Pumpkin Seed Oil for Autumn Skincare

I can’t believe it’s already November! Can you feel how short autumn is, as it slips quickly into winter?

Today, I want to share one of my little seasonal secrets: Pumpkin Seed Oil. I often turn to this nourishing oil during the chillier months of the year.

What is Pumpkin Seed Oil?

Pumpkin Seed Oil (Latin name: Cucurbita maxima Duchesne) is a dark green to brown liquid oil with a rich, nutty character. It’s best used as 20–50% of a blend with other carrier oils, where it adds a beautiful yellow-mustard hue. (But don’t eat it here—we’ve had enough indulgence with Halloween sweets! 🎃)

It has a shelf life of about 24 months after opening. I always store mine in the fridge to help preserve freshness.

Why I Love It

Thanks to its high Vitamin E content and balanced oleic/linoleic fatty acid profile, pumpkin seed oil is:

• Regenerative and supportive for the skin

• Excellent for dry or prematurely aging skin

• Soothing for sunburned or irritated skin

Recently, I made a body cream for my dad (age 84), who struggles with very dry, itchy skin due to both age and cold weather. I chose about 25% pumpkin seed oil, mixed with other oils and butters, plus a gentle synergy of anti-pruritic essential oils. For him, I used only 0.5% dilution, which is safe for elderly or sensitive skin.

If your skin is healthy, you can use essential oils up to 2% dilution.

~ Anti-itching/ hydrating body cream (about 6 oz)

• 1 TBSP + 2 tsp Shea Butter

• 6 TBSP + 2 tsp Distilled Water

• 1/2 tsp Beeswax

• 2 tsp Aloe Vera Gel

• 1 TBSP Pumpkin Seed Oil

• 1 tsp Chamomile Hydrosol

• 1 TBSP Apricot Kernel Oil

• 1/4 * 1/8 tsp NeoDefend (Certified Organic Preservative)

• 1 TBSP & 1 tsp Calendula infused Oil

• 1 TBSP Emulsifying Wax

• 6 drops Vitamin E

~Essential oil synergy: 1-2 % dilution

• Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

• Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

• Neroli (Citrus aurantium)

Pumpkin seed oil has a strong aroma, which may help soften the scent of your essential oil blend. While the therapeutic benefits of the essential oils remain, finding the right aroma balance is important.

This blend offers a holistic, hydrating, and toxin-free approach to body care.

Stay home, stay healthy, and nurture yourself with seasonal rituals.

Nurture Your Skin, and Nurture Your Soul

Love and Light,

Coco – Aromatic Rituals