The smell of pineapple transports you to the tropics—sapphire beaches, Bermuda breezes, piña-colada-toting pool boys—but this sweet treat doesn’t just smell delicious. Pineapple benefits your skin, too. Now pineapple has strutted onto the skincare scene, starring in face masks, skin serums, and scrubs. However, pineapple beauty products have amassed a fan club for a reason. The fruit contains nutrients that brighten your skin and fight acne, aging, and more.
But how else does pineapple benefit your skin, and how do you use it?
Below, you’ll find answers to these questions. Then you’ll see three pineapple beauty products you can add to your skincare routine.
How does pineapple benefit your skin?

Pineapple benefits your skin in many ways. The fruit contains vitamins, enzymes, and minerals that fight acne and aging and brighten your skin.
1. Pineapple fights acne
Pineapple contains a slew of acne-fighting nutrients, including alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), vitamin C, and the enzyme bromelain.
Like papaya, pineapple is a natural source of AHAs. These exfoliants slough off dead cells, deep clean pores, and speed skin cell turnover, reducing the frequency and severity of breakouts.

But did you know vitamin C and bromelain fight acne, too? According to WebMD and Healthline, vitamin C fights inflammation and fades acne marks, while bromelain reduces swelling and speeds healing. In fact, these are some reasons dermatologists recommend drinking pineapple juice.
But all these ingredients make pineapple a formidable acne-fighting force. The skin-healing trio unclogs pores, helping to heal and prevent breakouts. All these actions pave the way to clearer skin.
2. Pineapple fights aging

Another benefit? Many of pineapple’s acne-fighting nutrients fight aging, too.
For instance, while AHAs exfoliate skin to control acne, these same actions improve skin texture and tone. Plus, AHAs bring fresh skin to the surface, a benefit that appeals to anyone seeking youthful skin.
Vitamin C also fights aging. Like AHAs, vitamin C improves skin tone but also boosts collagen and elasticity, leaving skin supple. These actions make vitamin C a natural anti-aging remedy.

Better yet, bromelain adds to these benefits. For instance, the enzyme controls acne-causing bacteria but also protects the skin from free radicals, which speed aging. So, each nutrient in pineapple benefits your skin in many ways.
Plus, according to WebMD, the fruit contains antioxidants and minerals, including manganese, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Manganese speeds healing and helps your skin produce collagen, while flavonoids and phenolic acids slow aging and protect your skin from damage.
But pineapple’s benefits for your skin don’t stop there.
3. Pineapple brightens skin

Many nutrients in pineapple that fight acne and aging also brighten your skin. For instance, AHAs’ exfoliating properties also make your skin glow.
Likewise, vitamin C’s collagen-boosting properties fight aging but also boost radiance, making your skin look alive and fresh. And bromelain’s anti-inflammatory actions fight acne but also lend skin a healthy glow.
Plus, pineapple contains arbutin, which fades acne scars and brightens your skin.
Then, when all these agents combine, their skin-healing powers multiply. So, with the right anti-acne or anti-aging skincare regimen, you’ll improve your skin’s overall health and appearance. And all this hard work pays off through smoother, brighter skin.
Should you apply fresh pineapple to your skin?

Now that you know how pineapple benefits your skin, one question remains: can you apply fresh pineapple to your skin? You might wonder, why not skip the pricey pineapple beauty products and just slather your skin in the fresh fruit?
Although some beauty gurus swear by this practice, doctors—and Healthline—warn against it. One reason? Fresh pineapple differs from the fruit extract you find in skin creams. According to Healthline, fresh pineapple offers fewer beauty benefits than the extract and is more likely to irritate your skin.
So, the verdict? Stick to the store-bought products instead.
Pineapple Beauty Products for Acne and Aging
Now, see three pineapple beauty products you can add to your skincare routine. You can use all these products to boost radiance and fight acne and aging. All products below are personal favorites of Beauty and Travel Reviews.
1. Kiehl’s Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub, $28

First, grab some Kiehl’s, and soak up the skin-healing powers of the pineapple. This fragrance-free scrub sloughs off dead cells, bringing your fresh face to the surface.
What it does: Apricot powder, papaya, and pineapple enzymes remove pore-clogging grime to blast acne, smooth fine lines, and revive your face.
Meanwhile, aloe and almond oil nourish and hydrate, leaving your skin silky.
How to use: Apply to dry skin once or twice per week. Massage into skin for 15 seconds and rinse.
2. Uncommon Beauty Pineapple Peptide Nectar, $62

Next, try Uncommon Beauty’s Pineapple Nectar for an uncommon beauty adventure. The vitamin-rich elixir pumps life back into your skin, restoring your youthful glow.
What it does: The pineapple serum contains ceramides, peptides, and Kakadu plum, an Australian superfruit packed with 100 times more vitamin C than oranges. The serum evens skin tone, smooths fine lines, and reduces the appearance of pores.
How to use: After cleansing, massage into dry face and neck and moisturize.
3. Tracie Martyn Enzyme Exfoliant Mask, $98

Another option? Try Tracie Martyn’s Enzyme Exfoliant Mask for 15 minutes of at-home spa bliss. It’s the go-to mask of Martyn’s high-profile clients who need to look photo-ready fast.
The pineapple mask suits all skin types and even doubles as a spot corrector.
What it does: Pineapple enzymes, volcanic minerals, and AHAs deliver three types of exfoliation to fight acne and aging at once. These ingredients slough off dead cells, smooth fine lines, and fade dark spots, restoring skin’s vitality.
The result? Your skin reawakens and feels younger.
How to use: Apply to damp skin, wait 15 minutes, and rinse while rubbing the remaining scrub into your skin. But skip this step and just rinse if you have sensitive skin.
Final Thoughts

Dealing with acne or aging isn’t easy, but pineapple tackles these stubborn skin troubles. The fruit sloughs off dead cells to fight acne and aging and bring back the fresh skin you’ve missed.
So break out these pineapple beauty products whenever your skin needs a boost. Try the pineapple face mask, skin serum, and scrub to fight acne and aging and get glowing again.
Improving your skin takes time, but with the right skincare routine, you’ll get there. So, grab some pineapple, and enjoy your new skin. And check back for more beauty reviews and skincare tips.
Also, see three DIY grapeseed oil face masks and beauty products you can use to enhance your glow.
This post first appeared on Beauty and Travel Reviews. / Featured photo credit: People Images / iStock
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I need to stock up on my skincare goodies so thanks for the recommendations. Glow Recipe had a good pineapple serum but I think they replaced it with guava. No clue why they got rid of a good product. I know some people didn’t like the smell but so what?! It worked.
You’re welcome! Yes, Glow Recipe’s pineapple serum was one of my favorites, but last I heard, they discontinued it. Now they’ve introduced the Guava Dark Spot Corrector. You can still buy the pineapple serum from Cult Beauty, but I don’t know who else carries it. But for what it’s worth, I’ve heard the guava serum works just as well. I haven’t tried it yet, though.