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Luscious Pumpkin Body Butter

posted by Cait Johnson Feb 12, 2007 2:37 pm
Luscious Pumpkin Body Butter
21 comments

By Cait Johnson, author of Witch in the Kitchen (Inner Traditions, 2001).

Ever get annoyed at the pumpkin puree left over from recipes that don’t use the whole can? Now there is something sublime you can do with it: Whip up this luscious body butter, a beta-carotene feast to moisturize, nourish and smooth your skin. Pumpkin Body Butter is easy to make, smells absolutely heavenly and does simply divine things for your skin. Pumpkins—they’re not just for pie anymore!

Pumpkin puree has enzymes and antioxidants that offer results similar to gentle alpha-hydroxy action: It removes dead dull cells, while its beta-carotene-rich antioxidants nourish your skin. Coconut solids are a lovely natural moisturizer, and ground cinnamon is gently warming, stimulating and antibacterial.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup pumpkin puree, preferably organic
1/2 cup solids from a can of coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Mix ingredients in a bowl. Apply generously to clean skin (standing or sitting on a towel, if you like), massaging gently to work well into the skin.

2. Allow to remain on for 10 minutes or so, then rinse with warm water and pat dry.

More on Skin Care (247 articles available)
More from Cait Johnson (395 articles available)

21 comments

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21 comments

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21 Comments       add a comment »
Renee m.

If you remove the seeds from the pulp you can squeeze out fresh pumkin juice.
You can use a cheese cloth or fine wire mesh sieve or even your hands to press out the enzymatic, nutriant rich juice.
I just washed and rinsed my face with raw pumkin pulp.
I looked radiant instantly then I massaged a layer of the juice into my skin. I din't rinse, I just let the juice absorb into my skin. My skin was soaking it in like a drink, seriously. It feels and looks so fresh.
I LOVE it.
Pumkin is my new thing for sure. I just can't see canned pumkin delivering the same results. Pumpkin has a very high water content and the pupl is the richest part. The flesh is excellent too.
I have really sensitive, dry tired skin and this is what it needs for sure.
Just save use the pulp from your jack's this halloween.

Lora W.
  • Lora W. says
  • Feb 23, 2008 6:50 AM

how long does mixture last if refrigerated

Donna Bray

I use something similar to this in my spa. You can use raw pumpkin and just puree it in the blender or food processor. Fresh is better but canned will work in a pinch. I use raw coconut oil from the natural food store. It's awesome for all skin types. Of course, I use this as a body wrap and charge a hefty price for it. You can do it at home and get wonderful results.

Mirjana A.

I'm in South Africa and we don't get the variety in our health shops. Can I buy organic pumpkin and then bake it or biol it ti get the puree?

Sharon Scott

Solids from a can of milk means the part that curdles on top, the coconut cream. As one other person suggests, refrigerate after opening and it will rise to the top, harden. Use La cabeza. Jeeze!

PE Esainko

Can't be enzymes, they're killed by canning. Must be the coconut oil, massage and abrasion, maybe siome heat-stable part of pumpkin.

Michelle Kennington

Please someone report how it works and what is the best canned products to use. A very cheap home facial!

Patty Smith

When you read the top of the page, it says to use the leftover pumpkin puree from a recipe - that means it's cooked. Raw pumpkin is very hard and won't come out as a smooth puree. Canned organic pumpkin puree can be found at a health food store.

Donna Thompson-messam

The solids come from the top of the can not the bottom. Do not shake, the easiest way to remove the solid is to refridgerate the can before or after opening.

Kristelyn Dumas

hmmm.sound interesting.. surely im gonna try this

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Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

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