Benefits Of Pumpkin Seed Oil For The Skin
Get youthful and healthy skin with this moisturizing and refreshing oil!

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Pumpkin seed oil is known for its anti-acne, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, anti-aging, and skin-soothing benefits. You may use pumpkin seed oil for skin rejuvenation and moisturization. Since it is lightweight and gets absorbed quickly into the skin, it is a common ingredient in skin care products like serums, scrubs, massage oils, face masks, and lotions. Read on to know more about pumpkin seed oil’s benefits and how to use it for healthy and youthful skin.

What Is It?
Pumpkin seed oil for the skin is a natural oil extracted from pumpkin seeds
What Are Its Benefits?
It helps with acne, inflammation, and skin infections like boils and cellulitis, and reduces signs of aging.
Who Can Use It?
Anyone except infants, and pregnant or lactating women.
How Often?
Few teaspoons in moderation for topical application.
Caution
Avoid using it if it causes allergic reactions like redness, swelling, or inflammation.
In This Article
Benefits Of Pumpkin Seed Oil for the Skin
It’s an incredible plant-based ingredient for our skin, particularly our face, as it’s high in:
Vitamin A – keeps skin firm and healthy.
Beta Carotene – a precursor of vitamin A that helps maintain healthy skin.
Vitamins B2 & B3 – They soften the skin and improve complexion.
Potassium – It helps regulate the amount of water in cells (along with sodium).
Magnesium – This is an essential mineral for skin health.
Zinc – It helps with the formation of new skin cells and collagen production.

1. Helps Manage Acne And Other Skin Inflammation
Pumpkin seed oil contains beta-carotene and unsaturated fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective against acne-causing bacteria like P. acnes and S. aureus. When taken orally or applied topically, pumpkin seed oil can reduce acne inflammation and soothe other acute and chronic skin inflammatory conditions (1), (2).
2. Prevents Skin Infection
Pumpkin seed oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties and is active against fungi like Candida albicans and bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (1). Candida albicans causes candidiasis, an itchy skin rash, and S. aureus causes impetigo (a red, itchy sore) and other skin infections like boils and cellulitisi XSkin infection caused by bacteria which leads to pain, swelling, tenderness, and redness in the affected area. (other than acne).
Moreover, pumpkin seed oil contains phloem exudate (liquid secreted by the tissue), which adds to its antifungal activity (1).
3. Promotes Wound Healing
A study conducted on rats showed that cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil could promote wound healing. Cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil contains tocopherols, sterolsi XOrganic compounds present in animal and plant lipids or fats that help treat irritated skin and improve skin elasticity. , and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These compounds make it an excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial agent to promote wound healing (3).
4. Minimizes Aging Signs
The saturated fatty acids and antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E in pumpkin seed oil prevent free radical damage and minimize signs of aging. It contains minerals like magnesium, potassium, zinc, and other nourishing ingredients that give healthy skin from within, minimize the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture, elasticity, and integrity, and prevent conditions like dermatitisi XAn inflammation of the skin that can cause rashes, dryness, itchiness, or small blisters on the skin. (1),(2), (4), (5). Additionally, it contains vitamins B2 and B3 which keeps the skin soft and improves its complexion.
5. UV Protection
A study shows that pumpkin extract has protective effects against UVB-induced skin damage. It works as a photoprotective agent and minimizes UV-induced collagen damage (6). Several studies confirmed that pumpkin seed oil in herbal and cosmetic formulations could provide superior photoprotection. Its antioxidant properties can reduce the risk of UV-induced skin cancer, photoagingi XSkin damage caused by prolonged exposure to UV radiation. It results in the breakdown of collagen and leads to premature aging. , and skin redness (7), (8).
6. Reduces Hyperpigmentation
Red pumpkin seed extract can also prevent UV-induced hyperpigmentation. It blocks the reactive oxygen species that trigger the Nrf2 signal (a pathway that mediates inflammatory factors), thus minimizing the risk of developing pigmentation (9).
7. Makeup Removal
Pumpkin seed oil can be used as a natural oil cleanser to remove makeup. It thoroughly cleanses the skin without irritating it (10).
You can consume pumpkin seed oil or use it topically to leverage its benefits. Here are a few ways to add pumpkin seed oil to your skin care regimen.
How To Use Pumpkin Seed Oil
- You can use pumpkin seed oil as a moisturizer and apply it directly to your skin. You can also mix it with your favorite skin products and creams.
- Use skin care products that contain pumpkin seed oil.
- Add pumpkin seed oil to DIY face masks or use it as a carrier oil.
- Consult a nutritionist or dietitian and add pumpkin seed oil to your diet.

