Apricot Kernel Oil: Beauty Product for Skin and Hair

Apricot kernel oil is a care product for skin and hair and also unfolds its health-promoting properties in the kitchen and in aromatherapy. Find out here all about the effect and application of the essential oil.

Apricot kernel oil: What is it?

Apricot kernel oil (also known as apricot oil) is pressed from the stones of the apricots. First the fruit must be dried, then the stone is removed and dried again. Afterwards, cold pressing takes place, whereby the high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids is maintained. However, the oil can also quickly become rancid as a result. Only refined apricot kernel oil has a longer shelf life – but some valuable ingredients are lost during refining.

Tip: Look for organic quality when buying! This is the only way to ensure that no pesticides are used.

Apricot kernel oil: Ingredients

Ingredients in apricot kernel oil are as follows:

• Oleic acid: Also known as oleic acid, it is one of the unsaturated fatty acids. It belongs to the omega-9 fatty acids and cannot be produced by the human organism itself. The oleic acid moisturizes the skin and reduces signs of aging. It is also an effective hair care product that provides volume.
• Linoleic acid: Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid which is essential for healthy skin. It also moisturises, reduces acne and stimulates hair growth.
• Stearic acid: This ingredient belongs to the saturated carboxylic and fatty acids. Stearic acid is used to cleanse the skin.
• Apricot kernel oil has an iodine value of 96-109, which describes the high proportion of unsaturated fats as a quality feature.
• Palmitic acid: This unsaturated omega-7 fatty acid protects the skin from external influences.
• Vitamin E: This vitamin has an antioxidant effect and repels free radicals.
• Apricot oil also contains vitamins A and B. Especially vitamin B3 (niacin) and B17 (amygdalin) are important when taking the oil

Effect of apricot kernel oil

The effects of apricot oil are as follows:

• Due to its rich, natural ingredients, apricot kernel oil is ideally suited for skin care: It moisturizes especially dry skin and also reduces blackheads. It alleviates age-related pigmentation spots and repairs damaged skin cells. However, it cannot prevent skin damage externally: The molecules of linoleic acid would be too large to penetrate intact skin and prevent damage. In this case, the apricot kernel oil must be taken. However, if the skin is already damaged it also shows its healing effect when applied externally. Thus, it can also help to alleviate sunburn and help to heal contact dermatitis. It can even reduce severe itching. In addition, apricot kernel oil is very suitable as make-up remover.
• As a hair care product, it also moisturizes, reduces split ends and makes the hair shiny and smooth. Apricot kernel oil is also a suitable remedy for itchy or flaky scalp.
• Apricot kernel oil is also a popular essential oil in aromatherapy: it supports the immune system and has a stimulating effect.
• In addition, apricot oil taken is said to have a preventive effect against cancer due to its high vitamin B17 content, according to naturopathy. However, in a very moderate dosage, it is only intended as a precautionary measure – in the case of an existing disease, the vitamin B17 dose is more likely to cause damage to the liver and endocrine glands.

Apricot kernel oil: Application

You can apply apricot kernel oil by following the steps below:

• The oil can either be applied to the respective areas or massaged into the hair over a large area. The oil is quickly absorbed and has a cooling effect on the skin.
• In the diet the oil can be used especially in salads or desserts. Taken internally, linoleic acid works from within and thus prevents skin diseases. It is best used here in its native, cold-pressed state and not heated. Refined variants, on the other hand, are suitable for frying and cooking and have a longer shelf life, but lose valuable ingredients and taste!
• In aromatherapy it is inhaled, used as a massage oil or used as a bath additive.