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Facial Rituals & Serums

Plum Sesame Face Serum

Plum kernel oil is light and faintly marzipan-scented, sesame oil adds body and a warm nutty note, and two drops of vitamin E keep the blend from turning in the bottle.

By the PrincessGlow editorial team Updated July 2026
3 min prep Dry, rough-feeling skin
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Plum Sesame Face Serum — homemade facial rituals & serum ingredients styled for the recipe

You will need

The ritual

  1. Measure the plum kernel and sesame oils into a small dark bottle.
  2. Add two drops of vitamin E oil and cap it firmly.
  3. Roll the bottle slowly between your hands until fully blended.
  4. Warm three drops in your palms and press over damp skin.
  5. Sweep whatever is left on your hands down your neck.
Glow tip ✦ Use plain cold-pressed sesame oil, not the toasted kind from the cooking aisle; toasted sesame smells strongly of the wok and lingers for hours.

Why these ingredients

2 tsp plum kernel oil
A light, silky oil that absorbs quickly and gives the serum its satin finish rather than a greasy one.
1 tsp sesame oil
Sesame adds body and a warm, faintly nutty smell, so the blend feels substantial without turning heavy.
2 drops vitamin E oil
Two drops slow oxidation, which keeps the blend smelling fresh for months rather than weeks.

Easy swaps

Keep it clean

Mix with freshly washed hands and clean, dry bowls and spoons. If a recipe is stored, use a jar or bottle washed in hot soapy water and dried completely, and never dip wet fingers into the batch.

Storage & when to let go

About six months in a dark glass bottle in a cool cupboard. Sesame is reasonably stable, but bin the blend if it smells sharp or sour.

Allergy check ✦ Sesame is a common allergen, so patch test on your inner arm for two nights before the first full use, and skip it entirely if you avoid sesame in food. Vitamin E is also a contact allergen for a small number of people.
Patch-test first ✦ Apply a little of the finished mix to your inner arm and wait 24 hours. No reaction is a good sign, though no patch test can rule out every reaction. Never use a recipe on broken or irritated skin, keep everything out of your eyes, and stop at once if anything stings or burns.

What to expect — honestly

Skin is left soft, satiny and comfortable, and the finish sits well under or over other products. It seals in moisture rather than supplying it, so damp skin gets more from it. It will not change lines, tone or texture in any lasting way.

Common questions

Is plum kernel oil the same as almond oil?

They come from different fruits but behave similarly, both light and faintly sweet-smelling. Plum kernel is thinner and absorbs a touch faster, which is why it leads here.

Can I use it around my eyes?

A little on the outer edge of the eye socket is fine, patted on with a ring finger. Nothing should go on the lash line or into the eye itself.

This recipe is shared for general cosmetic enjoyment, not medical advice — see how we research and write in our editorial policy and the full safety guide.

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