A Smarter Alternative: Urban Skin Rx Purifying 2-in-1 Pumpkin Pore Detox Mask & Scrub
If you love the idea of smooth, radiant skin—but want to skip the mess and risk of DIY—Urban Skin Rx’s Detox Mask & Scrub is a game-changing upgrade. Exfoliation is such an essential step in any skincare routine-it helps slough away dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reveal that fresh, glowing layer underneath. But not all scrubs are created equal. If you’ve ever used a face scrub with big, rough granules (like crushed walnut shells or chunky coffee grounds), you might’ve noticed your skin feeling irritated or even a little scratched. That’s because larger exfoliating particles can create microtears, especially on the delicate skin of your face. Instead, look for products that use finer, more refined granules-they’re much gentler and just as effective. Your skin will still get that smooth, polished feel, but without the damage or inflammation. Trust me, your future self will thank you!
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Purifying 2-in-1 Pumpkin Pore Detox Mask & Scrub
What it is:
This multitasking product is a dual-purpose detox mask and exfoliating scrub, designed specifically for diverse skin tones and concerns like uneven texture, large pores, and dullness.
It combines:
- Pumpkin enzymes for gentle chemical exfoliation
- Kaolin clay to draw out impurities and balance oil
- Eco-friendly, micro-fine exfoliants that polish without scratching
- Niacinamide and salicylic acid to help clarify and brighten
It leaves the skin feeling deeply cleansed, soft, and visibly smooth—no irritation, no guesswork, and glowing.
How to Use:
What to Do with Leftover Coffee Grounds (Hint: Your Plants Will Thank You)
Just because coffee grounds don’t belong on your face doesn’t mean they should go to waste. In fact, used coffee grounds make a beautiful addition to your garden or plant care routine.
How to Reuse Coffee Grounds in the Garden: Earth Magic Meets Everyday Ritual
One of the most beautiful ways to live more sustainably—and spiritually—is by finding sacred uses for your everyday waste. Used coffee grounds, often destined for the compost or trash bin, are actually little nutrient-rich powerhouses that your garden soil and plant babies crave. By integrating them into your gardening practice, you’re not just nourishing your plants—you’re casting an earthbound spell of nourishment, balance, and reciprocity.
Let’s dive into the real benefits of reusing coffee grounds in the garden, from their chemical makeup to their magical properties—and how to weave them into your routine in a way that feels both intentional and intuitive.
1. Coffee Grounds and Soil Health: Nitrogen Boosts for Thriving Plants
Coffee grounds are high in nitrogen—an essential macronutrient that supports healthy leaf and stem growth. When you mix spent grounds into your garden soil, you’re giving your plants a slow-release nitrogen supplement that enriches the soil structure and encourages vibrant green growth.
The nitrogen in coffee grounds is organic, meaning it has to break down a bit before becoming fully available to your plants. That makes it ideal for building long-term fertility in your soil, especially when combined with other compostable materials. Sprinkle it around the base of leafy greens, hydrangeas, tomatoes, and roses—all of which love slightly acidic, nitrogen-rich soil.
Quick Tip: Let your used coffee grounds dry before using them. Fresh, wet grounds can become compacted and form a barrier that blocks moisture. A light, dry sprinkle works best.
2. Which Plants Like Coffee Grounds? Acid-Loving Favorites
Coffee grounds are slightly acidic in their fresh state (with a pH around 5.0–6.5), though once composted, they become more neutral. This acidity makes them a perfect match for acid-loving plants like:
Hydrangeas – Coffee grounds can subtly shift bloom colors toward blue.
Rhododendrons & Azaleas – These woodland beauties thrive in acidic soil.
- Hydrangeas
- Rhododendrons
- Azaleas
Tomatoes – While tomatoes are often debated, many gardeners swear by coffee grounds in moderation for their nitrogen content.
Blueberries – Big fans of acidic environments, blueberries respond well to coffee amendments.
Roses – Not only do they appreciate the nitrogen, but coffee grounds may help deter root-damaging pests.
- Tomatoes
- Blueberries
- Roses
Sprinkle a thin layer around the root zone, being mindful not to let the grounds touch the stems directly. Always follow up with water to help the nutrients filter into the soil.
3. Natural Pest Control with Coffee Grounds
One of the most enchanting benefits of reusing coffee grounds in the garden is their natural ability to repel pests. The coarse texture irritates soft-bodied invaders like slugs and snails, creating a gentle yet effective boundary around your herbs and leafy greens.
There’s also some evidence that caffeine itself—still present in small amounts in used grounds—can deter certain insects, including ants and even mosquitoes. While it’s not a substitute for all-natural insecticides, coffee grounds can be a great first line of defense for your witch’s garden.
