The time of Jack-O-Lantern carving may have come and gone this year, but pumpkins are still in season—and we’re still all about them. Not only do pumpkins make amazing autumn decor, scrumptious pies, and obsession-inspiring lattes, they can also serve as a potent beauty ingredient. Yep, we’re talking about putting pumpkin on your face!
Pumpkin is a source of vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, vitamin C, E, beta-carotene, potassium, copper, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, and iron. Together, this star line-up of nutrients can help combat acne, promote skin cell renewal, brighten skin, fade hyperpigmentation, and support healthy collagen production.
While eating pumpkin (including pumpkin seeds!) is a great way to enjoy the benefits of this wondrous gourd (provided your pumpkin meal isn’t loaded with sugar), we can also apply pumpkin topically to more directly target a host of skin issues. For a no-fuss option, pumpkin purée can be combined with your favorite non-comedogenic oil (like argan or vegan squalene) to create a beautifying facial mask or scalp treatment.
If you’re not a DIY gal, there are several natural and cruelty-free pumpkin products out there to meet all of your skincare needs. The most common–and most effective–pumpkin-derived ingredients are pumpkin seed oil and pumpkin enzyme. Pumpkin seed oil is rich in vitamin E, zinc, and omega fatty acids (3 and 6). It provides nourishing moisture and protective antioxidants to skin. (It’s also a lovely alternative to coconut oil for use as a hair oil.) Pumpkin enzyme (like popular skin-brightening fruit enzymes) helps break down dead skin cells and fade hyperpigmentation to reveal a softer, more even complexion. Pumpkin enzyme can even help battle acne without being overly harsh.
4 Pumpkin-Infused Products for Ahh-mazing Fall Skin
One Love Organics Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil & Makeup Remover
Sunflower seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, and papaya seed oil form an effective cleansing oil that breaks up excess sebum and oil-based makeup. This non-stripping blend is perfect for the first step in a double cleanse regimen.
Pumpkin seed oil and cloudberry extract combine with astaxanthin, shea butter, and vitamin E to protect and nourish skin. The cream is designed for normal complexions but can be layered with a facial oil if you experience drier skin.
Fig + Yarrow Bath + Body Oil—Meadow
Featuring pumpkin seed oil as one of its main ingredients, this indulgent oil blend is laced with floral essences to deeply nourish and moisturize skin, leaving it soft and supple—just in time for beauty-busting winter weather!
Shamanuti Pumpkin Enzyme Masque
If you didn’t get around to carving a pumpkin this year and you find yourself missing that fresh pumpkin smell, this pumpkin masque is for you! Its unmistakable pumpkin smell lets you know it’s made of real ingredients. Using pumpkin enzyme, it promotes cellular renewal for a brighter, more glowing complexion.
Have you added pumpkin to your skincare regimen? What are your favorite pumpkin-infused skincare goodies?
Related: Carrot and Green Tea Fall Beauty Smoothie
3 DIY Beauty Products with Common Ingredients
For A Life Of Good Skin, Start Using These Dermatologist-Backed Ingredients Now
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Photo: Pete Bellis and Yuliani Chintano via Unsplash, Respective brands
