Fall has arrived in all its splendor, and with it come traditional aromas we sometimes hunger for.  Decorating hearth and home become priorities and warm spice essences fill the air.  Pumpkins appear on porches in colorful displays.  But the lowly pumpkin is so much more than decor.  We hold the skin friendly benefits of pumpkin in high regard and it is a treasured ingredient.

Pumpkin in Soap

So why on earth would we add Pumpkin Puree to soap?  If you read blogs, do podcasts, or tune in for soap-making webinars, you are likely to hear people warn about putting botanicals in soap.  It is not a practice for the inexperienced or beginner soap maker. The addition of purees means that additional water is being added, and we have to compensate for that additional moisture by weighing and calculating.  It has to be right, or else the soap will not harden, could become mushy, could develop mold or mildew, and well, you see the problem!

We use several tablespoons of ORGANIC pumpkin puree per batch when making soap while being careful to compensate for the water content so that the soap will still fully cure. It typically takes 6 to 8 weeks for a full cure, a much slower pace due to the puree that is present.  But it is worth the wait.

What is Pumpkin?

Pumpkin is a type of winter squash that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. Scientifically speaking, the pumpkin is a FRUIT, as it contains seeds. However, most people consider it a vegetable, and it has a lot in common with vegetables from a nutrition standpoint.  It is a nutrient-dense food and a superfood.

Pumpkin is full of beta-carotene, protecting the skin from ultra-violet rays and working as a natural sunblock. Pumpkin is also naturally high in Vitamin C, which your body needs in order to make collagen for the skin.  Last but not least, the pumpkin is full of natural anti-oxidants. These are lutein, Vitamin E, and zeaxanthin, all of which are ‘research proven’ protectants of the skin.

According to the International Dermal Institute, Pumpkin contains a lot of amazing properties that benefit the skin.

• Pumpkin is packed with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and fruit enzymes, which increase cell turnover, to smooth and brighten the skin. It is natural exfoliation at its best!
• Pumpkin contains antioxidants Vitamin A and Vitamin C to help soften and soothe the skin. But more importantly, research has found that these vitamins actually boost collagen production to prevent the signs of aging!

If that’s not enough, the oil of the pumpkin seed is a true skin elixer. Pumpkin seed oil has proved pharmacological activity such as anti-fungal, anti-inflammation, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant effects! In recent years, there has been considerable research on the nutritional and protective benefits of the seeds and the oil they contain. As a result, pumpkin is gaining traction in the alternative medicine world and is used in many natural therapies.

If you have never tried Pumpkin Pie soap, now is your chance. Unfortunately, we only offer it for a few months a year as we prefer using fresh, organic pumpkin.   You can find it HERE!