Sisters Eda & Serra Levent Share Their Personal Story Behind Skincare Brand Cool as a Cucumber
When sisters Eda and Serra Levent became adults and their struggles with persistent acne didn't go away, they decided to do something about it—and thus, their skincare brand Cool as a Cucumber was born.
Cool as a Cucumber is all about intentionally formulated products that are both safe and effective, stopping acne in its tracks so it doesn't stop you from living the life you want to lead. They have a lean, purpose-driven lineup including a Balancing Act exfoliating acne treatment serum, Hydralixir hydrating gel serum and Soothe Operator silky gel cleanser, all of which are designed heal skin from the outside in. We had the pleasure of chatting with the sisters, who shared their entrepreneurial journey with us in the interview below.
Names: Eda and Serra Levent
IG handle: @becoolasacucumber
Hometown: Istanbul, Turkey
Zodiac signs: Pisces (Eda) and Capricorn (Serra)
Fun Facts:
1. Eda's skincare and beauty journeys were born out of both passion and necessity.
"As a longtime acne sufferer, I've been a dedicated consumer of skincare products, always on the hunt for that perfect solution. However, I never imagined I'd work in the industry. My career spanned various roles in business development and management. The defining moment came when Serra and I realized that the solution we'd been searching for didn't exist – that's when we decided to create it ourselves."
-Eda Levent
2. Serra considers her journey as more of a tag-along experience.
"For years, I'd simply buy whatever Eda told me to. It wasn't until we started discussing our shared frustrations with adult acne that I realized how passionate I was about finding a real solution. The moment we decided to create Cool as a Cucumber was when I knew my future was in beauty."
-Serra Levent
(via Cool as a Cucumber)
Also read about: Tori Katz Unveils the Story Behind Her New York City-Inspired Brand, Leman Mercer
3. Both sisters have dealt with acne their entire lives, trying solutions from home remedies to prescriptions.
"It's been a roller coaster of hope and disappointment, clear days and breakout disasters. What really struck us was how the struggle continued well into adulthood. We found ourselves dealing with acne and aging simultaneously, a combination that most products on the market didn't address. Our journey led us to dive deep into understanding the science of skin, which ultimately inspired us to create Cool as a Cucumber."
-Eda and Serra Levent
4. The name "Cool a Cucumber"is all about keeping your cool.
"Cool as a Cucumber is a daily reminder to be cool-headed, whatever life (or our pores) throws at us. Coming to our battle with acne from a flustered and frustrated place, we'd throw a lot on our skin and chase one miracle product after the next, which never led to lasting results. Stepping back to truly understand the root causes of our acne, and taking a more grounded and considered approach to our skincare routine helped us break the acne cycle. So we say, it pays off to be cool as a cucumber, especially when the topic is chili hot (like acne)."
-Eda and Serra Levent
(via Cool as a Cucumber)
5. The brand's mission is to liberate adults from both the physical and mental burdens of acne.
"What sets us apart is our laser focus on acne-prone adult skin's unique needs. We're not just about clearing a zit or two; we're about being a holistic solution that addresses acne while supporting overall skin health and aging concerns. Our community is built on empathy, understanding, and a shared experience, where acne is not treated as a vanity issue."
-Eda and Serra Levent
Also read about: How Junea Rocha's Love for Brazilian Cheese Bread Inspired Her Foodie Brand, Brazi Bites
6. The duo's one must-have product is their Hydralixir, which holds a special place in their hearts.
"It's the product we wish we had years ago—a multi-functional serum that works against hormonal breakouts while giving your skin intense hydration. It's important to us because it embodies our brand philosophy: effectively addressing acne while nurturing the skin. It's proof that you don't have to choose between treating breakouts and maintaining healthy, hydrated skin."
-Eda and Serra Levent
(via Cool as a Cucumber)
7. The best advice they ever received as to "zig when they zag."
"This advice came from one of our mentors, and whenever we hit a roadblock or have a doubt, it's a great reminder to stay focused on our path and north star versus comparing ourselves to a 'playbook'."
-Eda and Serra Levent
8. A few habits have helped the sisters get to where they are today.
"Persistence, learning to listen to our gut and continuing to learn have been very powerful. We've made it a habit to stay curious. We've also learned to celebrate small wins, find what we need to learn from setbacks and move on."
-Eda and Serra Levent
Also read about: How Maya Smith Is Closing the Texture Gap With Her Family-Ran Haircare Business, The Doux
9. The biggest skincare tip they have to share is "be kind to your skin."
"It's easy to get frustrated and aggressive when dealing with acne, but that often makes things worse. Treat your skin gently, be patient and remember that healthy skin is a journey, not a destination."
-Eda and Serra Levent
10. It's super rewarding to the team to see the impact they've made with their customers.
"Being connected with our customers and knowing that we've positively touched their lives, in a big or small way, is priceless."
-Eda and Serra Levent
11. If there's one thing the two want everyone to know about them, it's that they're not just the founders of the brand—they're also the customers.
"We created Cool as a Cucumber inspired by our own skin struggles, and we use these products every day. We're deeply invested in their efficacy because our own skin depends on it. When we say we understand the frustration of adult acne, we mean it—we've lived it, and we're here to help others through it."
-Eda and Serra Levent
(via Cool as a Cucumber)
For more on the stories behind our favorite brands, click HERE to read about Lihui Ke, co-founder of Kerisma Knits.