3 Reasons Plum Oil Is Beauty’s Best-Kept Secret

If you haven’t heard of plum oil, don’t stress—it’s basically beauty’s best-kept secret. Using plums in skin care actually originated hundreds of years ago in Western Asia, which is home to some of the longest-living people (who probably have the best skin, too). Coincidence? We think not. Here’s everything you need to know. 

So, what is plum oil?
Plum oil (also known as plum seed oil or plum kernel oil) is a cold-pressed, virgin beauty oil extracted from the seeds of French Ente plums. Its most impressive stats? That it’s eight times more powerful than argan oil and six times more powerful than marula oil when it comes to protecting skin and hair from free radicals. Whoa.

What are the benefits of using plum oil?
It’s full of nourishing omega fatty acids (13 different kinds to be exact) and vitamins A and E, which heal and hydrate dry skin, hair and nails better than any other oil out there. Plum oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce the appearance of—ready for it?—puffiness, irritation, dark spots, under-eye circles, wrinkles and dry skin. It’s also good for soothing skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It’s more or less the oil to end all oils.

How do you use it?
To soften dry lips: Exfoliate your pout with a washcloth or sugar scrub, then apply one or two drops of plum oil to lock in moisture and suppleness. Its natural fruity, almond flavor makes it even better than your go-to lip balm.

For solving skin issues: Go-to plum oil brand, Le Prunier, suggests mixing a drop or two in with your face cream, foundation or body lotion for added benefits and a dose of good-for-you antioxidants. If it’s powerful enough to help calm psoriasis and eczema, you know it’ll keep your skin clear and dewy.

And protecting hair: Apply it to the entire length of your damp hair pre-blowout, and then again to your dry ends post-blowout for an extra shot of shine-inducing hydration. Plum oil is like a wellness defender for your strands whether you have damage from heat tools or the sun got the best of you.