Herbal tip: Sprinkle dry coffee grounds in a circle around herbs like basil, thyme, and mint to protect them from crawling pests without resorting to chemicals.
4. Adding Coffee Grounds to Compost: Supercharging Your Garden
If direct application isn’t your thing, coffee grounds make an excellent addition to your compost pile. They’re considered a “green” material (rich in nitrogen) and help balance “brown” materials like dried leaves, shredded paper, or cardboard.
- Coffee beans
- Gardening with Coffee Grounds
- Coffee Filter for compost attracts earth worms
Used filters? Toss them in too—most paper filters are compostable and will break down beautifully in your bin.
Witchy Compost Ritual: As you empty your coffee filter into the compost, take a moment to thank the Earth for her cycle of death and renewal. This isn’t just waste—it’s future life in disguise.
5. Reusing Coffee Grounds as Mulch: Texture, Moisture & Microbes
Another way to reuse coffee grounds in your garden is as part of a mulching mix. Layer them with leaves, straw, or wood chips to create a dark, rich mulch that feeds the soil and helps retain moisture. Because grounds are fine and dense, it’s best not to use them alone—combine them with bulkier materials to keep air flowing.
Mulching with coffee grounds can:
- Suppress weeds
- Keep the soil evenly moist
- Add slow-release nutrients
- Attract beneficial earthworms
And yes, earthworms love coffee. As they process the grounds, they aerate your soil and add worm castings (one of nature’s most magical fertilizers).
Garden Witchy Tip: Worm-Attracting Compost Layer Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 parts moist shredded unbleached coffee filters (carbon source)
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2 parts used coffee grounds (nitrogen source)
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1 part cow manure or aged compost (microbial inoculant and bedding)
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Optional: ½ part pumpkin pulp or banana peel (to boost microbial activity)
Instructions:
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Pre-compost the mix for 2–3 weeks in a bin or pile to reduce heat from microbial activity. This protects worms from thermophilic temperatures.
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Once cooled, layer the mix 3–4 inches deep in your worm bin or garden bed.
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Maintain moisture like a wrung-out sponge — not soggy.
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Add red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) or native worms. Cover with damp newspaper or burlap.
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Avoid citrus, onions, or greasy food scraps — they repel worms and disrupt pH.
Bonus Tip: Tear filters into strips to speed up decomposition and increase surface area for microbial colonization — worms love that.
6. Skip the Coffee Scrubs: Why Grounds Are Better in Soil Than on Skin
While the idea of DIY coffee scrubs may seem earthy and appealing—especially in the wellness space—it’s important to be mindful of what we’re putting on our skin. Used coffee grounds are often touted as a natural exfoliant, but in reality, they’re far too abrasive for most skin types. Their jagged edges can create micro-tears in the skin’s surface, leading to irritation, inflammation, and even long-term damage to your moisture barrier.
In addition, coffee grounds don’t fully dissolve in water like sugar or salt scrubs do, which means they can linger on the skin, clog your drain, and leave behind a gritty mess in your shower—hardly the relaxing ritual most of us are aiming for.
- Coffee grounds
- Coffee grounds
- Coffee grounds
From a spiritual perspective, skincare is an act of devotion—a way to treat your body like the altar it is. Scrubbing with harsh particles doesn’t honor that softness.
But there’s good news: just because used coffee grounds shouldn’t go on your skin doesn’t mean they should go to waste. Instead of tossing them in the trash, offer them to your garden. What might be too rough for your face or body is perfect for nourishing the Earth. Your roses, tomatoes, and hydrangeas will appreciate what your skin couldn’t handle.
Ritual Reframe: The next time you’re tempted to DIY a scrub, pause and compost instead. Treat your skin to something gentle and let your coffee grounds do their deep work below the soil.
7. What Not to Do with Coffee Grounds in the Garden
Even magic has its limits—and coffee grounds aren’t a miracle cure-all.
Here are a few things to avoid:
- Don’t overdo it. Too many grounds in one spot can compact the soil and create mold.
- Avoid using on seedlings. The caffeine and acidity may be too strong for delicate sprouts.
- Don’t apply wet clumps. Always dry them out before storing or applying to prevent rot or fungal growth.
Used mindfully, coffee grounds are a grounding, nutrient-rich resource. Used carelessly, they can throw off the balance of your soil.
Root Down, Rise Up
By reusing your coffee grounds in the garden, you’re participating in a quiet kind of magic. You’re alchemizing waste into wellness, turning remnants of your morning ritual into food for the Earth’s sacred cycle. There’s no need to overthink it—just begin. Collect your grounds in a jar or bowl, let them dry, and start with a few handfuls scattered around your favorite leafy friends.
