. Turmeric (Haldi)

Turmeric contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It aids in reducing acne, lightening pigmentation, and imparting a natural glow to the skin.

DIY It:

• Turmeric and Honey Mask: Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 2 teaspoons of honey. Apply to the face, leave for 10-15 minutes, and rinse with warm water. This mask brightens the complexion and tackles dry skin.
  

• Turmeric and Yoghurt Mask: Combine 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 2 tablespoons of yoghurt. Apply to the face, leave for 10-15 minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water. This mask exfoliates and soothes irritated skin.
  

Try this: For a summer-safe glow rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom, the Vicco Turmeric Skin Cream is a tried-and-true classic. Powered by pure turmeric extract, it helps combat inflammation, even out skin tone, and prevent sun-induced breakouts—without any harsh chemicals.

7. Mint (Pudina)

Mint provides a cooling sensation and has antiseptic properties. It helps in soothing the skin, reducing oiliness, and preventing acne.

DIY It:

• Mint and Yoghurt Face Pack: Grind fresh mint leaves and mix with yoghurt to form a paste. Apply to the face, leave for 15 minutes, and rinse with cool water. This pack cools the skin and reduces oiliness.
  

• Mint Toner: Boil mint leaves in water, strain, and let it cool. Store in a spray bottle and use as a refreshing toner throughout the day.
  

Try This: If your skin needs an instant cooling cleanse, the Manav Khadi Herbal Pudina Mint Face Pack is your go-to. Featuring mint as its primary ingredient, it refreshes, tones, and detoxifies oily or sun-stressed skin—perfect for weekly summer pampering.

Incorporating these natural, cooling ingredients into your summer skincare routine can help combat the adverse effects of heat and humidity, keeping your skin cool, refreshed, and healthy. Always perform a patch test before trying new ingredients to ensure no allergic reactions occur.