Face Body Skin Care plum bloss Massage Oil Natural bloss

It’s pretty much what it sounds like; plum oil—which originated in China thousands of years ago—is extracted from the seed of the plum fruit. And it’s all the rage because of its anti-inflammatory and hydrating benefits.

“Plum oil (Prunus domestica) is also known as plum kernel oil,” says Lauren Taglia, M.D., a dermatologist at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois. “The plum kernel oil is composed of triglycerides, as well as vitamins E, C and A”—which all work together to plump and hydrate skin that is dry and irritated.

Plum oil is full of nutrients that when applied topically can really enhance your skin. Here is the breakdown:

• Vitamin A: “This promotes healing and cell turnover,” which can help improve wrinkles and skin elasticity, says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., an associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

• Vitamin C: Helps repair cells and reduce hyperpigmentation. The kakadu plum, the most commonly used plum variety in skincare, is particularly rich in vitamin C.

• Vitamin E: Helps heal and repair damaged skin.

• Omega fatty acids 6 and 9: Hydrates skin.

• Oleic acid: “Helps to regulate sebum production, and it's also noncomedogenic, so it's safe and potentially helpful for oily skin,” says Hadley King, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City.

• Linoleic acid: Encourages skin cell turnover and works to prevent clogged pores.

• Polyphenols: Provides anti-inflammatory benefits and helps protect the skin from sun and pollution damage.

• Antioxidants: Helps with the production of elastin and collagen. “Plum oil can help protect and calm the skin. The antioxidants help neutralize free radical damage to protect the skin from UV light and encourage healthy collagen production,” says Dr. Zeichner.