Beyond the Trend | Why Cherry Oil Is the Real Star of 2025

If you’ve been anywhere near the beauty scene lately, you’ll have probably seen red. The cherry-coded aesthetic is taking over 2025, from makeup and hair colour to accessories and packaging. But while the spotlight is on bold colour and playful aesthetics, we are more interested in what’s behind the trend.

At O&3, we always get excited when a trend aligns with a truly great ingredient. With over 11,000 TikTok posts and more than 153 million views celebrating #CherryRed, the spotlight is on the fruit but we’re looking at the seed of the story – Cherry Kernel Oil.

What is Cherry Kernel Oil?

Cherry Kernel Oil is a carrier oil derived from the seeds (or ‘kernels’) of sweet cherries (Prunus avium). While the fruit itself is often the star of the show, it’s the tiny seed inside that holds the skin-loving benefits. At O&3, our Cherry Kernel Oil is 100% natural, available in both organic and conventional grades, as well as refined, and cold pressed to preserve all its nourishing properties.

The oil has a beautifully light, silky texture that absorbs easily into the skin without leaving a greasy finish and is a versatile ingredient that works well in facial oils, moisturisers, serums, hair treatments, and massage blends, making it a great addition to formulations.

Cherry Kernel Oil is packed with oleic acid (Omega-9) to soften and condition the skin, linoleic acid (Omega-6) to support hydration and barrier function, and natural antioxidants like vitamins A and E to help protect and revitalise. Its gentle profile makes it suitable for a wide range of skin types, from dry and sensitive to mature and even acne prone.

With its subtle, earthy, fruity-sweet aroma and elegant skin feel, Cherry Kernel Oil offers a sensory experience that goes beyond just function. It soothes, nourishes, and brings a touch of effortless luxury, and is a brilliant example of how a natural oil can do a lot with very little.

Sensory Beauty with Cherry Oil

While the cherry-coded trend is all about bold reds and playful aesthetics, it taps into something deeper happening in the beauty world, a growing love for sensory, food-inspired skincare and sensescaping, explored in our Trend Predictions Report earlier in the year, from strawberry-infused serums to latte-toned eyeshadows.

Consumers aren’t just looking for performance, they want experiences. Textures, aromas, and ingredients that feel indulgent and nostalgic. And this is exactly where cherry kernel oil shines. It captures the sensory essence of the fruit., while its a lightweight texture, silky to the touch, and glides on smoothly.

This movement towards ‘edible beauty’ is more than a trend. It reflects a demand for products that are simple, recognisable, and emotionally comforting. Oils like cherry kernel allow formulators to work with ingredients that are both functionally rich and emotionally resonant.

What are the skin benefits of Cherry Kernel Oil?

Cherry Kernel Oil not only taps into the power of sensory beauty but has real benefits to back it up. It is great for:

Dry or sensitive skin

It offers deep nourishment without any heaviness or irritation. Due to its gentle composition and skin-friendly fatty acid profile, it calms, conditions, and replenishes moisture.

Barrier support

Rich in linoleic and oleic acids, it helps to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, locking in hydration and reducing trans epidermal water loss, which is key for maintaining soft, supple skin, especially in drier climates or seasons.

Haircare

Its lightweight consistency makes it ideal for adding softness and gloss to hair without build-up. It can be applied as a leave-in oil, mixed into conditioners, or used as a scalp treatment for an extra moisture boost.

Formulation flexibility

A stable, neutral-toned oil with a luxurious texture that blends into a wide range of skincare, haircare and wellness products.

While the red lipstick might be loud, Cherry Kernel Oil is the calm, nourishing base that keeps everything in balance. Whether you’re formulating a cherry-inspired skincare line, looking for a new carrier oil to work with, or just want to treat your skin to something gentle and effective, this one deserves your attention.