Extracted from small almonds in the heart of apricot kernels, this vegetable oil is very rich in carotenoids and omega 6, which makes it excellent for beauty treatments, particularly facial treatments. Its use is perfect as a night cream. It restores tone and radiance to tired skin. Very good excipient in aromatherapy for adults because it is very penetrating, it allows perfect absorption of active ingredients and does not leave a greasy film on the surface of the skin. Latin name: Prunus armeniaca L. Part used: kernels
This article was updated on 25/09/2023Main properties
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firming :
this vegetable oil restores elasticity to the skin and helps tone the epidermis.
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feeding :
it strengthens the hydrolipidic film covering the surface of the epidermis, retaining the skin's hydration. It nourishes dull and tired skin.
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penetrating :
apricot Kernel oil, due to its fatty acid composition, allows it to penetrate deeply into the skin. It does not leave a greasy film on the skin unlike other vegetable oils. It constitutes a perfect base for massages.
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anti-oxidant :
the unsaponifiables present in Apricot Kernel oil (carotenoids and vitamin E) have anti-oxidant properties, delaying skin aging.
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soothing, emollient :
apricot Kernel oil is structuring, it ensures perfect suppleness of the cell walls of the skin, and thus restores its softness.
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skin protector :
it creates slight protection against the sun's rays, as long as the exposure remains moderate. Carotenoids increase the skin's tolerance to the sun. Apricot Kernels can thus gently prepare the skin for the sun to facilitate tanning and give a healthy glow.
Characteristics and composition
Cosmetic features
- Skin type: dry, irritated, mature, dull, combination, sensitive.
- Hair type: hair loss, dry.
Organoleptic characteristics
- Appearance: clear liquid, freezing at low temperature
- Color: pale yellow to dark yellow
- Odor: characteristic, bitter, light.
- Feel: bold.
Characteristics for formulation
- Unsaponifiable and active ingredients: vitamin E, carotenoids, phytosterols.
- Comedogenicity index: 2 (=low comedogenic)
- Average saponification index: 190
- Oxidation stability: good
- Stability at high temperatures: good
- Inci name: prunus armeniaca kernel oil
Fatty acid composition
- oleic acid (omega 9 MUFA): 60 to 74%
- linoleic acid (omega 6 PUFA): 20 to 34%
- palmitic acid (AGS): 4 to 8%
- stearic acid (SFA): ≤ 3%
- unsaponifiable: ≤ 1%
Physical characteristics
- Density at 20°C: 0.910 to 0.930
- Flash point: 175
- Peroxide value: 15
- Acid number: 2,000
Botanical characteristics
- Botanical family: Rosaceae
- Country of origin: Türkiye.
- Distilled part: kernels
- Obtaining process: first cold pressing
- Latin name: Prunus armeniaca L.
Precautions for use
Authorized ways of use
Authorized users
Storage
Store preferably in a cool place, away from light and heat.
For the Itchy skin, Sensitive skin
Efficiency: ++++
Apricot Kernel Oil is perfectly suited for dry, sensitive skin lacking nutrition. Its composition rich in oleic and linoleic acid gives it emollient and softening properties, it also helps strengthen the skin's hydrolipidic film. As a result, it limits transcutaneous water loss and maintains good skin hydration. Its little extra is its ability to penetrate the skin. It doesn't leave a greasy feel, which is particularly pleasant!
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Application advice :
massage a few drops of Apricot Kernel oil morning and evening onto the driest areas of the skin.
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Other suitable vegetable oils :
many vegetable oils can nourish dry and sensitive skin such asArgan, of Sesame, d'Almond, or even the shea Butter.
In Massage (base for massage oil)
Efficiency: ++++
Apricot Kernel Oil penetrates the skin well. For this reason, it is particularly appreciated in massage oil because it does not leave a greasy feel on the skin. It also helps soften the skin thanks to its emollient effect. In addition, it allows good penetration of the active ingredients present in the massage oil, such as essential oils for example!
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Application advice :
rub the parts of the body to be massaged with a few drops of Apricot Kernel oil... And enjoy!
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Complementary essential oil(s) :
for a relaxing massage, it is possible to supplement the Apricot Kernel oil with a few drops of True Lavender, Petit Grain Bigarade or Shelled Marjoram essential oil for example.
For the Mature skin
Efficiency: +++
In addition to being nourishing, Apricot Kernel oil has various interesting properties for mature skin. It is firming, so it helps the skin regain its elasticity. It mainly contains a portion of unsaponifiables: carotenoids and vitamin E. These elements provide an anti-oxidant effect to prevent wrinkles, and help maintain the skin's collagen and cell renewal.
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Application advice :
massage a few drops of Apricot Kernel oil morning and evening onto clean, dry face.
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Complementary essential oil(s) :
against the effects of age, the essential oils of Cistus, Rosat Geranium or Carrot can be added to Apricot Kernel oil.
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Other suitable vegetable oils :
the oils of Rosehip, Hemp or Prickly Pear Seeds they also help prevent wrinkles.
In case of Hair loss, Dry hair
Efficiency: ++
The nourishing properties of Apricot Kernels not only benefit the skin, but the hair too. The presence of essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid in high proportions gives Apricot oil virtues to fight against hair loss. The rest of its composition helps strengthen and nourish the hair fiber to make hair silkier.
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Application advice :
make a hair mask on dry, detangled hair, applying the necessary quantity. Insist on the ends, and gently massage the scalp. Leave it on for at least an hour, or overnight, then shampoo.
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Complementary essential oil(s) :
in case of dry hair, Ylang Ylang essential oil is perfect and against hair loss, use Himalayan Spikenard or Ginger essential oils instead.
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Other suitable vegetable oils :
the oils of Castor, Lawyer, Coco or shea Butter also helps nourish the hair.
For the Dull skin, Tanning (preparation for)
Efficiency: +
Thanks to its composition of carotenoids, Apricot Kernel oil has the ability to brighten the complexion and restore its radiance. Indeed, carotenoids are fat-soluble pigments present only in certain plants. They are best known for bringing the orange color to carrots, but have much more effects than that! They also help prepare the skin for the sun thanks to a slight photoprotective action, and thus facilitate tanning. Be careful though, Apricot Kernel oil does not replace sunscreen!
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Application advice :
massage a few drops of Apricot Kernel oil morning and evening onto the skin.
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Other suitable vegetable oils :
for its healthy glow effect, the oily macerate of Carrot can also be used.
Apricot kernel oil anti-cancer?
Almonds of the kind Prunus contain a compound with anti-cancer properties: amygdalin. Much research has been carried out on this compound, however it has not been proven that it is actually present in Apricot Kernel oil. Until then, ingesting the oil would not present any risks, on the contrary. Except that amygdalin, under the effect of digestion enzymes, releases cyanide, a very well-known poison. For this reason, and always as a precautionary measure in the absence of proof, certain sources urge caution regarding the consumption of the oil. Furthermore, theapricot Kernel Oil Has Few Nutritional Benefits, and in view of the risks that it may present, it is therefore preferable to reserve for the cutaneous route.
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