If there is one oil that quietly delivers outstanding results for skin, scalp and overall wellness, it’s pumpkin seed oil. Pure, cold-pressed, deeply pigmented and rich with natural antioxidants - this oil has been used for centuries as food and medicine.
At SNAANA, we source clean pumpkin seeds directly from farmers and extract the oil in our own traditional cold-press unit so you receive the oil exactly as nature built it - nutrient-dense, unrefined and chemical-free.
Let’s understand this oil in its true form.
What Is Pumpkin Seed Oil?
Pumpkin seed oil is an edible, nutrient-rich oil extracted from the seeds of pumpkins (Cucurbita species). It is naturally loaded with:
• Essential fatty acids (linoleic + oleic)
• Carotenoids
• Chlorophyll and phytopigments
• Natural vitamin-E family (tocopherols)
• Minerals such as zinc
• Sterols and antioxidants
Its richness in these lipophilic (oil-loving) compounds makes it a superior skin-and-scalp nourishing oil.
Why Is Pumpkin Seed Oil Red–Brown in Colour?
Raw, cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil has a deep red to red-brown hue because of two natural plant pigments:
- Carotenoids (β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin)
These pigments give a reddish, golden tone.
Research-supported: Carotenoids act as powerful antioxidants that protect skin from oxidative and UV-induced stress. - Chlorophyll
This gives the oil its green undertone. Under light, pumpkin seed oil can appear red, but when spread thin, it shifts to a greener tone due to chlorophyll.
Both pigments are completely natural indicators of purity.
Any pumpkin oil that is pale, light yellow or artificially uniform is refined or nutrient-stripped.
Why Cold-Pressed Pumpkin Seed Oil Is the Best?
The method of extraction determines the value of the oil.
Cold pressing (traditional making) preserves:
• Heat-sensitive carotenoids
• Chlorophyll
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids
• Vitamin-E compounds
• Aroma, flavour and therapeutic compounds
Heat-based, solvent-extracted or refined oils lose up to 70-90% of pigments and antioxidants, making them nutritionally inferior.
At SNAANA
We cold-press in small batches at under 45°C, so every nutrient remains intact - the reason our oil carries its natural bold colour and aroma.
Major Nutrients Naturally Present in Almost All Pumpkin Seed Varieties
While the percentage may vary by region and pumpkin species, research shows pumpkin seed oil consistently contains:
• Linoleic acid (omega-6)
• Oleic acid (omega-9)
• Palmitic and stearic acids (healthy saturated fats)
• Carotenoids: lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene
• Chlorophyll
• Tocopherols (vitamin E family)
• Plant sterols (phytosterols)
• Zinc, magnesium and manganese (trace minerals)
These work together to repair, soothe and protect skin.
Role of Carotenoids and Chlorophyll in Skin Health
Carotenoids (β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin)
Research-supported:
• Neutralize UV-generated free radicals
• Improve skin tone, brightness and elasticity
• Protect collagen from oxidative breakdown
• Reduce impact of pollution and blue-light stress
• Support even-toned, calm, radiant skin
Chlorophyll
Research-supported:
• Calms inflammation
• Helps reduce redness and irritation
• Supports wound healing
• Shows antimicrobial activity helpful for acne-prone skin
This nutrient duo is what makes pumpkin seed oil so effective as a daily face oil.
Does Pumpkin Seed Oil Work on Pigmentation, Acne, Dark Spots and Ageing?
Here’s the honest, research-aligned answer:
Pigmentation and Dark Spots
Carotenoids help reduce oxidative pigmentation and fade appearance of dull areas over consistent use.
They do not bleach the skin, but help the skin recover from oxidative stress that deepens pigmentation.
Acne
Pumpkin seed oil is rich in zinc, linoleic acid and chlorophyll - all beneficial for acne-prone skin.
• Linoleic acid helps balance sebum
• Zinc supports reduced inflammation
• Chlorophyll shows antimicrobial activity
Research-supported: Topical linoleic acid and zinc are known to reduce inflammatory acne lesions.
