Apricot Kernel Oil, Cold Pressed, Organic, 100 ml

Apricot oil, cold-pressed, organic quality

Apricot oil cold-pressed from apricot kernels is among the light vegetable oils that, according to the manufacturer, absorb quickly and leave no greasy film. In a formulation it works as an emollient, carrier of oil-based active ingredients and source of unsaturated fatty acids. It is suitable for facial serums, body oils, creams for dry and oily skin, and for hair and scalp care. After pressing, the oil is only filtered, not refined.

The base consists of oleic acid (50 – 75 %) and linoleic acid (20 – 35 %), with the remainder consisting mainly of palmitic and stearic acids. The oil spreads easily and can also be used on its own, without further processing. It has COSMOS Organic certification and is suitable for vegan formulations.

What the oil brings to a formulation

• Hydration and skin barrier protection – according to manufacturer data, the oil forms a protective film on the skin that limits moisture loss and leaves the skin supple.
• Antioxidant action – the manufacturer states the presence of natural antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental influences. It is effective in creams for mature skin and in anti-pollution products.
• Soothing irritated skin – according to the manufacturer, the oil helps reduce visible redness and discomfort. It is therefore suitable as a base for sensitive skin and sensitive scalp products.
• Fast absorption – according to the manufacturer, the oil absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy film. It is effective where heavier oils are disruptive, for example in serums for oily skin.
• Hair care – the manufacturer states that the oil softens hair, adds shine and makes combing easier without weighing it down. On the scalp it helps against the feeling of dryness.
• Carrier of active ingredients – used to dissolve oil-based active ingredients and oil-soluble vitamins, and for preparing oil macerates.

Use in formulation

Apricot oil is soluble in oils and does not dissolve in water. It is added to the oil phase, to the cooling phase of an emulsion, or incorporated additionally into a finished base. Dosage ranges from 1 % to 100 % depending on the product type. In serums and massage oils it forms the entire oil component, in creams and lotions part of the oil phase, in shampoos and shower gels only low percentages that the system can maintain without cloudiness.

The recommended processing temperature is up to 40 °C. For emulsions produced hot, the oil is therefore added only in the cooling phase, when the mass drops below this temperature. In anhydrous products you work cold; the oil simply needs to be mixed with the other ingredients.

In cold-process soap, apricot oil is included as one of the components of the oil blend; it is entered under its own name in the saponification calculator. Verify its behaviour in a specific soap recipe on a small batch.

The oil is of food grade quality, so it can also be used for home culinary purposes, for example in herbal oil infusions.

Suitable for products such as

• Facial serums and oil blends – as a base oil for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone.
• Creams and body lotions – in the oil phase, where it improves spreadability and skin feel.
• Body and massage oils – alone or as a carrier for essential oils; non-sticky and absorbs quickly.
• Hair oils and scalp treatments – leave-on and rinse-off; does not weigh hair down according to the manufacturer.
• Lip balms and children's cosmetics – the oil is free of fragrance allergens, free of palm oil derivatives and GMO-free.
• Shower and bath products – at low dosage as a nourishing oil component.
• Soaps – in the oil blend for cold-process manufacturing.

Good to know

The oil has a natural apricot kernel scent, sweet with a nutty tone, which is noticeable in unscented products. In scented products it is masked by the fragrance composition or essential oils. The yellow colour does not show at typical dosage in an emulsion; in a clear oil serum it gives a golden tint.

Frequently asked questions