Always do a patch test before using pumpkin seed oil as it may cause some minor side effects.
Side Effects Of Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil is considered safe, but it may cause allergic reactions like:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Inflammation.
Consult a dermatologist if you experience any of the symptoms.
The Takeaway
Pumpkin seed oil is a lightweight and nutrient-dense oil popular for quick skin absorption, moisturization, and refreshment. Using pumpkin seed oil for your skin regularly may reduce skin aging, prevent skin infections, and soothe acne and other skin conditions. You can apply pumpkin seed oil directly on your skin or choose products that contain this ingredient. Although considered safe, pumpkin seed oil may cause side effects such as redness, swelling, or inflammation. If you develop an adverse reaction, consult a doctor immediately for further treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pumpkin seed oil tighten skin?
Yes, pumpkin seed oil contains vitamin A, which tightens the skin by improving its texture and elasticity. But more research is needed to prove this claim.
Will pumpkin seed oil clog pores?
Pumpkin seed oil may clog your pores if you have oily or combination skin as it has a low comedogenic rating. However, it is recommended for acne, which is common in oily skin, as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Does pumpkin seed oil help with cellulite?
Pumpkin seed oil may help reduce cellulite. Pumpkin flesh contains flavonoids, which may have anti-cellulite properties.
Is pumpkin seed oil good for your lips?
Yes, pumpkin seed oil is good for the skin on your lips. It keeps your skin moisturized and can reduce dryness or chapped lips.
Key Takeaways
- Pumpkin seed oil helps moisturize and rejuvenate your skin with its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.
- Serums, oils, masks, and lotions— there are multiple ways to include pumpkin seed oil in your skincare routine.
- While it is a safe oil to use, it may lead to rash and irritation for some skin types.
Make your own pumpkin seed oil for healthy and beautiful hair and skin! To achieve the best results, watch this simple step-by-step video tutorial for more information.
References:
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Facial Acne Therapy by Using Pumpkin Seed Oil With Its Physicochemical Properties
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325575102_Facial_Acne_Therapy_by_Using_Pumpkin_Seed_Oil_with_Its_Physicochemical_Properties - Physicochemical Properties of Pumpkin Seed Oil & Therapy of Inflammatory Facial Acne Vulgaris
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319464119_Physicochemical_Properties_of_Pumpkin_Seed_Oil_Therapy_of_Inflammatory_Facial_Acne_Vulgaris - Oil from Pumpkin (cucurbita Pepo L.) Seeds: Evaluation of Its Functional Properties on Wound Healing in Rats
https://lipidworld.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s12944-016-0237-0.pdf - Characterization and Formulation of Skin Cream from Seed Oil Extracted from Cucumis Melo
https://www.scholarsresearchlibrary.com/articles/characterization-and-formulation-of-skin-cream-from-seed-oil-extracted-fromcucumis-melo.pdf - A Comprehensive Review of the Versatile Pumpkin Seeds (cucurbita Maxima) as a Valuable Natural Medicine
http://www.journalcra.com/sites/default/files/issue-pdf/10247.pdf - Combined Oral and Topical Application of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) Alleviates Contact Dermatitis Associated With Depression Through Downregulation Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8141732/ - New Cosmetic Formulations With Broad Photoprotective and Antioxidative Activities Designed by Amaranth and Pumpkin Seed Oils Nanocarriers
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0926669018305922 - Amelioration of Uv Radiation-Induced Photoaging by a Combinational Sunscreen Formulation Via Aversion of Oxidative Collagen Degradation and Promotion of Tgf-Β-Smad-Mediated Collagen Production
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0928098718304950 - A Red Pumpkin Seed Extract Reduces Melanosome Transfer to Keratinocytes by Activation of Nrf2 Signaling
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jocd.12716 - In Vitro and in Vivo Removal Efficacies of a Formulated Pumpkin Seed Oil Makeup Remover
https://aocs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jsde.12315