At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about pumpkin seed oil. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
Please note: One study on this page tested pumpkin seed oil taken by mouth for hair loss, which is a medical use. We share it for transparency. ORY® pumpkin seed oil products are cosmetics and are not intended to grow hair or treat any condition.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Pumpkin seed oil is pressed from the seeds of Cucurbita pepo. It is rich in linoleic acid, vitamin E (especially gamma-tocopherol), and plant sterols. In ORY® products, it helps skin, scalp, and hair feel soft and nourished. |
Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel found plant-derived fatty acid oils, including pumpkin seed oil, safe as used in cosmetics.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
- What it shows: CIR safety assessment of plant oils.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Pumpkin seed oil is cold-pressed (unrefined, deep green) or refined (pale). It contains linoleic and oleic acids, gamma-tocopherol, phytosterols, and squalene. |
Verification: Supported. Its fatty-acid profile is well documented. Unrefined oil oxidizes relatively quickly.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
- What it shows: Composition data.
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
- What it shows: Review of plant oils on skin.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Pumpkin seed oil suits most skin types, including oily and combination skin, because it is light and rich in linoleic acid. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Reviews suggest linoleic-rich oils suit the skin barrier. We found no clinical studies of pumpkin seed oil by skin type.
Citations:
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
- What it shows: Review of plant oils and skin barrier.
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, pumpkin seed oil helps the scalp feel moisturized and hair feel soft. |
Verification: Limited evidence. In a 24-week randomized trial in 76 men with androgenetic alopecia, capsules containing pumpkin seed oil taken by mouth increased hair count more than placebo. That was an oral study of a medical condition; it does not show that applying the oil to the scalp grows hair. Hair-growth claims are drug claims, and ORY® makes none.
Citations:
- Cho, Y. H., et al. (2014). Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014, 549721. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/549721
- What it shows: Oral (not topical) trial.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 310.527 — Drug products offered over-the-counter for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/310.527
- What it shows: FDA treats hair-growth and hair-loss products as drugs.
- Cho, Y. H., et al. (2014). Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014, 549721. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/549721
5. Benefits
Claim: Pumpkin seed oil helps skin feel soft and moisturized and provides antioxidant support. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Emollient and barrier-supporting roles of linoleic-rich oils are supported by reviews. ORY® does not make acne, wound-healing, or hair-growth claims.
Citations:
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
- What it shows: Review of plant oils.
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Pumpkin seed oil is used in all four ORY® product lines. |
Verification: Supported. In soap it is kept to 15% of oils or less because it is polyunsaturated. Unrefined oil can tint bars green; it is used for its conditioning properties, not as a colorant.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 5–50% | Facial oils, serums, creams, body oils, and balms. |
| Haircare | 5–50% | Scalp oils, hair oils, masks, and conditioners. |
| Handmade Soap | 5–15% of oils | Conditioning recipe oil. |
| Cosmetics | 5–20% | Lip oils, foundations, and cream products. |
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
- What it shows: Reported uses.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
- What it shows: FDA color additive rules.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
7. Pros
Claim: A nourishing, antioxidant-rich oil with a CIR safety conclusion. |
Verification: Supported. Well documented composition.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
8. Cons
Claim: Hair evidence is oral, not topical; the oil oxidizes quickly and has a strong color and odor. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Oral evidence only. The hair trial used capsules, not scalp application.
- Shelf life. Unrefined oil lasts about 6–12 months.
- Color and odor. Green tint and nutty scent in unrefined oil.
- Seed allergy. Rare.
Citations:
- Cho, Y. H., et al. (2014). Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014, 549721. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/549721
- What it shows: Oral trial.
- Cho, Y. H., et al. (2014). Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014, 549721. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/549721
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- If you are allergic to pumpkin or other seeds, avoid this product.
- Store away from heat and light, and discard if it smells rancid.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
- What it shows: Safety assessment.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
- Cho, Y. H., et al. (2014). Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014, 549721. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/549721
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 310.527 — Drug products offered over-the-counter for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/310.527
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
