Halloween isn’t exactly around the corner, but we’ve spotted a bunch of pumpkin-infused beauty products popping up lately, particularly in exfoliating formulas, which is why we’re going to zoom in on this trending ingredient right now.
What is it?
Nope, we’re not looking at jack-o’-lanterns, or pumpkin pie, and definitely not pumpkin-spice anything. The key ingredient that’s found in more than a few cleansers, masks, body lotions, body washes, and hand creams is in fact pumpkin extract, specifically pumpkin enzyme.
What does it do?
Pumpkin seed extract contains proteases, a kind of enzyme that helps to break down protein, so it’s a gentle way to exfoliate the skin. Imagine tiny little Pac-Men eating away at your dead skin cells. Ain’t that cute? Anyway, to boost its efficacy a tad, pumpkin enzymes are often combined with supporting chemical exfoliators like lactic, salicylic, or glycolic acid. Those will help do the extra heavy lifting to leave your complexion looking fresh and radiant.
The extract is also packed with essentially fatty acids, vitamins A and C to brighten, as well as zinc to help expedite your skin’s natural healing process and tackle blemishes. These all work to rebuild your skin’s elasticity, and since pumpkin seed extract is an emollient ingredient, it’ll help to lock in the moisture and repair the skin’s barrier, too. Keep reading to get acquainted with this stellar ingredient.
Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel
Thanks for introducing us all to this gem, Anna Gardner. The Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel is a balmy gel formula that turns into an oil when you massage it into your skin. With water, it emulsifies a little to cleanse and rid the skin of impurities. It’s also loaded with natural actives, so use a muslin cloth with this for baby soft skin right after cleansing.
$58, available from naturallybetterco.com.sg
June Jacobs Perfect Pumpkin Peeling Enzyme Masque
This detoxifying mask combines pumpkin enzyme with a potent blend of antioxidants featuring goji berry, pomegranate and grape seed extracts to fend off free radicals. For those who are deathly afraid of premature aging, this one’s for you. It shields the skin from environmental toxins while coating it in nourishment. That hefty price tag it comes with may seem unjust, but remember, a little goes an incredibly long way with this one.
$144, available from Sephora
Kate Somerville Exfolikate Gentle Exfoliating Treatment
There’s pumpkin, papaya, and pineapple enzymes in here to help dissolve dead skin cells, boost circulation, and reduce the size of gaping pores, but those natural exfoliants don’t just work alone. Lactic acid and natural extracts such as lemon, orange, and sage work with them to give you that radiant glow. Now, this one’s a powerful exfoliating treatment, which is why you should leave it on for only 2 minutes and rinse it off. For those with sensitive skin, do yourself a huge favour and patch test!
$105, available from Sephora
Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask
Surprise, this one contains pumpkin enzymes too. It works alongside AHAs and aluminium oxide crystals to even out your skin tone and refine the texture of your complexion. Its scent has been compared to cinnamon-spiced pumpkin pie, so try to not eat it (and don’t say we didn’t warn you). Your skin might be flushed right after using this, but it should dissipate in moments to reveal a glowing complexion.
$102.50, available from lookfantastic.com.sg
Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask
Now, here’s one that’s wallet-friendly (we feel you). Similarly, this pumpkin-infused mask works synergistically with AHAs to dissolve dead skin cells and lift away dullness, but this one’s blended with the brand’s trademark Fruit Stem Cell Complex and manuka honey to put a blanket of moisture over your skin. After 10 minutes, you’ll be left with a brighter, more luminous complexion.
$27.90 from zalora.sg, and $17.56 from iherb.com
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