| What is it? | Cherry Kernel Oil is the liquid oil pressed from the kernels/pits of the cherry fruit. |
| INCI | Prunus Avium Seed Oil |
| Appearance | Pale yellow liquid |
| Usage rate | Up to 100% |
| Texture | Silky smooth with an almost powdery dry-down on the skin |
| Scent | Typical of carrier oils; low scent |
| Absorbency Speed | Fast |
| Approximate Melting Point | Liquid at room temperature and straight out of the fridge. |
| Solubility | Oil |
| Why do we use it in formulations? | Cherry kernel oil is a lovely, lightweight emollient with lovely skin feel. It is rich in vitamins A & E |
| Do you need it? | No, but it’s a nice, unique lightweight carrier oil. |
| Refined or unrefined? | I’ve only found cherry kernel oil as a refined product. |
| Strengths | Cherry Kernel Oil is a lovely, lightweight oil with a beautiful skin feel. |
| Weaknesses | I can’t think of any weaknesses specific to the oil, but it is a harder-to-find oil that is quite similar in skin feel to other easier-to-find oils, so I can see many people choosing one of those instead. |
| Alternatives & Substitutions | I’d choose another lightweight, fast-absorbing oil. Other stone fruit oils, like apricot kernel and sweet almond, would be good options. |
| How to Work with It | Include Cherry Kernel Oil in the oil phase of your formulations. It can be hot or cold processed. |
| Storage & Shelf Life | Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, Cherry Kernel Oil can last up to two years. I store mine in the fridge. |
| Tips, Tricks, and Quirks | Cherry Kernel Oil contains some rather unique fatty acids, like arachidic acid, gadoleic acid, and eicosenoic acid (all at 1%). |
| Recommended starter amount | 100mL (3.3fl oz) |
| Where to Buy it | Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier or Amazon. |
