12 pumpkin skincare buys to brighten dull autumn skin

12 pumpkin skincare buys to brighten dull autumn skin

Credit: Courtesy of brands

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12 pumpkin skincare buys to brighten dull autumn skin

By Chloe Burcham

2 years ago

All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article

4 min read

Pumpkin season is officially upon us – here’s why you might want to add it into your skincare routine.


The temperatures have plummeted, we’re wearing knitwear again and Hocus Pocus is back on Disney+. It can mean only one thing: autumn is officially here. And like every October, the world collectively goes mad for pumpkin spice latte season. From incorporating autumnal tones into our wardrobe choices to wearing spicy shades of orange on our nails – come October, we can’t get enough of all things autumn. 

But did you know that pumpkin can work wonders for your skin around this time of year, too? The enzymes found in pumpkin are a type of alpha-hydroxy acid that helps to gently exfoliate the skin. Not only that, but they also contain vitamin A to stimulate collagen production and vitamin C to tone, brighten and protect your skin. The result? A ton of pumpkin-packed skincare that promises boosted radiance and glow after a sticky and humid summer. 

Ready to ramp up your skincare routine for autumn? Keep scrolling to discover Stylist’s pick of the best pumpkin-based skincare products for 2023.


12 of the best pumpkin-based skincare buys for autumn 2023

Revolution Skincare Carrot, Cucumber Extract and Pumpkin Enzyme Serum

Revolution Skincare Carrot, Cucumber Extract and Pumpkin Enzyme Serum

Utilising pumpkin to brighten, carrot to protect and cucumber to soothe, this exfoliating serum helps to remove dead skin cells, encouraging a smooth, radiant look – without irritating the skin. 

Shop Revolution Skincare Carrot, Cucumber Extract and Pumpkin Enzyme Serum at Lookfantastic, £8

buy now

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash

Formulated with glycolic and lactic acids (plus Kate Somerville’s ‘three Ps for perfect skin’: pineapple, pumpkin and papaya enzymes), this active foaming wash works to counteract dullness, dryness and uneven skin tone. It gently loosens and removes dead, dulling cells to reveal more balanced, brighter skin beneath.

Shop Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash at Cult Beauty, £38

buy now

Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial Mask

Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial Mask

For a brightening boost of radiance, this supercharged mask is perfect. Formulated with a glow-boosting blend of salicylic acid, azelaic acid and a moisturising plant oils (including the all important pumpkin seed), this brightening booster helps to gently exfoliate and fade dark spots in one. 

Shop Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial Mask at Cult Beauty, £60

buy now

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

The ultimate autumn face mask, this pumpkin-packed formula helps to break down dulling dead surface skin cells while working to instantly enhance radiance, refine skin texture and unify uneven skin tone. It also smells like cinnamon-spiced pumpkin pie – divine. 

Shop Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask at Beauty Bay, £52

buy now

pumpkin-skincare

FaceGym 2-in-1 Exfoliating Succinic Acid and Pumpkin Extract Essence Toner

If you’re a fan of an exfoliating toner, you’ll love this hardworking formula. 2% succinic acid works to exfoliate the skin, while pumpkin extract – rich in fatty acids and vitamins – helps to deeply nourish the skin. Expect a glowing complexion and clearer pores. 

Shop FaceGym 2-in-1 Exfoliating Succinic Acid and Pumpkin Extract Essence Toner at Cult Beauty, £15

buy now

pumpkin-skincare

Lush Mr Pumpkin Face Mask

If you really want to ramp up your pumpkin quota, this is the mask for you. It’s packed with pumpkin puree, pumpkin seed butter and ground pumpkin seeds to gently scrub and nourish your skin in just 10 minutes.

Shop Lush Mr Pumpkin Face Mask, £10

buy now

pumpkin-skincare

Pai Pomegranate and Pumpkin Stretch Mark Dual System

Pregnant or not, if you want to keep your skin supple and smooth – this hardworking duo might be just for you. Omega-rich pumpkin seed oil and vitamins help to keep skin elasticated and supple, allowing it to stretch without drying or itching. 

Shop Pai Pomegranate and Pumpkin Stretch Mark Dual System at John Lewis, £50

buy now

pumpkin-skincare

Summer Fridays Overtime Mask

Formulated with a gentle blend of vitamin and mineral-rich pumpkin and apricot seed powder, this nourishing face mask hydrates as it exfoliates, leaving the complexion smoother and velvety soft.

Shop Summer Fridays Overtime Mask at SpaceNK, £48

buy now

pumpkin-skincare

The Body Shop Pumpkin Instant Radiance Mask

This five-minute face mask is designed to be used in the shower – getting to work while you wash the day away. Its whipped pumpkin mousse texture saves time in your daily routine, working fast to cleanse, exfoliate and mask in one. The result? Next-level radiant-looking skin straight out of the shower. Winner.

Shop The Body Shop Pumpkin Instant Radiance Mask, £20

buy now

pumpkin-skincare

Tula Resurfacing & Brightening Fruit Enzyme Mask

For a glow that looks like you just stepped out of a dermatologist’s office, this is the treatment for you. It combines pineapple, pumpkin and pomegranate enzymes to quickly exfoliate and polish skin – plus pre- and probiotic extracts help keep skin balance in check.

Shop Tula Resurfacing & Brightening Fruit Enzyme Mask, £31

buy now

pumpkin-skincare

Oskia Renaissance BrightLight Serum

It’s a pricey one for sure, but this daily serum helps to combat dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage with its unique blend of actives. Papaya and pumpkin enzymes gently exfoliate to smooth and soften skin while bringing out a natural glow – a good option for those concerned with pigmentation or acne scarring.

Shop Oskia Renaissance BrightLight Serum at SpaceNK, £94

buy now

pumpkin-skincare

Madara Superseed Radiant Energy Organic Facial Oil

If your skin loves a facial oil but you don’t like that greasy feeling left behind – you’ll love this ultra-nourishing oil. It’s packed with antioxidants and vitamins (and of course, our hero skin softening pumpkin), which are absorbed by the skin almost instantly – helping to hydrate while neutralising environmental pollutants and stress.

Shop Madara Superseed Radiant Energy Organic Facial Oil, £49.95

buy now

Images: courtesy of brands

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