Ingredients in Focus: Pumpkin

Enzymes and vitamins with extra-bright benefits

It’s that time of year again when everything’s turning up pumpkin. Jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin muffins and even pumpkin masks (not only for Halloween but also for skincare). Apart from being an amazing superfood for the body, pumpkins are also chock full of antioxidants and other skin-loving ingredients that can help your skin stay healthy all year round. Here’s how this seasonal favorite can get your skin off to a fresh start for fall.

PUMPKIN

how it works

Pumpkin enzymes gently dissolve dead skin cells and bring brighter, fresher skin cells to the surface.

what it does

helps brighten dull skin
reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
softens and smooths

exfoliates
helps decongest clogged pores
helps diminish visible breakouts

hydrates
supports natural cell turnover
visibly firms depleted skin

Pumpkin enzymes are where it's at

The natural enzymes and acids in pumpkin literally dissolve spent skin cells. That means no more dead cells sticking around on the surface and causing pore congestion. Enzymes speed up chemical reactions on the skin’s surface so that other active ingredients, like the fruit’s alpha hydroxy acids, can help to retexturize skin and support natural cellular turnover.

All those vitamins & nutrients help, too

The natural antioxidants in pumpkin are expert at keeping free radicals at bay, which in turn help fight sun damage and wrinkles.

Beta Carotene

Pumpkins turn orange all the way to their seeds because of their high beta carotene content. This brilliant carotenoid protects the pumpkin from the sun’s rays—and helps protect our skin from harmful free radicals too!

Vitamin B

Pumpkin also contains multiple B vitamins, including B3 (niacinamide), a rising star in topical skincare for its moisturizing, tone-evening and line-smoothing abilities. The Bs help strengthen the skin barrier, promote healthy skin function and support natural cell renewal, too.

Vitamin C

A super-potent antioxidant, vitamin C helps fight free radicals and fend off fine lines and dullness. An added benefit is that the vitamin C found in pumpkin is a natural enzyme that helps soften the skin, allowing the vitamin to get where it needs to go.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E isn’t just an antioxidant—it’s also a natural source of tocopherols and tocotrienols, which help control breakouts and irritation. It can even help diminish the appearance of dark spots, discoloration and lines and help support healthy skin.

Who can use pumpkin?

Almost every skin type! It’s a gentle exfoliant because its enzymes act primarily on the top layers of the skin and a powerful rejuvenator because it’s filled with antioxidant nutrients. We maximize all of pumpkin’s benefits in our multitasking Pumpkin Enzyme Mask. Because pumpkin enzymes are active ingredients (and cause a mild tingling sensation when applied), we’ve paired them with plenty of replenishing ingredients—like nourishing vitamins and plant-based lipids—to minimize any irritation. The result is fresh, renewed skin.

How to use Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

Apply a thin layer to dampened, clean skin and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes
Rinse with warm water
Follow with Vita C Serum for ultimate skin softening benefits
Use up to 3 times per week

Reviewed by Alexis Mayne

Love what’s in our bottles? Alexis is a big part of the team that makes it happen. For more than 10 years, she’s been instrumental in formulating and producing the Sanitas Skincare you love. Her areas of expertise include the science of skin, finding active ingredients that get results and connecting with the purest and most responsible ingredient suppliers. She also works closely with our Boulder-based manufacturing team to make sure our products are effective, safe and consistent each and every time.