Pumpkin has been the unofficial mascot of Fall, like forever — and there are countless ways to enjoy it during these cooler months. You can carve ’em for Halloween, bake ’em in pies, sip ’em in delicious pumpkin protein shakes, or add ’em to your beauty routine. You heard me right, in addition to being a delicious-smelling and tasty fruit, it’s also a popular ingredient in skin care. And I don’t know about you, but after a long summer of being outdoors, my skin could really use some TLC!
But is pumpkin actually good for our skin?
Absolutely! The nutrient-dense fruit is full of vital proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which is beneficial for our health as well as nourishing our skin. It also offers a huge range of benefits for the skin that include exfoliating dead skin from the surface, brightening the complexion, and preventing acne flare-ups thanks to the proteins found in pumpkin.
It’s the ingredients like zinc, enzymes, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) which are loaded with antioxidants that help increase the skin cell turnover, soften the skin, and restore the pH balance.
As if that’s not enough, the beta-carotene in pumpkin is converted to vitamin A which has anti aging benefits that help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as UV damage. Sweeeeeet!
Pumpkin can be found in a wide variety of beauty products (and prices!) so, everyone can reap the benefits. Some of our faves include Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask, Pumpkin & Spice Facial Scrub Exfoliator, and many more!
Keep reading to see which other pumpkin beauty products are well worth the hype this Fall!
Éminence Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel
The key ingredients in the Éminence Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel ($46) sound more like what you would find in a smoothie rather than what you’d rub all over your face: yam, pumpkin pulp, pineapple, papaya. But every one of those delicious fruits contain beta-carotene, enzymes, amino acids, and antioxidants. This peel is ideal for every skin type — especially those with dry skin.
Pumpkin & Spice Facial Scrub Exfoliator
If you used apricot scrubs as a teen (or now), consider Pumpkin & Spice Facial Scrub Exfoliator ($45) as the gourmet upgrade. Pumpkin seeds are combined with pumpkin seed oil and oat kernel protein to gently exfoliate facial skin, while reducing pore size and calming those occasional angry acne flare-ups. And it keeps skin well hydrated.
Oskia Renaissance Brightlight Serum
Pumpkin just got fancy with Oskia Renaissance Brightlight Serum ($136). The potent (yet gentle) mixture of pumpkin and papaya enzymes help gently exfoliate and brighten skin, while also helping remove sun and age spots.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum ($80) is a favorite among skincare enthusiasts for good reason. The antioxidant-rich ingredients are packed with pumpkin ferment extract to help gently exfoliate the skin and reduce wrinkles.
Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask
If your face needs a super exfoliating sesh, welcome Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask ($60) into your routine. The pumpkin enzymes slough off dead skin without being too harsh and help refine your skin’s texture, leaving you with a glowing, radiant complexion.
Summer Fridays Overtime Mask
Summer Fridays Overtime Mask ($44) is the ultimate Fall night time companion. It smells like delicious sweet pumpkin pie and leaves skin feeling supersoft without any irritation.
Pestle and Mortar Erase Cleansing Balm
Nothing will clean and prep your skin for all those nourishing face masks quite like Pestle and Mortar Erase Cleansing Balm ($59). It’s thick without being heavy and cleans your skin without totally stripping it dry. It also removes all traces of your makeup, thanks to the small amount of pumpkin enzyme in the formula.
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Glow Moisturizer
Like the name implies, Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Glow Moisturizer ($65) is all about exfoliation. It combines alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) with pumpkin, pineapple, and papaya enzymes for an intense exfoliation that’s neither too harsh nor too heavy, and it leaves you with a glow that your Summer skin would be jealous of.
Elemis Superfood Cleansing Wash
Elemis Superfood Cleansing Wash ($25) is loaded with broccoli, avocado, and pumpkin seed oils to hydrate the skin while cleansing off all the grime from your Fall league match.
Kiehl’s Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque
The main ingredients of the Kiehl’s Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque ($45) are turmeric and cranberry as the name suggests, but also included in the ingredient line up is (you guessed it) pumpkin, which helps to smooth and brighten the skin without leaving your skin feeling tight and dry.
