Vitamin C-rich botanical extract appearing in hyaluronic acid serums as an antioxidant supporting ingredient. Plum extracts include Kakadu plum (highest vitamin C source in nature) and European plum — different active profiles require distinction.
Benefits
High natural vitamin C content (in Kakadu plum specifically)
Anthocyanin and polyphenol antioxidant fraction
Mild AHA-like organic acids (malic, citric)
Potential brightening activity
Anti-inflammatory flavonoids
Example uses
Brightening hyaluronic acid serums
Antioxidant toners
Vitamin C essence formulations
Plum-themed clean beauty SKUs
Brightening eye creams
Mechanism of action
Vitamin C fraction functions as an antioxidant via radical scavenging and recycling of oxidised lipid antioxidants. Anthocyanins contribute direct ROS scavenging via flavonoid electron donation. Natural vitamin C (ascorbic acid) at pH <3.5 provides the same tyrosinase inhibition mechanism as formulated vitamin C, but stability in botanical extracts is substantially lower.
Clinical evidence · Emerging
In vitro antioxidant and mild brightening studies. No RCTs comparing plum extract to formulated L-ascorbic acid for brightening outcomes. Kakadu plum vitamin C concentration is exceptional in raw fruit; post-processing retention requires careful characterisation.
Effective concentration range
0.5–3%
Formulation notes
Aqueous extract; vitamin C content oxidation-sensitive. pH 3.5–5 for stability. The vitamin C in botanical extracts is less stable than L-ascorbic acid used as a formulated active.
Watchouts
Kakadu plum vs. European plum are very different in terms of active compound profile. 'Plum extract' as a category is insufficiently precise. Vitamin C content in processed botanical extracts is substantially reduced from raw fruit.
The conflation of Kakadu plum's exceptional raw vitamin C concentration with the vitamin C content of processed plum extracts in finished formulations is a persistent industry overclaim. The antioxidant and mild brightening activity is real; comparisons to formulated vitamin C serums are unfounded.
Market positioning
Marketed as natural vitamin C-rich superfruit for brightening. Antioxidant activity is credible; vitamin C content in finished formulations significantly lower than the raw-fruit concentration figures used in marketing.
Comedogenicity
0 / 5
Sensitisation risk
Low
INCI & aliases
Prunus Domestica Fruit Extract
prunus domestica fruit extract · european plum extract · plum polyphenol extract
Clean beauty perception
Accepted in clean beauty as a natural vitamin C and antioxidant source. Associated with Glow Recipe's plum-focused product branding.