Plum Kernel Oil, Cold Pressed, 100 ml

Plum kernel oil is a plant-based oil cold-pressed from the kernels of European plums. It is added to formulations as an emollient that softens the skin and helps reduce moisture loss, according to the manufacturer without a greasy feel. Formulators will also appreciate its scent: unrefined oil smells of almonds and marzipan, and this note carries through to oil serums, massage oils and balms.

Suitable for facial, body and hair care, especially in products for dry, mature and sensitive skin.

Key benefits

• Skin softening and nourishment – the oil forms a light film on the skin that smooths it and helps retain moisture. The manufacturer recommends it especially for dry, rough and cracked skin.
• Fast absorption – according to the manufacturer it absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy feel, making it suitable for face and hand products as well.
• Antioxidant protection – the manufacturer states that the oil contains antioxidants that help protect the skin from free radicals, and lists it among ingredients for mature skin products.
• Skin soothing – according to manufacturer data it helps reduce redness and irritation, which is utilised in products for sensitive skin.
• Hair conditioning – in hair oils, serums and masks it moisturises the hair, helps reduce frizz and supports a healthy hair appearance.
• Natural scent – the almond-marzipan note of the oil becomes part of the product's fragrance profile; factor it in when designing the formulation.

Use in formulation

The oil belongs in the oil phase. It is not water-soluble and can be blended with other vegetable oils, waxes, butters and esters. The recommended usage level is broad, from 1 to 100 %. In anhydrous products such as oil serums or massage oils it can form the entire base. In emulsions it is used as one of the oil-phase emollients.

The recommended processing temperature is up to 40 °C. Add it to the emulsion only after cooling below this threshold, not into the heated oil phase together with waxes. In cold-process manufacturing (oil serums, dry oils, blends with esters) it is added directly.

The fatty acid profile consists predominantly of oleic acid (65–78 %) and linoleic acid (14–20 %).

Suitable for products such as

• Facial oil serums – on its own or blended with lighter oils for mature and dry skin.
• Body and massage oils – as the main emollient with its own scent.
• Hand and foot creams – into the oil phase of emulsions for cracked and rough skin.
• Hair oils, serums and masks – for conditioning lengths and scalp care.
• Balms and solid sticks – in combination with butters and waxes; the oil is added only once the mass has cooled.

The oil is intended for leave-on products, i.e. those that remain on the skin or in the hair.

What to know

The oil has a golden-yellow colour that transfers to the product at higher usage levels. Take this into account when choosing a transparent container.

The almond and marzipan scent is a natural property of unrefined cold-pressed oil. When designing the fragrance profile, treat it as a starting point, not an obstacle.

The raw material also meets food-grade quality, but in the Handymade range it is intended for cosmetic use. It is vegan, free from allergenic fragrance substances, free from preservatives and not subject to CLP classification.

Frequently asked questions