Ageing / Fine Lines / Loss of Elasticity
Carotenoids + vitamin E + polyunsaturated fatty acids help protect collagen and improve elasticity.
Research-supported: Topical lutein and zeaxanthin improve skin hydration, elasticity and luminance.
Pumpkin seed oil is not a magic overnight treatment,but with consistent morning + evening application, it supports healthier, calmer, younger-looking skin.
How to Use Pumpkin Seed Oil as a Daily Face Oil
Morning:
- Cleanse
- Apply 2-3 drops of pumpkin seed oil
- Let it absorb
- Apply sunscreen
Evening:
- Cleanse
- Apply 3-4 drops on slightly damp skin
- Massage gently
- Follow with moisturizer if needed
Ideal for: normal, combination, oily, sensitive and mature skin.
Approximate Linoleic and Oleic Composition in Cold-Pressed Pumpkin Seed Oil
Based on multiple research analyses:
• Linoleic acid (Omega-6): ~45-55%
• Oleic acid (Omega-9): ~25-35%
This balanced profile makes the oil:
• Light
• Non-greasy
• Fast-absorbing
• Nourishing
• Excellent for acne-prone and ageing skin
Cold pressing keeps this composition intact. Refining alters it significantly.
Edible Pumpkin Seed Oil –Super food for skin, hair and body
In traditional cultures and modern wellness, pumpkin seed oil is used as:
✔ A finishing oil
Drizzled over salads, toast, soups, lentils and vegetables for a nutty flavour.
✔ Hormonal wellness support (traditional use)
✔ Men’s health support (based on research on supplementation)
✔ Hair and skin nourishment (topical)
⚠ Not for deep frying
Because it is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, high heat can destroy its nutrients and flavour.
It is best used raw or lightly warmed, never for deep frying.
Applying Pumpkin Seed Oil on Scalp - 3 Research-Supported Benefits
When applied to the scalp regularly:
- Helps Reduce Hair Fall
Research-supported: Pumpkin seed extracts have shown improvement in hair count and thickness due to phytosterols that inhibit 5-alpha-reductase (the enzyme involved in DHT-related hair thinning). - Supports Stronger Hair Roots
Linoleic + oleic acids nourish the follicle and improve scalp barrier. - Helps Soothe Scalp Inflammation and Irritation
Zinc and chlorophyll show anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity that may help calm dandruff-prone scalp.
These effects make pumpkin seed oil a strong natural choice for scalp massage once or twice a week.
The SNAANA Difference
At SNAANA, we:
• Source pumpkin seeds directly from farmers
• Cold-press them in small batches
• Never refine, bleach or deodorize
• Never use chemicals or preservatives
• Let the natural pigments speak for themselves
Every bottle carries the purity, potency and simplicity of nature - just the way real skincare should be.
Why Pure Pumpkin Seed Oil Is Rightly Called “Red Gold”
Pure cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil truly deserves the title “red gold” because it is one of the rare oils whose natural color, nutrient density, and skin-healing value come together in a way that feels almost precious. Its striking red-brown hue is not artificial; it comes from naturally occurring carotenoids and chlorophylls that only survive when the seeds are pressed gently without heat. This deep, jewel-like color is a visual marker of its richness. Each drop carries powerful antioxidants like lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene, vitamin E, zinc and essential fatty acids that protect, nourish, and restore skin far more effectively than most conventional oils. Unlike refined or solvent-extracted oils, cold pressing preserves every delicate pigment and phytonutrient, making it a truly potent skin food. The process itself is slow, traditional, and yields very little-making the oil valuable and revered. Its ability to address pigmentation, acne, ageing, inflammation, and barrier repair with consistent use elevates it from an ordinary seed oil to something truly luxurious. For all these reasons-its color, purity, rarity of extraction, and extraordinary skin benefits—pure cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil earns its name: red gold.