There's one undeniable star of the season that consistently steals the spotlight: the pumpkin. Beyond its role in pie and spice lattes, the pumpkin boasts a secret that beauty enthusiasts and skincare companies have long relied on. It's the golden ticket to a seasonal skincare transformation.
But where can you find such products? Pumpkin enzymes are often hidden in ingredient lists, meaning the products you use now might hold this rejuvenating ingredient and you never even knew. If you want to learn more about what pumpkin can do for your skin and find a new face mask or lip balm, you’ve come to the right place.
Pumpkin enzymes are alpha-hydroxy acids, better known as AHAs, that are derived from a pumpkin’s skin and seeds. They are gentle skin exfoliators that also contain vitamin A to stimulate collagen production along with vitamin C, which brightens and evens skin tone. They’re also rich in a myriad of antioxidants that altogether break down dead cells and leave your skin feeling smooth, firm, and youthful.
Here are some of the best products featuring this hero ingredient that will give you a radiant autumn glow:
Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer
Starting strong with a well-known product, Peter Thomas Roth’s Pumpkin Enzyme Mask is a multi-tasking mask that acts as an exfoliator, a peel, and a polish. Good for all skin types, this powerhouse product is perfect to incorporate into your skincare routine as the weather gets colder and our skin becomes dry and flaky. Plus, who doesn’t want that youthful glow?
You’ve most definitely heard of the viral Summer Fridays Jet Lag mask, whereas the Overtime Mask is less known but still just as good. And, without looking at the ingredients list, you likely wouldn’t know that it features pumpkin enzymes as a main ingredient. Like the previous mask, this product incorporates the restorative minerals of pumpkin but combines them with oat kernel protein for more gentle exfoliation.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum
This iconic Drunk Elephant vitamin C serum is incredibly potent and packed with antioxidants. It harnesses the power of multiple fruit enzymes such as pumpkin to resurface the skin while leaving it hydrated and luminous. This product’s packaging is innovative as well, designed for self-mixing so it always stays fresh.
Tonymoly Plump-kin Retinol Firming Eye Cream and Hydrogel Patches
Tonymoly’s Plump-kin Retinol Firming Eye Cream is hands down the most adorable eye cream to exist! Housed in a miniature pumpkin, this is a lightweight product chocked full of antioxidants to plump skin around the eye area while reducing inflammation. Not a fan of eye creams? Try the brand’s Retinol Firming Hydrogel Patches that work to combat fine lines, wrinkles, and dark under-eye circles.
Elemis Superfood AHA Glow Cleansing Butter
Who doesn’t love a two-in-one product? This one from Elemis works as both a buttery cleanser as well as a hydrating makeup remover. Designed to nourish the skin and remove daily grime and pollutants, this cleanser works overtime to enhance cell turnover and gently turn skin from dull to smooth.
Tree Hut Pumpkin Spice Latte Shea Sugar Scrub
While we’re on the topic of exfoliating products—don’t forget your body! The rest of your skin can also benefit from pumpkin enzymes. This Pumpkin Spice Latte Shea Sugar Scrub not only smells delicious but will remove dry, dead skin cells while the added shea butter will nourish and hydrate.
Hempz Pumpkin Spice & Vanilla Chai Herbal Lip Balm
Colder weather unfortunately means drier lips, but the Pumpkin Spice & Vanilla Chai Herbal Lip Balm from Hempz is here to help. This lip balm will help you conquer dryness as it soothes your lips and seals in moisture. Say goodbye crusty lips and hello to ones that stay plump and protected.
