Rowan & Thistle

PLATE No. 051

Ingredient Collection

Plum Kernel Oil

Prunus domestica

Botanical plate of Plum (Prunus domestica): a leafy branch heavy with dusky purple plums and a few white blossoms, beside a single white flower, a whole plum, a plum halved to show its stone, a rough brown stone with its pale kernel, and a golden drop of oil.

Figure Key

  • Fig. 1 Fruiting plum branch
  • Fig. 2 Flower
  • Fig. 3 Whole plum
  • Fig. 4 Plum cut open showing ston
  • Fig. 5 Whole stone & extracted kernel
  • Fig. 6 Plum kernel oil

The Ingredient

Plum kernel oil is hidden much deeper inside the fruit than you might expect. Beneath the juicy flesh is a hard stone, and inside that stone is a small oil-rich kernel. Pressing the kernel produces a light, silky oil naturally rich in oleic and linoleic acids, fatty acids that help soften and condition while supporting the skin's ability to hold onto moisture. The oil also has a naturally sweet, almond-like aroma.

From Plant to Ingredient

  1. Plum Kernel Oil, step 1 — Whole Plum: a whole dark purple plum with a dusky bloom.

    1. Whole Plum

    The ripe fruit develops around a hard stone at its center.

  2. Plum Kernel Oil, step 2 — Inside the Plum: a plum cut in half showing pale flesh and the brown stone.

    2. Inside the Plum

    Cutting open the fruit reveals the hard stone protected by the surrounding flesh.

  3. Plum Kernel Oil, step 3 — Plum Kernel: a rough brown plum stone beside its smooth pale kernel.

    3. Plum Kernel

    Inside the stone is the small, oil-rich kernel.

  4. Plum Kernel Oil, step 4 — Plum Kernel Oil: a single golden drop of oil.

    4. Plum Kernel Oil

    The kernel is cold pressed to release a light, golden oil.

Why We Chose It

Plum kernel oil gives us rich conditioning without a heavy or greasy feel. It helps soften dry skin and lips while leaving behind a smooth, satin-like finish. Its combination of lightweight feel and substantial conditioning makes it especially useful when we want something nourishing that still feels elegant on the skin.

What You'll Notice

  • Softer Lips — Helps dry, rough lips feel smoother and comfortably conditioned.
  • Silky Softness — Leaves skin with a soft, smooth feel rather than a heavy oily finish.
  • Moisture Support — Helps reduce moisture loss so dry skin stays feeling comfortable.
  • Lightweight Conditioning — Provides nourishing conditioning with a light, satin-like finish.

Botanical Profile

Scientific Name
Prunus domestica
INCI Name
Prunus Domestica Seed Oil
Plant Part Used
Seed
Final Ingredient
Oil
Origin
Germany

A Closer Look

Plum kernel oil and apricot kernel oil share an interesting secret: neither comes from the juicy part of the fruit. The valuable oil is hidden inside the hard stone at the center. Crack that stone open and there's another seed-like structure inside—the kernel—which is where the oil is actually stored.

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