Home
Magazine
Skin care advice
Apricot kernel oil - what can this vegetable oil do?

Biotherm oil therapy bottle on an apricot style background

APRICOT KERNEL OIL - WHAT CAN THIS VEGETABLE OIL DO?

It is no longer possible to imagine skin and hair care without plant oils. They can reduce dryness, soothe irritations and make the complexion glow. Classics like argan oil or olive oil are probably known to most of us, but did you know that apricot kernel oil is also a real beauty booster? Learn more about vegetable oil here!

04 Apr 2024

From BIOTHERM

01 What is apricot kernel oil and how is it obtained?
02 What effect has apricot kernel oil on the skin?
03 What ingredients in apricot kernel oil are good for the skin?
04 FAQ about apricot kernel oil
05 Summary: Optimally nourished and smooth skin with apricot kernel oil

What is apricot kernel oil?

Apricot kernel oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the kernels of apricots. When you eat an apricot, you will find a hard stone inside it. This stone can be cracked and then releases a tender soft kernel that resembles an almond. It contains, among other things, the valuable apricot kernel oil, which shows a pale-yellow color and has a light, mild scent and taste of marzipan and apricots.

How is apricot kernel oil obtained?

To obtain it, the kernels are pressed mechanically, or the oil is extracted chemically. The more gently this is done, the better ingredients such as vitamins or carotene are preserved. The type of cultivation and the environmental conditions for the apricot trees also play a role in the quality of the apricot kernel oil. At Biotherm, great importance is attached to sustainability, purity and environmental compatibility in the production process when selecting ingredients for all cosmetics.

In the oil from the apricot kernels are the following ingredients:

Fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, palmitoleic acid and palmitic acid
Sterols (solid fat components)
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
vitamins A and B
Carotene
Niacinamide
Folic acid

In its composition, apricot kernel oil is very similar to almond oil. Only the proportion of certain tocopherol variants distinguishes these two vegetable oils. Both almond oil and apricot oil are used for cosmetic, medicinal, and culinary purposes.^[1] ^[2]

What effect does apricot kernel oil have on the skin?

Apricot kernel oil effect on the skin has been known for a long time. It is extremely mild and absorbs very quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy film. Its regenerating and soothing effect as well as the support for the retention of moisture in the skin are based on the richly contained ingredients such as oleic and linoleic acids and antioxidants.

The following effects of apricot oil on the skin are described:

Activation of metabolic processes of the skin
Promotion of skin regeneration
Tissue firming
Supports the ability to retain moisture
Soothing effect on irritated and sensitive skin
Nourishing effect on dry, flaky and cracked skin
Antibacterial effect
A pale complexion can look fresher after application

Apricot kernel oil is therefore used in numerous cosmetics such as face creams, anti-aging products, massage oils and products for dry and sensitive skin.^[1]

What ingredients in apricot kernel oil are good for the skin?

The nourishing ingredients of apricot kernel oil moisturize your skin and make it smooth and supple. Thanks to the mild effect, it is particularly suitable for skin care from the age of 50 to improve regeneration and hydration. Valuable oil is not only suitable for facial care but can pamper your skin all over the body. It needs rich care in the winter months when heating air and cold make for dry skin. An apricot kernel oil body lotion is ideal here.

Learn more about the cosmetic effects of individual ingredients found in apricot kernel oil:

VITAMIN E (TOCOPHEROL)

VITAMIN A (RETINOL)

Retinol or vitamin A is another fat-soluble vitamin that the body cannot produce itself. When applied externally to the skin, it promotes regeneration and various metabolic processes. As an antioxidant, it can prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. It also supports the repair of DNA damage. Therefore, applying apricot oil with naturally contained vitamin A can make your skin smoother, more elastic, and more resilient.^[4]

NIACINAMIDE

CAROTINIDE

Carotenoids are plant pigments found in many red, orange or yellow-colored fruits and vegetables. They are valuable antioxidants that can protect your skin from the harmful effects of free radicals. They thus support a more youthful skin appearance with fewer wrinkles and an optimal supply of moisture.^[6]

Did you know? Antioxidants are ideal for skin care during menopause. During this time, new skin needs often arise due to changes in hormone balance. The skin can become drier and thinner, both on the face and on the body. It often loses elasticity and shows fine wrinkles. You can alleviate these signs with adapted care that contains valuable oils and natural ingredients such as Biotherm's Life Plankton™.

How is the vegetable oil used in cosmetics?

Apricot kernel oil for your skin is used in gentle emulsions, facial serums or fine facial oils. A combination with other high-quality plant oils such as olive oil or shea butter can increase the effects of the rich care.

For example, the exquisite formula of Biotherm's Oil Therapy Baume Corps contains a blend of three precious oils: musk rose oil with regenerating and strengthening properties, passion flower oil with nourishing and conditioning properties, and apricot oil, which gives your skin gentle suppleness.

For care with valuable oils, the nourishing and regenerating Blue Therapy Revitalize Day by Biotherm is also suitable. In addition to plant oils, this cream contains Marine Connectum™. It is ideal for normal to dry skin. The cream visibly improves your skin texture and can give your skin more resilience. This supports a more youthful and vital radiance.

Apricot kernel oil - FAQ

IS APRICOT KERNEL OIL GOOD FOR THE SKIN?

WHAT IS APRICOT KERNEL OIL GOOD FOR?

CAN YOU USE APRICOT KERNEL OIL PURE?

IS THE OIL ONLY SUITABLE FOR THE FACE OR FOR THE WHOLE BODY?

Conclusion: Optimally supplied and smooth skin with apricot kernel oil

Vegetable oils such as apricot kernel oil are suitable for many skin concerns and skin types due to their good tolerance. Their natural ingredients such as vitamins or carotenoids can stimulate skin functions and improve the skin's protective barrier. Your skin will appear smoother and more supple when using cosmetics with apricot kernel oil. This gives you a youthful and fresh glow on your face. When used in body cream, apricot kernel oil makes your skin wonderfully soft and velvety shiny.

With better hydration and antioxidants, your skin can more easily overcome harmful environmental factors. The signs of premature skin aging can be softened or slowed down in their development.

[1] Vgl. Krist, Sabine, Gerhard Buchbauer, and Carina Klausberger. "Aprikosenkernöl: (Oleum Pruni armeniacae) Synonym: Marillenkernöl (Ö)—Abb. 6." Lexikon der pflanzlichen Fette und Öle (2008): 51-56.
[2] Vgl. Bährle-Rapp, Marina. "Prunus armeniaca." Springer Lexikon Kosmetik und Körperpflege. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2007. 458-458.
[3] Vgl. Felchner, Carola: Vitamin E, in: NetDoktor, 22.09.2019bFl, https://www.netdoktor.de/laborwerte/vitamin-e/ (abgerufen am 11.03.2022).
[4] Vgl. Kerscher, Martina, and Stefanie Williams. "Hautalterung und Vitamine." Fortschritte der praktischen Dermatologie und Venerologie. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2005. 562-569.
[5] Vgl. Bayerl, C. Vitamin B3 in der kosmetischen Dermatologie. Aktuelle Dermatologie, 2017, 43. Jg., Nr. 10, S. 431-433.
[6] Vgl. Braun-Falco, Markus. "Die Haut profitiert von oral und topisch applizierten Antioxidanzien." Kompass Dermatologie 5.1 (2017): 14-15.