# Apricot Oil {Organic} (Prunus armeniaca)

Apricot oil is a lightweight, moisturizing oil, derived from the kernels of apricots. Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A and E, apricot oil is known for its nourishing and hydrating properties, making it beneficial for both skin and hair care. It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, making it a popular choice for moisturizers, facial oils, and hair conditioners.

## Quick Answer

- **What it is:** Apricot oil, also known as apricot kernel oil, is a lightweight plant-based oil extracted from the kernels found inside apricot pits. It is commonly used in skincare, hair care, massage oils, and herbal preparations due to its smooth texture and naturally occurring fatty acids.
- **What it does:** Apricot oil is commonly used to:

Help moisturize and soften the skin
Support healthy-looking hair and scalp
Provide naturally occurring fatty acids and antioxidants
Serve as a nourishing carrier oil in personal care products
Support a smooth, conditioned skin feel
- **Who it's for:** Apricot oil may be beneficial for:

Individuals with dry or rough-feeling skin
Those seeking lightweight moisturizing oils
People looking for plant-based skincare ingredients
Individuals interested in natural hair care
Anyone seeking a gentle carrier oil for personal care products
- **Key ingredients:** Apricot oil naturally contains:

Oleic acid (omega-9 fatty acid)
Linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid)
Vitamin E
Carotenoids
Naturally occurring plant antioxidants

## You might need apricot oil if . . .

Do you have dry, itchy skin even though you apply lotion often and drink water? Or maybe you’re looking for a more natural way to moisturize your skin and hair. If these are things you’re struggling with, you may want to consider using apricot oil.

## Benefits of Apricot Oil

- Naturally moisturizing
- Supports healthy-looking skin
- Conditions hair and scalp
- Supports the skin's natural moisture barrier

## Common ways to use Apricot Oil

Apricot oil is a versatile ingredient found in a variety of personal care and wellness products.

You may find apricot oil used as:

- A daily facial or body oil
- A post-shower moisturizer
- A carrier oil for herbal infusions
- An ingredient in lotions, creams, and balms
- A hair and scalp conditioning oil
- A massage oil
- An ingredient in soaps and personal care products

Its lightweight texture and mild scent make it a popular choice for both skincare and hair care applications.

## How it is made

Apricot oil is extracted from the kernels found inside apricot pits. After the fruit is harvested, the pit is removed and opened to access the nutrient-rich kernel within.

The kernels are cleaned and processed before the oil is extracted.

**Cold Pressed: **This is the best way to get apricot oil. A machine presses the kernels in a cold room or at room temperature, and the oil leaks out and is collected. This process is best for preserving all the nutrients the oil has. The apricot oil we use is cold pressed.

**Hot Pressed:** This is very similar to cold pressed, only the kernels are heated up first. The heat makes it so that you can get more oil, but the oil has less nutrients and can go bad faster.

**Chemical extraction: **This process involves chemistry. Chemicals (known as solvents) are used to get the oils out. These chemicals are not good for our hair or skin, and nutrients are lost in the process as well. This is not a beneficial process if you want all the benefits of apricot oil.

## Growing and Foraging Information

It is possible to grow an apricot tree. Apricot trees thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8, where they experience cold winters and warm summers. Plant bare-root or container-grown apricot trees in the spring. Prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of at least 18 inches and amending it with organic matter to improve drainage. Water newly planted trees regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

## Safety Concerns:

There are no known safety concerns.

**Breastfeeding and Pregnancy: **There are no known contraindications for breastfeeding and pregnancy.

**Other Concerns: **Apricot oil is a very gentle but effective natural oil. There are very few concerns. As with any food, there is a chance that someone could have an allergy to apricots itself. If you have an allergy to another stone fruit, be cautious and test a very little bit of the oil on a very small part of skin to see if you have an allergy to apricot oil.

## Select Study About Apricot Oil

[A Review with Updated Perspectives on Nutritional and Therapeutic Benefits of Apricot and the Industrial Application of Its Underutilized Parts - PMC (nih.gov) ](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9370680/)

This study talks about the benefits of apricot oil, discussing how it is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E active compounds, triterpenoids, carotenoids, phytosterols, and polyphenols.