Hear Me Out—Adding Paprika to My Skincare Routine Calmed My Skin and Gave Me the Most Ethereal Glow

At this point in my career, I’ve tried plenty of skincare ingredients that would raise a few eyebrows, from salmon sperm DNA to liquid spicules that feel like tiny glass shards on your face. While the latest ingredient I’ve been dabbling in isn’t quite as out-there, it’s still a little unconventional. Paprika is an ingredient you’d normally find in your spice cabinet, but trust me when I say it’s worth adding to your skincare routine in some way, shape, or form.

The person who convinced me of this was Brian Goodwin, Eminence Organic Skin Care’s global educator. I recently got a facial with Goodwin (which is always a treat), and he told me all about the benefits this spicy ingredient has to offer for your skin. It’s a spice that has roots in Hungary, much like the brand. This ingredient is perfect for when your skin is looking a little dull or you’re dealing with dark spots and acne. My skin happened to be struggling with all of the above, but Goodwin perked it right up with the brand’s in-spa-only Blueberry Detox Firming Peel featuring paprika, of course.

I couldn’t believe the glow it provided afterward. Yes, it is a bit spicy on the skin—as you would expect—and there’s lingering redness for a few minutes. Trust me. The results are so worth it. Since receiving this facial, I’ve been hooked on using a few products in Eminence’s at-home line with paprika to keep the benefits going. For everything you need to know about this glow-inducing spice along with a few recommendations from Eminence, take a look ahead.

What does paprika do for the skin?

I cook with paprika all the time and didn’t even consider that it could be good for my skin too. Goodwin explained what this spice is all about. “Paprika is a powdered spice made from dried red peppers,” he says. “Depending on the variety, it can range from sweet to spicy, offering a range of benefits for the skin. While paprika isn’t often thought of as an antioxidant-rich ingredient, it’s a great natural source of vitamin C. In skincare, vitamin C helps provide antioxidant protection and supports collagen production, which is key for keeping skin looking firm, full, and healthy.”

Goodwin explained that hot paprika (the kind Eminence uses in its products) is made from dried capsicum annuum peppers. It also contains capsaicin, the compound responsible for its warming sensation. “On the skin, that gentle heat helps stimulate circulation and improve blood flow,” he says. “I like to describe it as a workout for your face! The increased microcirculation delivers oxygen, nutrients, and immune-supporting cells to the skin, leaving the complexion visibly plump and refreshed.”

Naturally, because my skin is super sensitive and highly acne prone, I was skeptical. Some ingredients like this tend to make my skin flare up, but Goodwin surprised me by saying that it’s also great for acne. “Skincare products with paprika can be a good option for acne-prone skin because they stimulate microcirculation, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients to skin cells,” he continues. “The heating effect also supports natural lymphatic flow, which contributes to overall skin health. While paprika is not a direct treatment for acne, it can complement a routine aimed at keeping breakouts under control. A pro tip is to look for paprika-based formulas that include plant extracts like yucca or red clover, which are rich in phytoestrogens that can help balance excessive oil production in acne-prone skin.”

What are the best ways to incorporate paprika into my skincare routine?

Like I mentioned previously, paprika has Hungarian roots, and it and Eminence have a rich history together. Goodwin says, “Paprika creates a truly unique experience in spa treatment rooms and at home. We were one of the first brands to introduce this ingredient to spa professionals and clients, and it quickly earned attention for the visible results it delivers. The hot sensation of these products helps boost circulation and wake up the skin, so the complexion looks plumper, smoother, and more radiant almost immediately. It’s one of those ingredients you can actually feel and see working, which is part of why it’s become such a signature ingredient for us.

Basically, if you get an Eminence facial at some point in your life, you’ll experience the magic of this ingredient, or you can snag the brand’s paprika-rich products to try at home. Goodwin recommends reaching for paprika-based products when skin is feeling dull or needs extra radiance. “Stimulating formulas work best when used one to two times a week to help maintain firmness and support clearer-looking skin,” he says. “They’re also great to use the night before a special event for a healthy, radiant glow! One thing I always remind clients is that hot paprika increases circulation, so the skin can appear flushed for an hour or two after treatment. Because of the flushing effect it creates, it’s best to use products like the Eight Greens Phyto Masque Hot or Lime Stimulating Masque at least four hours before an event, giving the rosy color time to settle.”

If you’re worried about sensitivity, don’t worry. There are options for that too. Goodwin says gentler formulas containing mild paprika are available. “Products like the Eight Greens Phyto Masque Not Hot or the Eight Greens Youth Serum contain non-spicy versions of paprika that deliver antioxidant benefits from the spice’s natural vitamin C content, making them a great option for anyone who wants to tighten and brighten skin,” he says.

Below are a few paprika-infused Eminence skincare products to try at home.

The Best Skincare Products With Paprika