A Brighter, Smoother Complexion Is Just a Few Pumpkin-Infused Beauty Essentials Away

This underrated ingredient unlocks glowing skin.

Pumpkin Beauty Products
(Image credit: @maggie_mccormick)
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As far back as I can remember, the arrival of fall was marked in the Pacific Northwest by gloomy days (I'm talking Twilight shades of blue), dimly lit coffee houses with late night hours, the image of wet roads strewn with soggy, scarlet leaves, and fields of pumpkins of every shape and size scattered across the countryside. Every year, shortly after the first full week of rain in October, my family would pull on Hunter rain boots, a lightweight fleece, and leather gloves before making the long trek to our favorite pumpkin patch with the goal of harvesting six perfect gourds that would fulfill of our carving, roasting, and baking needs for fall. Along with corn, butternut squash, and Washington state apples, pumpkins were at the forefront of our minds come fall.

I was raised with an appreciation for everything a pumpkin could do and learned how to dry seeds and preserve the fibrous strand heavy-pulp for my favorite seasonal treats and all the while, I would wonder why pumpkins were really only popular when they marked the beginning of fall. Why not find little ways to incorporate the benefits of the Mexican-born winter squash, year-round? I've always adored pumpkin for what it symbolizes during one of the most beloved times of year, but now that I'm a few years into my career in beauty, I'm even more enamored by it as a nutrient powerhouse (it's truly antioxidant, fruit enzyme, and brightening AHAs galore in there).

Kit Keenan wears a grey sweater and matching headband in front of green pumpkins

(Image credit: @kitkeenan)

It's no surprise that the beauty industry wides the waves of pumpkin-mania well past November—especially this time of year when every inch of our bodies are craving comfort, stability, and rehab from the wear and tear of the past few months. Regardless of the season, pumpkin is an essential skincare ingredient, but I'd by lying if I said I don'y immediately recall all things cozy and that good old fall spirit. Below, I'm sharing everything you need to know about pumpkin beauty products, plus recommending my top-picks for the ones that will make you wonder why you ever skipped that outing to the pumpkin patch all those years ago.

Why Is Pumpkin A Must-Have In Skincare?

Pumpkins can add a splash of color and intrigue to any space (I'm partial to the blue-grey hues of Jarrahdale pumpkins and the white shells of Cotton Candy pumpkins) and smell dreamy when transformed into a baked good, but they also carry within them some great benefits for the health of your skin. Rachel Wilson, an aesthetician at Burke Williams Day Spa, tells us that products with this ingredient are ideal for combating the effects of cold, dry weather on your skin. "Fall weather leads to dryness, irritation, and flare-ups of conditions like eczema and rosacea due to lower humidity and colder temperatures," she begins. "The combination of cold and dry air paired with an increase use of indoor heating can strip the skin of its natural oils, disrupt its protective barrier, and lead to a dulled complexion."

Wilson recommends incorporating pumpkin-infused products like H2V's Beyond - Tightening Hydration Mask ($55) to help alleviate the undesired effects to our skin that accompany the Fall season. "It can be combined with the brand's G10 - 10% Glycolic Serum and Buff - Refining Exfoliant for an at home spa style exfoliation," she explains. Additionally, Wilson says that Pumpkin is frequently used in skincare for light exfoliation while also delivering rich antioxidants (vitamins A, C, and E) to the skin for protection and barrie repair. Pumpkin also has a high moisture content, which helps to deeply hydrate dry skin. According to Wilson, ingredients that pair well with pumpkin are honey, hyaluronic acid, cinnamon, and vitamin B5.

The Best Pumpkin Skincare Products

Maggie McCormick wears a a plaid jacket, jeans, and boots in front of a pumpkin-decorated West Village brown stone

(Image credit: @maggie_mccormick)

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AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.

Maya Thomas
Maya Thomas
Associate Beauty Editor

Maya Thomas is an Associate Beauty Editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.

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