A fatty oil expressed from the seed kernels of apricot fruits. This oil is an emollient and occlusive moisturizer comprised of around 60% oleic acid, followed by linoleic and palmitic acid, carotenoids, vitamin E, and other antioxidant compounds.
Moisturizing
Occlusive
Moisturizing (Occlusive)
Occlusives are moisturizing ingredients that seal moisture into the skin, forming a water-resistant barrier.
Occlusive
Moisturizing (Occlusive)
Occlusives are moisturizing ingredients that seal moisture into the skin, forming a water-resistant barrier.
Other functions
Emollient,
Emollient
Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients.
Emollient,
Emollient
Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients.
Fragrance
Fragrance
Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients.
Fragrance
Fragrance
Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients.
Origin
Botanical
Botanical
Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials.
Botanical
Botanical
Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials.
Prunus armeniaca kernel oil is a fatty oil expressed from the seed kernels of apricot fruits. This oil is emollient and occlusive (moisturizing) and is often used as a base oil for skincare products.
The composition of apricot kernel oil is especially beneficial for dry skin types. It is comprised of around 60% oleic acid, followed by linoleic and palmitic acid, carotenoids, vitamin E, and other antioxidant compounds.
Apricot kernels, similarly to bitter almonds, contain a cyanide-releasing compound called amygdalin, which is toxic for animals and humans. Consuming apricot kernels will never be a good idea (no, the claims about the kernels treating cancer are not true - they contain cyanide and are poisonous). Amygdalin can also be present in the oil in certain amounts.
There are, however, regulations on the amygdalin content in commercially produced apricot kernel oil, so they should be safe to use.
Science
1
Bhanger, M. I., Anwar, F., Memon, N., & Qadir, R. (2020). Cold pressed apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) kernel oil. Cold Pressed Oils, 725–730.
Products with Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil
Occlusive