This is how we root down and rise up—one small act of reverence at a time.
Let Your Skincare Reflect Your Intention
This is a lovely way to bring a little earth magic into your daily routine—nourishing your plants and closing the loop in your beauty ritual. Give thanks to the bean and let nature work her quiet miracles.
Skincare is more than a routine—it’s a reflection of how you care for your body, your energy, and your presence in the world. Choosing products made with purpose (and backed by science) honors your skin as sacred.
The Purifying 2-in-1 Pumpkin Pore Detox Mask & Scrub offers a gentle, results-driven alternative to scratchy DIY blends. It’s clean, effective, and crafted to support your glow without the side effects.
So, brew your morning coffee, compost the grounds, and reach for a product that leaves you feeling luminous and loved inside and out.
Shop the Detox Mask & Scrub
- image belongs to Urban Skin Rx
- image belongs to Urban Skin Rx
- image belongs to Urban Skin Rx
Glow Tip: Follow this detoxifying treatment with Radiant and Bright Glowing Moisturizer for extra glow!
What is ClearTone Advanced Technology®? Learn more here.
Who Should Use
Great for all skin types, this formula is especially good if you have blemish-prone skin, clogged pores, large pores, uneven skin tone, rough texture, aging skin or dull skin.
How It Looks/Smells/Feels
This thick off-white cream with small orange Jojoba beads provides a warming sensation when massaged on skin and an addictive pumpkin-spice scent.
Benefits
Key Ingredients
- Non-irritating
- Oil-absorbing
- Mildly exfoliating agent
- Suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin
Bromelain: A 2024 clinical study published in Science World Journal explored bromelain’s anti-inflammatory effects on skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. In a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, participants using a 1.0 mg/cm² bromelain cream twice daily showed significant reductions in redness and inflammation compared to the control group (p < 0.001), along with improved skin texture and fewer breakouts.
Willow Bark Extract: A 2023 review in Cosmotality broke down six science-backed benefits of black willow bark extract, including its ability to:
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Gently exfoliate via salicin (a natural precursor to salicylic acid)
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Reduce acne and inflammation
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Refine pores and smooth fine lines
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Boost antioxidant defenses
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Hydrate and calm irritated skin
Salicylic Acid: A 2024 article from Cosmotality, found these five science-backed benefits:
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Photoprotection: It helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage and erythema.
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Gentle exfoliation: Neutralized forms are well tolerated by sensitive skin.
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Enhanced penetration: It boosts the efficacy of actives like vitamin A.
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Epidermal renewal: It promotes turnover of living skin layers.
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Collagen support: Sodium salicylate (a derivative) has been shown to increase collagen-1 and fibrillin.
- koalin
- Salicylic Acid
- Bromelain
- Willow Bark
Jojoba: A widely cited 2018 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences titled “Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils” highlights jojoba oil’s ability to:
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Reinforce the skin barrier by mimicking natural sebum
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Deliver anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
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Promote wound healing and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
Pumpkin: 2010 article in Nutrition Research Reviews, “Medicinal and Biological Potential of Pumpkin”, which outlines pumpkin’s rich profile of carotenoids, polyphenols, zinc, and essential fatty acids. These compounds contribute to:
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Antioxidant protection: β-carotene and vitamin E neutralize free radicals, helping prevent premature aging.
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Anti-inflammatory: Flavonoids and triterpenoids reduce redness and irritation, making pumpkin ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
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Skin barrier support: Pumpkin seed oil is rich in linoleic acid and sterols, which enhance hydration and elasticity.
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Enzymatic exfoliation: Natural proteases in pumpkin pulp gently dissolve dead skin cells without disrupting healthy tissue.
Niacinamide: A 2024 review in Drug Delivery and Translational Research titled “Niacinamide: a review on dermal delivery strategies and clinical evidence” is one of the most comprehensive resources available. It’s particularly effective because it’s a liquid wax ester — not a true oil — which makes it uniquely stable and biocompatible with human skin. That’s why it’s often used in formulations for eczema, psoriasis, and even acne-prone skin.
It outlines how niacinamide:
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Strengthens the skin barrier by boosting ceramide and free fatty acid synthesis
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Reduces inflammation by downregulating cytokines like IL-8
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Improves hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanosome transfer
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Supports collagen production by increasing NADPH levels in dermal fibroblasts
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Enhances hydration and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
- Jojoba Seeds
- Pumpkin
- Niacinamide
Glow Gently: The Coffee Scrub Alternative Your Skin Deserves
So, if you’ve been reaching for that DIY coffee scrub, consider this your loving nudge to switch things up. Your skin deserves care that’s both effective and gentle. The Urban Skin Rx Purifying 2-in-1 Pumpkin Pore Detox Mask & Scrub gives you all the glow, minus the microtears. It’s the perfect way to exfoliate with intention-supporting your skin’s natural rhythm rather than disrupting it. And those coffee grouds? Sprinkle them into your garden as an offering back to the earth. Beauty is a ritual, and your skincare can be too.
