Apricot kernel oil is made by cold pressing the seeds or kernels of apricots. It is a pale golden colour and is usually odorless or has a slightly sweet, nutty or marzipan scent. Apricot kernel oil contains essential fatty acids such as Oleic, Linoleic, Palmitic and Stearic acid and vitamins like A, C, E, and K, making it an ideal skin care product.
The essential fatty acids work to soothe the skin, while vitamins A and E provide rich sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants target and work to protect against the cell damage caused by environmental effects such as ultraviolet rays, smoke and other chemicals.
Apricot kernel oil is an emollient, which means it softens the skin. This is due to the high levels of bioactive compounds such as tocopherols and phytosterols. Tocopherols and phytosterols are antioxidant-rich emollients naturally found in plants such as vegetables and some fruits, that hydrate, protect the skin against environmental damage, and keep the skin supple. It absorbs easily and is light and non-greasy. Its emollient properties work to soften, soothe and relieve dryness. It is known to be moisturising, healing and protecting for mature and sensitive skin and is often used to help soften and calm irritated, itchy skin.
Apricot kernel oil is a low comedogenic oil (low tendency to block pores and cause blackheads) so it is good for most skin types, but it is also great for dry or damaged hair.
Apricot kernel oil can be used in massage and bath oils, skin moisturisers, scrubs and cleansers and hair care preparations such as hair masks, conditioners and shampoo bars.
References:
Byrdie. (n.d.). Apricot Kernel Oil Is Mega Popular in Skincare—This Is Why. [online] Available at: https://www.byrdie.com/apricot-kernel-oil-for-skin-5198537#:~:text=%22%5BApricot%20kernel%20oil%5D%20nourishes [Accessed 5 Apr. 2022].
Healthline. (2018). 6 Body Oils for Dry Skin, Plus Anti-Aging Boosters. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/body-oils-for-dry-skin [Accessed 5 Apr. 2022].
doctor.ndtv.com (n.d.). The Many Unknown Health Benefits of Apricot Oil: Health, Hair, Skin And More! [online] Doctor.ndtv.com. Available at: https://doctor.ndtv.com/living-healthy/benefits-of-apricot-oil-health-hair-skin-and-more-1901232 [Accessed 5 Apr. 2022].
Healthfully. (n.d.). Healthfully. [online] Available at: https://healthfully.com/the-uses-for-apricot-kernel-oil-5275507.html [Accessed 5 Apr. 2022].
The Dermatology Review. (2021). Tocopherols: How Does Vitamin E Benefit The Skin? Do Tocopherols Actually Improve Your Skin? [online] Available at: https://thedermreview.com/tocopherol/#:~:text=Tocopherols%20are%20a%20class%20of [Accessed 5 Apr. 2022].
Alpaslan, M. and Hayta, M. (2006). ArticlePDF Available Apricot kernel: Physical and chemical properties. 5th ed. [online] Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society, p.470. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ 226703486_Apricot_kernel_Physical_and_chemical_properties [Accessed 7 Apr. 2022].