Apricot Kernel Oil: Key Benefits and Uses

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      If there are two skincare products that apricot kernel oil can effectively substitute for, these would be for sun protection and as a cleanser.

But why the need to replace?

      Store-bought products are used daily, which means that you are also directly exposing your skin to the not-so-skin-friendly ingredients that they contain. These ingredients may affect your body in the long run.

So, why not shift to this natural alternative?

      After all, it not only provides excellent sun protection and dirt removal properties, but it also has anti-aging, deep moisturising, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

That's right! All these benefits rolled into one carrier oil.

If you want to learn more about its benefits and the ways you can transform your skincare and haircare routines with this ingredient, then keep reading!

What is Apricot Kernel Oil?

      Apricot kernel oil (AKO), also often called apricot oil or apricot seed oil, is a natural carrier oil extracted from the seeds of the apricot fruit ( Prunus armeniaca).

      It is lightly textured with a mild, nutty aroma similar to apricot fruit and usually appears yellow—the more refined it is, the lighter the colour and the milder the smell and texture gets.

AKO contains the following components:

• vitamins A, E, and K
• oleic (Omega 9) acid
• linoleic (Omega 6) acid
• alpha-linolenic (omega 3) acid
• stearic and palmitic acids

Apricot Oil Benefits

      AKO has numerous benefits. Generally, it has (softening and soothing), cleansing, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties. It is also lightweight and easily absorbable.

Let's take a closer look at these 4 primary apricot oil benefits.

1. Sun protection

      Store-bought sunscreens are available to protect you against the sun's UVA and UVB rays which can cause detrimental skin conditions and even skin cancers.

      But these products contain ingredients that can be harmful to your skin and some complain about the white cast they leave. This led researchers to study and confirm that antioxidants, which are also present in AKO, provide a certain level of sun protection.

2. Anti-aging properties

      Free radicals are often acquired from stress, lifestyle choices, and the environment and excessive free radicals are theorised to result in more pronounced signs of aging.

      Studies confirmed that AKO has antioxidants, which help fight free radicals, thus, refining your appearance by reducing visible signs of aging.

Likewise, the moisturising benefits of AKO also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Cleansing

      Store-bought makeup removers contain ingredients that might have adverse, long-term effects on the skin. Use AKO as a natural alternative, as it contains stearic acid, which eliminates dirt, excess oil, and toxins from the pores.

It also breaks down makeup, all while being gentle to your skin and keeping its natural moisture.

4. Moisturisation and hydration

      AKO's oleic and linoleic acids are considered emollients that boost skin hydration and promote moisturisation.

As with many other available carrier oils , this oil can also hydrate your hair strands.

5. Anti-inflammatory 

      Since AKO has anti-inflammatory properties—thanks to its omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids—it can help soothe existing acne breakouts thus reducing visible redness.

Uses of Apricot Kernel Oil for Hair

1. Scalp Care

The emollient property of apricot oil benefits your hair by hydrating the scalp, therefore soothing the skin and helping prevent dandruff.

2. Hair Protection

The antioxidants it contains help protect the hair from damage caused by free radicals.

3. Hair Moisturising

Oleic acid in AKO brings extra nourishment and moisture to your overall hair and scalp health.

4. Hair Shine

AKO also coats hair strands with extra shine, making it look healthier.

1. Sun Protection

Sun protection is among the manyuses of apricot kernel oil. The antioxidants it contains provide a certain level of sun protection.

2. Anti-aging

As mentioned, the antioxidants and moisturising properties of AKO help refine your appearance against visible signs of aging.

3. Cleansing and Makeup Removal

AKO also contains stearic acid which is a great skin cleanser, helping eliminate dirt and excess oil in the skin. This also makes AKO an excellent alternative to store-bought makeup removers.

4. Acne Care and Prevention

AKO’s anti-inflammatory properties soothe acne breakouts, and its lightweight consistency makes it ideal for acne-prone skin.

5. Hydrating

Its emollient properties are highly hydrating to the skin.

6. Skin Tone Improvement

AKO's fatty acids (Omega 3, 6, and 9) help lock in skin moisture. As a result, you get long-lasting hydration, smoother texture, and the appearance of supple skin.
Plus, the vitamin K in AKO can help brighten the look of dark undereye circles.

1. For Massage

You can apply it directly to your skin, hair, or scalp. For hair care, use it to massage the scalp to create a relaxing experience while also acquiring its many benefits.

2. As a cleanser and makeup remover

Apply the oil to your skin and gently lather, allowing it to break down makeup or penetrate the pores. Wait for 5 minutes before washing it off with a warm, damp towel.

3. As carrier oil with essential oils

Aside from the manyapricot oil benefits, AKO is also one of the many carrier oils used to dilute essential oils.

Explore oils and choose one based on your preferences and needs. Mixa few drops with apricot oil to dilute, and then apply it to your skin or hair.

4. Mixed with other products

Mix AKO with your skincare products, such as serums and moisturisers, for enhanced benefits. Our customers are actually doing this, and they are loving the results!

One says, "I have put this in an anti-frizz hair recipe I have just found. It is stunning. Making the mixture into a beautiful creamy texture that goes easily in my hair."

Generally, 5-15% of AKO can be mixed with other products. This means that for every 100 drops of your skincare or hair care products, 5-15 drops of AKO can be combined.

Needless to say, AKO is multipurpose and versatile. It serves as one of the many carrier oils used to dilute essential oils for safer topical application and as an excellent component for skincare, hair care, and massage therapy as it is applicable to all skin types, especially maturing, sensitive, and dry skin.

Disclaimer: Remember always to do a patch test first to see if your skin reacts to AKO.