If you’d like to try the Urban Skin Rx Purifying 2-in-1 Pumpkin Pore Detox Mask & Scrub, you can find it here.
What a great way to use up coffee grounds. UV protection is so important. It might not be super sunny out but high UV!
Right? I’ve tried this with my own plants and it’s like the get a nice little pick me up! UV is brutal!
Oh sweet, I’ll keep this in mind. I’m in Texas so it’s HOT and I always worry about my skin.
Yes! Especially where the weather is hot, it’s so rough on your skin’s barrier. Moisture is a must.
I love how you explained the importance of gentle exfoliation for glowing skin while avoiding irritation. Your tip about choosing finer granules over harsh scrubs is so helpful for healthier skin.
Yes! You have no idea how many crazy things people are exfoliating their skin with. The least I can do is give some reasonable options.
Great skincare tips, and very thorough. I do not do much with my skin and it is important to consider this as I age. I definitely need to put in some more effort and will consider some of these strategies.
Don’t let all the information overwhelm you. I would start with what’s important to you or maybe see an esthetician so they can do a face mapping for you.
For some reason this seems perfect for fall… I think it’s the pumpkin😊 I’ve been looking for something a bit gentler. This review was helpful, thank you!
Yes! Pumpkin in your skincare is a great seasonal option. If you’re looking at pumpkin enzyme masks those are great for brightening too!
I’m always on the lookout for gentle detoxifying masks and I love the ingredients in this one. Adding it to my list of products to try. Thanks for the tips too!
You’re welcome!
I love learning about new ways to do skincare. I’m going to save this article to come back cause it’s quite technical. Thank you so much for the information, it’s very helpful!
Thank you! Happy reading 🙂
Coffee grounds are indeed good for the skin, and I’ve already started trying them. Your post about the benefits of coffee grounds for skin is very timely. Thank you for the information.
This post was about not using them on your skin as they are too harsh for our skin barriers. I hope you find something else that works for you though.
I never would have thought to put coffee grounds on plants. I love the idea of using something with pumpkin in as well that’s gentle on my skin.
Yes! Great for brightening and gentle on your skin.
Great tip and I have used coffee sounds in the past.
Thank you!
I didn’t know people used coffee grounds to exfoliate their skin, but I love the idea of using leftover grounds in the garden! As an amateur gardener, it’s handy to know how they boost soil health and help our plants thrive. It’s a win-win: your skin stays safe, and your plants get a nutrient boost!
Yes! No waste solution. Starbucks used to put their used coffee grounds out for people to take but I don’t think they do it anymore.
This detox mask and scrub sounds incredible! I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing! I love getting beauty tips and skincare product suggestions from you
Thank you, Kelly!
I love how you spotlighted the Urban Skin Rx Purifying 2-in-1 Pumpkin Pore Detox Mask—it’s refreshing to see a product that delivers both self-care luxury and real results. Your review makes it so much easier to choose an effective alternative without feeling overwhelmed by endless options.
Thank you! Skincare has evolved so much since the 90s. We are spoiled for choice now.
nice to see a breakdown of alternatives like this. Even for someone who doesn’t use Urban Skin Rx, it’s interesting to learn about the options.
Yes! Urban Skin Rx is just an example, but it’s a good example to lead you thinking about other products that may be a safer option for you.
I love this! You’re so right—there’s a huge difference between a scrub that leaves your skin soft and one that leaves it looking like you just fought a cat. I’ve been guilty of trying those “natural” DIY scrubs with big grains, and my skin was not happy about it.
Exactly. The thought process behind it is well meaning but there’s a reason why brands use extracts of plants instead of the whole thing or smaller scrub particles. It’s always safety first.
Who knew coffee was so versatile
Right? Pretty cool.
The pumpkin mask is something I need to try. I love the skin benefits..
You’ll love it!
I’ve been searching for a good exfoliant and this one sounds perfect! Thanks for breaking it all down so clearly and for the tips on coffee grounds!
You’re welcome! I hope you find one you like.
I like the idea of using coffee grounds for a skin mask. It would energize my face and exfoliate my skin.
I find it a bit too harsh, but to each their own! There are some bars of soap that have coffee grounds in them that might be a good compromise.