Product Description:
Pumpkin Seed Oil is a cold pressed carrier oil extracted from the seeds of the pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), a plant botanically related to cucumbers, melons, and gourds. The oil is dark green to reddish brown in colour with a distinctive nutty scent and a medium consistency that absorbs into the skin without leaving a heavy residue. Pumpkin Seed Oil is recognised among formulators as a stable, long lasting carrier oil, making it a dependable choice across skin and hair care applications. At Maduras Herbals, we supply Pumpkin Seed Oil as a raw material for cosmetic manufacturers, DIY formulators, and skin care product developers looking for a nourishing, stable carrier oil.
Botanical and Local Names
Botanical Name: Cucurbita pepo
English Name: Pumpkin Seed Oil
Hindi Name: Kaddu Beej Tel
Tamil Name: Poosanikkai Vidhai Ennai
Telugu Name: Gummadikaya Ginja Nune
Malayalam Name: Mathanga Kuru Enna
Kannada Name: Kumbalakayi Beeja Enne
Key Properties
- Cold pressed from pumpkin seeds with no heat and no chemical solvents involved
- Medium consistency with a distinctive nutty scent and dark green to reddish brown colour
- Naturally rich in essential fatty acids, zinc, and Vitamin E
- Unrefined and supplied in its natural state without bleaching or deodorisation
- Notable for its natural stability and longer shelf life compared to many other carrier oils
- Low comedogenic profile, suited for most skin types including sensitive skin
- Compatible with other carrier oils, butters, and oil-phase ingredients
About Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of Cucurbita pepo, the pumpkin or field pumpkin. The highest quality pumpkin seed oil for both culinary and cosmetic use comes from oil-grade naked seed varieties, primarily the Styrian pumpkin from Austria, which has been cultivated specifically for its oil-rich seeds for several centuries. Most commercially available oil-grade pumpkin seed oil is sourced from Austria, Eastern Europe, or China, as the naked-seed variety required for efficient oil production is not widely grown in India. The oil pressed from these seeds is notably rich and dark in colour.
Pumpkin seed oil has a distinctive fatty acid profile with linoleic acid typically making up the largest proportion at around 45 to 60%, followed by oleic acid at around 20 to 35%, alongside palmitic and stearic acid. This composition gives it good emollient and anti-inflammatory properties, and its high linoleic acid content makes it particularly relevant for acne-prone and oily skin formulations. The oil also contains phytosterols, tocopherols, carotenoids, and zinc, which together contribute to its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. Its deep green colour — one of the most vivid of any carrier oil — comes from its high chlorophyll content and will significantly affect the appearance of any formulation it is added to.
| Property |
Detail |
| INCI Name |
Cucurbita Pepo Seed Oil |
| Sourced From |
Central America in origin; oil-grade production primarily from Austria and Eastern Europe; also produced in China |
| Processed & Packed |
Processed & Packed in India |
| Function |
Emollient, skin conditioning, antioxidant |
| Absorption Rate |
Typically medium; may feel slightly richer than lighter oils due to its dense nutritional profile |
| Recommended Usage Amount |
Typically 5 to 30% in blended formulations; colour intensity makes it less practical at higher percentages in most products |
| Heat Stability |
Generally moderate; best added below 40°C to preserve tocopherol and carotenoid content |
| Colour |
Typically very deep green to dark reddish brown depending on grade; one of the most intensely coloured carrier oils and will visibly affect formulations |
| Scent |
Characteristic nutty, earthy aroma; intensity may vary between batches and grades |
| Oxidation Stability |
Generally moderate; antioxidant support and cool dark storage recommended due to high linoleic acid content |
| Restrictions |
None widely documented; deep colour must be accounted for in product development |
| Substitution |
Sesame oil can partially substitute; no direct substitute for its specific colour and nutritional profile |
Working with Pumpkin Seed Oil in Your Formulations
Pumpkin seed oil works well in facial oils, serums, hair oils, balms, and emulsions, and is particularly suited to formulations targeting acne-prone, oily, or mature skin. Its deep colour makes it most practical at lower usage percentages blended with lighter oils, or in products where a naturally dark colour is expected or can be marketed as part of the product's identity. It blends well with jojoba, argan, and rosehip oil for premium facial oil formulations.
Quality & Formulation Notes
No adverse effects or formulation restrictions are widely documented for pumpkin seed oil. Its intense colour is the most important practical consideration in formulation — even at modest usage rates it will significantly affect the finished product's appearance. Antioxidant support and cool dark storage are recommended given its relatively high linoleic acid content. Confirming the seed variety and origin with your supplier is worthwhile given the significant difference between oil-grade naked-seed pumpkin and standard pumpkin seeds in terms of oil content and quality.
Applications
Skin Care Formulations: Facial oils, serums, anti-ageing creams, body lotions, lip care formulations
Hair Care Formulations: Hair oils, scalp serums, leave-in conditioning treatments, hair masks
Cosmetic Formulation: Carrier base for essential oil and aromatherapy blends, lotion and cream oil-phase ingredient
General Use: Bulk supply for cosmetic manufacturers, DIY skin and hair care kits, salon and spa product formulations
Packing and Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the container tightly sealed when not in active use. Recommended storage temperature below 25°C. Pumpkin Seed Oil is naturally stable with good resistance to oxidation. Best before 18 months from packaging date. Natural variation in colour and scent between batches is characteristic of a cold pressed, unrefined oil.
Caution
Patch test is recommended before use on skin. In case of any allergic reaction, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist or physician.