What Is “prunus Domestica Seed Oil” and What Is Its Use?

Prunus domestica is a variety of plum tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. It originates from different hybridizations of Minor Asian and Central European species. 

As it adapts to all climates and soil types, this tree grows easily and is now cultivated in many parts of the world. However, it is in the southwest of France, in Lot-et-Garonne, that it is most abundant. It is cultivated for the production of Agen prunes (pruneaux d'Agen).

According to the legend, the plum tree arrived in Europe by the Crusaders. These, returning from Morocco after an unsuccessful journey, would have brought back plum trees in large quantities. They would then have been mocked by the king, asserting that they had only gone there for plums, being this the origin of a very famous French expression.

Entitled “Prunus Domestica Seed Oil” according to the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients), the oil is obtained by the first cold pressure of the plum kernels. It is rich in essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid (omega-6), oleic acid (omega-9) and palmitic acid. As a reminder, oleic acid is the most abundant long-chain monounsaturated fatty acid in our body. Very nourishing for the skin, it achieves a more supple and soft but also more radiant teint. “Prunus Domestica Seed Oil” also contains the natural antioxidant vitamin E, also called tocopherol.

Concerning its organoleptic properties, the “Prunus Domestica Seed Oil” is an oily liquid of yellow straw to yellow gilded color with the soft odor of bitter almond even of frangipane. Its touch is fatty, but it nevertheless presents a low index of comedogenicity, which does not block the pores and penetrates quickly through the skin. Even though it is not very sensitive to oxidation, it is best kept in a cool place, away from heat and light, in an amber bottle.

There are no contraindications to the cosmetic use of plum kernel oil. Pregnant women and young children can use it.

Highly concentrated in vitamin E, “Prunus Domestica Seed Oil” is an excellent antioxidant to protect the skin from free radicals. As a reminder, free radicals are reactive oxygen species naturally produced by the body. Nevertheless, when cells are confronted with stress, they produce them in an excessive way. There are many sources of stress, the main ones being exposure to UVA rays, pollution, smoking and a diet rich in fats and/or sugars. Free radicals are particularly unstable molecules because of their single electron. They tend to react with other molecules to form an electron pair, and then cause damage to cells, DNA and proteins in the body. Aging is thus accelerated and wrinkles appear on the surface of the skin. “Prunus Domestica Seed Oil” is therefore an ally of choice to prevent premature skin aging.

Rich in omega-6 and omega-9, the “Prunus Domestica Seed Oil” also provides nutrition and elasticity to the skin, and prevents dehydration by strengthening the barrier function of the epidermis. The hydrolipidic film improves the resistance of the corneal layer to external aggressions and limits insensible water loss. The plum kernel oil is thus qualified for relipidante, it is recommended to take care of dry and dehydrated skins.

Finally, “Prunus Domestica Seed Oil” regulates the production of sebum. Little comedogenic, it is thus adapted to the care of the mixed skins to fatty with acneic tendency. The linoleic acid it contains prevents the excessive accumulation of dead cells on the skin's surface. It is an essential fatty acid that promotes cell renewal, thus preventing the obstruction of hair follicles that cause blackheads.

This ingredient can be found in certain care products such as day and night creams that prevent dehydration and the appearance of wrinkles, as well as nourishing oils and balms for the body and face. “Prunus Domestica Seed Oil” can also be used in its pure consistency, which is particularly beneficial to skin exposed to oxidation factors (pollution, UV), to dehydrated skin or to sensitive and reactive skin.

Our “Prunus Domestica Seed Oil” derives from the cold pressing of kernels belonging to organically grown plums, cultivated and harvested in the South West of France. By re-densifying the skin layer, this care nourishes, moisturizes and improves the elasticity of the skin. It also protects it from the harmful effects of pollution, including cellular oxidation. Moreover, you can find this vegetable oil in the following formulas.

• The dark eye cream for dark circles and puffiness with Caffeine 2% + Cornflower Hydrolate is concentrated in decongesting active ingredients. It helps reduce the purplish appearance of dark circles and the swollen appearance of bags under the eyes, for a more luminous look.

• The nourishing face cream with Hyaluronic acid 1% + shea butter is enriched in relipidants and hydrating credits. It restores flexibility to the skin and reduces feelings of tightness.

• The body serum for localized dryness contains nourishing and alleviating credits to fight against cutaneous dryness generally present on the level of the elbows, the knees and the heels.

• The nourishing body cream restores the skin's lipid barrier, reduces feelings of tightness and protects the skin from external aggressions.

• The gel-in-oil with baobab oil prevents and visibly reduces the appearance of stretch marks, while providing suppleness and elasticity to the skin.

The tinted lip oil is made of 98% natural ingredients and comes in 6 different shades. It is formulated without nanoparticles, mineral oils, silicones and beeswax. It provides light coverage and a shiny, non-sticky finish.

• AKHTAR N. & al. Prunus domestica, Prunus persica and Prunus avium extracts: determination of radical scavenging activities and development of natural antioxidant emulsions. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines (2014).

• KOMARNYTSKY S. & al.The enigma of bioactivity and toxicity of botanical oils for skin care. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2020).

• GAJIC M. S. & al. Optimization study on extraction of antioxidants from plum seeds (Prunus domestica L.). Optimization and Engineering (2021).