Apricot kernel oil (apricot oil)

Apricot kernel oil is also called “apricot oil” and is extracted from apricot kernels (containing 40-50% oil) by direct pressing or cold pressing.

Apricot kernel oil is very similar to peach oil because they are both extracted from the kernels of the fruit and also have a similar aroma.

Apricot kernel oil is mainly used for body care and massage as well as in cooking.

In this article you can read about all the uses and properties of apricot kernel oil. In addition, you can see the complete fatty acid profile of apricot kernel oil.

Properties of apricot kernel oil

Because apricot kernel oil is high in oleic and linoleic acids, it is a good dietary source of “good” unsaturated fatty acids (see the section “Fatty acids in apricot kernel oil” below). It also contains vitamins A, C and E, making it suitable for skincare.

In the table below you can see the content of different fatty acids in apricot kernel oil:

Fatty acid	Fatty acid type	Range	Typical content
Palmitic acid	Monounsaturated	3 – 6%	4,28%
Palmitoleic acid	Monounsaturated	traces – 1.4%	0,7%
Stearic acid	Saturated	traces – 2%.	1,12%
Oleic acid	Single unsaturated	55 – 70%	69,62%
Linoleic acid	Polyunsaturated omega-6	20 – 35%	23,34%
Alpha linolenic acid	Polyunsaturated omega-3	traces – 1%	0,22%
11-Eicosenoic acid	Monosaturated omega-9	trace – 1%.	0,18%

• Apricot kernel oil has a clear to light golden color and a nutty scent

• Apricot kernel oil is similar to almond oil and peach oil, as these oils are also extracted from the kernels of their fruits

• Although the chemical structure of apricot kernel oil makes it easy to go rancid, its high vitamin content helps extend its shelf life (compared to other oils in general)

Apricot kernel oil uses

Cosmetics and body care

Apricot kernel oil is mainly used in cosmetic products such as creams, oils and soaps due to its ability to soften the skin without making it greasy.

If you tend to have dry skin after showering, you may want to try apricot oil or products containing it. If you tend to have rough skin, you can also try softening it with apricot oil.

Apricot kernel oil can be added to bath water or applied directly to the skin (unless otherwise stated on the packaging) and should usually be massaged in slowly until completely absorbed. In addition, most apricot kernel oils can be used to add shine to hair.

Some proponents also believe that apricot kernel oil can:

• prevent wrinkles and even reduce their appearance
• Relieve itching and irritation associated with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, etc.
• promote the healing of damaged skin
• Prevent and remove pimples and blemishes
• reduce inflammation in the skin

However, these claims are not supported by scientific studies and should be taken with a grain of salt.

Massage

Because apricot kernel oil is moisturizing and relatively quickly absorbed by the skin, it is often used in massage oils. Apricot kernel oil is also very mild and rarely causes skin irritation, making it suitable for massaging children and infants.

Aromatherapy

Apricot kernel oil is a good base oil (a term from the world of aromatherapy that simply means it can be mixed with a number of other oils). Apricot kernel oil can be combined with the following oils, among others:

Precautionary measures

Apricot kernels contain 2-2.4% amygdalin, which is a glycoside that is converted in the human body to the toxin cyanide (hydrogen cyanide), which is extremely toxic to humans (it was used during World War II!).

However, apricot kernel oil is not immediately dangerous (due to cold pressing), but when buying apricot kernel oil for gastronomic purposes, you should always make sure that the product is made for human consumption (this is stated on the packaging).

You should also be aware that there are some supplements sold (mainly online) that contain amygdalin – and can therefore be toxic. These supplements are typically marketed with ingredients such as amygdalin, raw apricot kernels, vitamin B-17 or laetrile.