Pumpkin Seed Oil: The Autumn Skincare Hero You Didn’t Know You Needed

Inside the Pumpkin: Nature’s Treasure

Pumpkin seed oil comes from the seeds of the pumpkin — one of nature’s most generous gifts. After harvest, the seeds are cleaned and gently pressed to release a rich, reddish-brown oil filled with nutrients that your skin will love.

Cold-Pressed vs Refined

Cold-pressed extraction uses gentle pressure, without heat or chemicals, to preserve the oil’s natural vitamins and antioxidants. The result is a pure, nutrient-dense oil with a deep colour and soft, earthy scent — exactly what your skin needs for deep nourishment.

Refined versions, though lighter in scent, often lose these delicate compounds during processing. That’s why I formulate with organic, cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil — so your skin receives every bit of goodness nature intended.

Skin Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil

Antioxidant and Anti-Ageing Support

Rich in vitamin E, zinc, and carotenoids, pumpkin seed oil helps protect against daily stress and signs of ageing. It supports collagen production, keeping the skin firm and elastic while softening the look of fine lines.

Lightweight and Easily Absorbed

Although rich, this oil feels light and silky. It sinks in quickly without a greasy finish, making it perfect under moisturiser or makeup. Hydration and nutrients reach where your skin needs them most — a key benefit in natural skincare routines that prioritise simplicity and balance.

Deeply Moisturising and Hydrating

As autumn air dries the skin, pumpkin seed oil helps replace lost moisture and prevent dehydration. It leaves skin soft, smooth, and comfortable — the perfect companion for colder months or whenever you need extra care.

High in Zinc, Calming, and Anti-Inflammatory

Pumpkin seed oil is one of the few botanical oils naturally rich in zinc, a mineral that helps calm irritation, reduce redness, and support skin healing. Alongside its omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, it helps balance oil production and soothes inflammation. This makes it a wonderful choice for acne-prone, sensitive, or rosacea-prone skin, offering comfort and care without heaviness.

Strengthens and Protects the Skin Barrier

Pumpkin seed oil is naturally rich in omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. They help the skin hold onto moisture, keeping it hydrated, supple, and resilient. These fatty acids also support the skin’s natural repair process, replenishing lipids and soothing irritation. By reinforcing the barrier, they help protect against environmental stress while leaving the complexion soft, calm, and well-nourished.

Who Will Love It Most

One of the best things about pumpkin seed oil is how adaptable it is.

Dry or mature skin will love its deep hydration and barrier repair.

Combination or acne-prone skin benefits from its balancing, non-greasy texture.

Sensitive or rosacea-prone skin appreciates its soothing, anti-inflammatory nature that helps calm redness and support comfort.

Dull or tired skin gains a fresh, natural glow from its vitamins and antioxidants.

It’s a versatile oil that fits beautifully into any routine — supporting your skin through every season, all year round.

How to Use Pumpkin Seed Oil in Your Skincare Routine

You can use pumpkin seed oil on its own, but it truly shines when blended with complementary botanicals. In a face oil, it works in harmony with other nourishing and soothing plant oils eg jojoba, raspberry, argan - to name but a few.

Apply a few drops to clean, slightly damp skin to lock in moisture, or smooth it over your moisturiser for an extra layer of comfort.

For a beautiful example, explore our Face Oil — an award-winning, natural face oil that combines pumpkin seed oil with other nutrient-rich botanicals and a soothing, spa-like scent. Lightweight and non-comedogenic, it absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft, radiant, and never greasy.

If your skin needs a little extra support, try Face Oil+ — a age-supportive blend with pumpkin seed oil and skincare actives bakuchiol and CoQ10, a powerful antioxidant duo that helps boost collagen, elasticity, and glow.

It’s especially lovely as part of an evening ritual — helping you unwind while leaving your skin balanced, hydrated, and luminous by morning.

If you’d like to learn more about how and when to use a face oil, explore my simple step-by-step guide to getting the best from your face oil.

Why It’s a Favourite at Amaranthine

At Amaranthine, I use organic, cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil in both our face oils‍ for its power to balance and fortify the skin. When blended with other antioxidant-rich botanicals, it becomes a beautiful mix of nourishment and renewal — helping your skin feel strong, hydrated, and radiant in every season. It’s one of my favourite ingredients in natural skincare, offering both comfort and care in every drop.

Final Thoughts

As we move into Autumn’s slower rhythm, our skin — like our spirit — benefits from extra care. Pumpkin seed oil captures that feeling perfectly: warm, restorative, and deeply balancing.

Whether used alone or within your favourite face oil, it’s a simple way to pause, nurture your skin, and enjoy a healthy, luminous glow — through autumn and beyond. It’s a timeless staple in natural skincare, reminding us that nature often knows best.