Prunus Salicina Fruit Juice: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Prunus Salicina Fruit Juice?

Prunus Salicina Fruit Juice is the liquid pressed from the ripe fruit of the Prunus salicina tree, better known as the Japanese or Chinese plum. The juice contains a natural mix of water-binding sugars, gentle fruit acids, vitamins such as vitamin C, and small amounts of antioxidant polyphenols. These elements help the juice hold moisture and defend the skin against everyday stress. While the plums have been part of East Asian diets for centuries, beauty labs only began exploring the juice for skincare in the last couple of decades, following the rise of fruit-based K-beauty formulas. To produce the cosmetic-grade ingredient, freshly harvested plums are washed, pitted, and cold-pressed. The liquid then goes through fine filtration and low-heat pasteurization or spray drying so it stays stable and safe for creams and gels. You will most often spot Prunus Salicina Fruit Juice in hydrating sheet masks, lightweight moisturizers, facial mists, after-sun gels, and leave-on hair conditioners where a quick shot of moisture is welcome.

Prunus Salicina Fruit Juice’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This plum-derived juice plays a single yet valuable role in skincare.

As a humectant it attracts water from the environment and from the deeper skin layers, then holds it at the surface. This boosts immediate skin hydration, leaves the complexion looking plumper, and can make other actives spread more evenly through the formula.

Who Can Use Prunus Salicina Fruit Juice

Because it works mainly as a water-attracting humectant, Prunus Salicina Fruit Juice suits most skin types. Dry or dehydrated skin will appreciate the extra moisture, normal and combination skin can enjoy the light feel, and oily or acne-prone skin usually tolerates it since it does not add heavy oils. Those with very sensitive skin can generally use it as well, though they may want to keep an eye out for any personal intolerance to fruit ingredients.

The juice is plant based and produced without animal-derived additives, so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.

Current data show no issues specific to pregnancy or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a health professional before adding a new skincare product.

Prunus Salicina Fruit Juice is not known to cause photosensitivity and can be used day or night without increasing the risk of sunburn.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Prunus Salicina Fruit Juice vary from person to person. The following points list potential side effects, though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Mild tingling or stinging on freshly shaved or broken skin
  • Sticky finish if applied in very high concentrations
  • Redness or itching in individuals allergic to plums or other stone fruits
  • General irritation for those with highly reactive skin

If you notice any of these issues stop using the product and speak with a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5 – Prunus Salicina Fruit Juice is almost entirely water, small sugars and trace antioxidants, with no fatty acids that could clog pores. Its lightweight, non-oily profile means it sits on the skin surface without blocking follicles. Because of this it is generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. If a formula containing this juice still causes clogged pores the culprit is likely another ingredient, not the juice itself.

Summary

Prunus Salicina Fruit Juice acts mainly as a humectant, pulling in moisture and boosting skin hydration so the complexion looks plump and refreshed. It does this through its natural mix of water-loving sugars and gentle fruit acids that hold onto water molecules.

The ingredient is moderately popular, especially in Korean and Japanese skincare where fruit-based hydration is trending, but it has yet to reach the mainstream status of classics like hyaluronic acid.

Current data show it is safe for most users, with very low comedogenic and irritation risk. Still, skin can be unpredictable so do a quick patch test when trying any new product that contains this juice to make sure it suits your personal tolerance.

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