Apricot oil
Apricot oil is a lightweight, nourishing carrier oil pressed from apricot kernels. It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feel, making it a popular choice in facial oils, moisturisers, cleansers and hair treatments for its softening and conditioning properties.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, apricot oil functions as an emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin while reinforcing the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Its fine texture allows it to penetrate readily, delivering fatty acids and vitamins without clogging pores, and it is frequently used to balance both dry and combination skin in lightweight facial oils, body butters and hair serums.
Key benefits
- Softens and smooths rough or dry skin
- Helps maintain skin moisture levels
- Conditions and adds shine to hair
- Lightweight texture suitable for daily use
- Calms the appearance of irritated skin
- Provides a non-greasy finish in formulations
Best for
dry skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, combination skin
Where it comes from
Apricot oil is cold-pressed from the kernels (seeds) of the apricot fruit, Prunus armeniaca, a tree originally native to Central Asia and now widely cultivated in the UK and Europe.