GET TO KNOW YOUR OILS
Plum Kernel Oil
Prunus domestica
Chemotype: oleic / linoleic fixed oil
- PLANT PART
- kernels
- EXTRACTION
- cold pressed
- AROMA NOTE
- base
LEARN AS YOU COMPARE
What’s inside this oil?
Constituents are the natural chemicals that give an oil its character. See the main ones, learn what they do, and explore differences between batches.
Meet the main constituents, then select one to see what makes it interesting.
FOLLOW YOUR SENSES
Aroma & character
A closer look at this oil's scent, strength, and staying power.
- Aroma intensity
- 22 / 100
- Note layer
- base
If you like this scent, explore
A LITTLE CARE GOES A LONG WAY
Using it thoughtfully
Read the full safety context before bringing this oil into your routine.
- Cited dermal maximum · leave-on
- No restriction cited
- Phototoxicity
- Not flagged in this profile
- Oxidation risk
- medium
A cited maximum is a limit, not a suggested dilution. Missing restrictions do not establish safety.
No phototoxic furocoumarin restriction was identified for cold-pressed plum kernel oil.
Read the complete safety guideExplore measured chemistry from supplier batches
A supplier report describes a particular sample. Open this workspace to investigate measured constituents and their original documents.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE SCENT
Inside the oil
An oil's character comes from its natural chemical composition. Explore each constituent to understand the connections.
About this composition
This record is anchored to a public cold-pressed organic plum-kernel COA from Italy. The batch is a high-oleic fixed oil with substantial linoleic acid and smaller palmitic, stearic, palmitoleic, and trace arachidic fractions; supplier use guidance and aromatic notes were used only for topical-use context and sensory normalization.
| Constituent | Typical amount | Reported range | Chemical family | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oleic acid | 70.4% | 60–75% | monounsaturated fatty acid | View sourceCertificate of Analysis Sheet Organic Plum Kernel Oil (Prunus domestica) https://www.nhrorganicoils.com/uploads/certs/Plum%20Kernel%20CofA%20190422-7.pdf (fatty acids in fat: oleic acid spec 60.0-75.0%, result 70.4%) |
| Linoleic acid | 18.8% | 15–30% | polyunsaturated fatty acid | View sourceCertificate of Analysis Sheet Organic Plum Kernel Oil (Prunus domestica) https://www.nhrorganicoils.com/uploads/certs/Plum%20Kernel%20CofA%20190422-7.pdf (fatty acids in fat: linoleic acid spec 15.0-30.0%, result 18.8%) |
| Palmitic acid | 6.2% | 3–7% | saturated fatty acid | View sourceCertificate of Analysis Sheet Organic Plum Kernel Oil (Prunus domestica) https://www.nhrorganicoils.com/uploads/certs/Plum%20Kernel%20CofA%20190422-7.pdf (fatty acids in fat: palmitic acid spec 3.0-7.0%, result 6.2%) |
| Stearic acid | 1.4% | 0–3% | saturated fatty acid | View sourceCertificate of Analysis Sheet Organic Plum Kernel Oil (Prunus domestica) https://www.nhrorganicoils.com/uploads/certs/Plum%20Kernel%20CofA%20190422-7.pdf (fatty acids in fat: stearic acid spec <3.0%, result 1.4%) |
| Palmitoleic acid | 1.2% | 0–2% | monounsaturated fatty acid | View sourceCertificate of Analysis Sheet Organic Plum Kernel Oil (Prunus domestica) https://www.nhrorganicoils.com/uploads/certs/Plum%20Kernel%20CofA%20190422-7.pdf (fatty acids in fat: palmitoleic acid spec <2.0%, result 1.2%) |
| Arachidic acid | 0.1% | 0–0.1% | saturated fatty acid | View sourceCertificate of Analysis Sheet Organic Plum Kernel Oil (Prunus domestica) https://www.nhrorganicoils.com/uploads/certs/Plum%20Kernel%20CofA%20190422-7.pdf (fatty acids in fat: arachidic acid result 0.1%) |
Profile source: Certificate of Analysis Sheet Organic Plum Kernel Oil (Prunus domestica); Plum Kernel Organic Carrier Oil | Moisturizing & QAI Certified; Plum Kernel | Carrier Oil · https://www.nhrorganicoils.com/uploads/certs/Plum%20Kernel%20CofA%20190422-7.pdf ; https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/oils/carrier-oils/plum-kernel-organic-carrier-oil ; https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/oils/carrier-oils/plum-kernel/
A TRADITION OF BOTANICAL CURIOSITY
Traditional & reported uses
These uses reflect the profile's reported traditions and literature. They are not established treatment recommendations.
- traditionally used as a carrier/base oil in massage blends for its light, silky skin feel
- reported to support skin-care formulations valuing a light, non-greasy fixed oil
- traditionally associated with nourishing, moisturizing skin-care rituals
- used to dilute essential oils in massage and topical blends
- valued in cosmetic formulation for its emollient, easily-absorbed character
For aromatherapy and wellness use only — not medical advice. Effect statements are traditional/reported associations, not treatment claims. The Synergy Rating scores blend craft, harmony and safety, not medical efficacy. Read the safety framework.
What we're still learning · 3 data gaps
Good decisions start with knowing what is — and isn't — in the evidence.
- Odor intensity 22 normalizes supplier descriptions such as very mild, slightly nutty, marzipan-like, and bitter almond-like rather than transcribing a published 0-100 sensory score.
- The `max_dermal_pct` value of 100 reflects public carrier-oil use guidance stating plum kernel oil is suitable for aromatherapy and massage blends at 10-100%, not a dedicated toxicology monograph with a lower leave-on ceiling.
- No public source located in this pass gave directly measured volatility-rate or tenacity-hour values for plum kernel oil.