In the beautiful Gascony region of France grows the Prune d’Ente trees, producing the sweetest and most luscious plums in Europe, and arguably the world. These plums are usually dried into the renowned pruneaux d’Agen, or Agen prunes known for their rich flavor.
Ente plum trees were cultivated in the 13th century by Benedictine monks by crossing existing trees with a variety that Crusaders brought from Syria. These hearty trees survived harsh winters and two world wars before they were finally recognized for their unique properties in 2002 by the EU with the Indication Géographique Protégée. Everyone in Europe knows that the sweetest, juiciest, plumpest plums come from France, but they are just now emerging as a superstar ingredient for hair and skincare.
Plum Oil
Extracted by cold pressing the seeds of these famous plums, this yellow/orange oil is also known as plum seed oil or plum kernel oil. Plum oil is light, non-greasy and absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling soft and silky. It gets its deep golden color from its high content of beta-carotene (a naturally accruing pigment found in plants and fruits, such as carrots). It is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins and provides moisture to both the skin and hair. It’s also great for smoothing and adding shine to hair due to its emollient properties, easy spreadability and non-tacky feel.
The best part about this oil is it’s amazing scent and taste, making it perfect for lip products. It smells like a perfect combination of almond and cherry cake and when you taste it on your lips it’s very mildly-almond with a cherry aftertaste. Plum oil is vegan, non-GMO, and palm free so you can feel good about using it for lip products or in any formulation!
Typical usage rate is 1% -10% although it can be used as high as 100%. Plum oil is soluble in oil and can be added to the oil phase, however, be careful not to overheat. I like to add it to the melt phase of a formulation adding it off heat at 130F or lower.
Plum Oil is incredibly versatile. You can use it pure, and at any percentage in any anhydrous formula. This oil typically has a shelf life of around 6 months to 1 year if properly stored in a cool, dark place or refrigerator once opened (as it is cold pressed). It can even be used as a natural alternative to cationic actives and silicone and has been said to outperform popular oils such as Jojoba and Argan when it comes to conditioning quality.
The application options for this oil are virtually endless. It is ideal for skincare products like lotions and creams, body and facial oils, nail and cuticle care, hair care for shine and conditioning power, lip products, and makes a wonderful message oil.
Composition:
- 4% to 9% palmitic fatty acid
- 70% oleic fatty acid (Omega 9)
- 20% linoleic fatty acid (Omega 6)
- 20 to 125 ppm beta-sitosterols (phytosterols)
- 600 ppm tocopherols
- 188 ppm beta-carotene
- 5% unsaponifiables
- 250 to 800 ppm squalene
Check out this easy recipe for Prune d’ente pour les lèvres (Ente plum for lips)
Prune d’ente pour les lèvres (Ente plum for lips)
Sweet Almond and Cherry Cake is the best way to describe the intoxicating aroma of Plum Oil. It’s absolutely divine and best of all it is fabulous for helping lips remain plump and soft. With a little Castor Oil for staying power and non-GMO Vitamin E to guard against rancidity, this simple yet effective recipe is sure to be a “can’t live without” staple.
Difficulty: beginner
Yield: Approximately 1/2 Pound (24 bottles)
Approximate cost of ingredients per ounce: $6.28
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or whisk
Ingredients
- 0.3465 LBS 0.725 cups Plum Oil
- 0.1485 LBS 0.297 cups Castor Oil
- 0.005 LBS ½ Tsp non-GMO Vitamin E
Suggested Packaging: 0.3 ounce glass vial with roller ball top
Suggested Retail Price: $10-$20
Directions
- Add all ingredients to mixing bowl and mix well
- Pour into bottles and enjoy!
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