Apricot Kernel Oil, Refined, 100 ml

Apricot oil, refined is a light plant-based oil from apricot kernels (Prunus armeniaca) that functions as an emollient and carrier in formulations. It spreads easily on the skin, absorbs quickly and, according to the manufacturer, leaves no greasy film, making it a common base for facial and body oils, serums and lighter creams. Refining has removed its scent and most of its colour, so it does not interfere with the fragrance or alter the shade of light emulsions in the finished product.

It is suitable for dry, sensitive and mature skin care and works equally well in hair cosmetics, where it nourishes both hair and scalp. It is available in cosmetic and food grade quality, is vegan and does not require a safety data sheet.

Key benefits

• Nourishment and hydration – the oil forms a thin protective film on the skin that slows down water evaporation. The manufacturer states that it helps maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier and improves its texture.
• Antioxidant action – according to the manufacturer's data, it contains antioxidants that help the skin manage oxidative stress from the environment.
• Skin soothing – the manufacturer attributes the oil with reducing redness and the sensation of irritation, which is why it appears mainly in products for sensitive and dry skin.
• Regeneration and mature skin – according to the manufacturer, it supports skin elasticity and a smoother appearance of fine lines. It is therefore well suited as a base for facial serums and night creams.
• Hair care – adds softness and shine to hair, makes detangling easier and, according to the manufacturer, does not weigh hair down. It is also used directly on the scalp when dryness is felt.
• Neutral scent and light colour – after refining it is virtually odourless, so it can be easily combined with essential oils and with delicately fragranced formulations.

Use in formulation

The oil is added to the oil phase during hot emulsification, to the cooling phase, or post-added to the finished base cold. The recommended processing temperature is up to 80 °C, which is sufficient for standard emulsification. It is heated only for the time needed to melt the solid components of the oil phase.

In anhydrous products it forms the base or one of the components of the oil blend, from light serums to balms and body butters, where it is complemented by harder butters and waxes. In both O/W and W/O emulsions it acts as a light emollient and the quantity is chosen according to the desired texture: the more oil, the richer and more nourishing the cream.

Dosage is practically unlimited, from 1 % up to 100 % in pure oil products. It does not dissolve in water and can only be incorporated into aqueous products through an emulsifier or solubiliser.

Suitable for products such as

• Facial oils and serums – as a base for dry and mature skin, alone or blended with other oils.
• Creams and lotions – a light emollient for facial and body emulsions, including hand and foot creams.
• Body oils and butters – softens hard butters and improves spreadability.
• Hair oils and masks – for lengths, ends and scalp, before washing or in small amounts as a leave-in treatment.
• Shower and bath oils – in rinse-off products with a suitable emulsifier that disperses the oil on contact with water.

Good to know

The fatty acid composition consists predominantly of oleic acid (55 – 70 %) and linoleic acid (20 – 35 %), with the remainder made up mainly of palmitic and stearic acid. The oil therefore belongs among the lighter, well-spreading oils.

Compatibility with common cosmetic ingredients is unrestricted. For unusual combinations, we recommend verifying stability in the finished formulation.

The product is not classified as hazardous under the CLP regulation and does not contain fragrance allergens listed in Annex III of the Cosmetics Regulation. It is suitable for rinse-off and leave-on products.

Difference from cold-pressed oil

Cold-pressed apricot oil retains its own scent, a more yellow shade and its natural accompanying compounds, which is why it is popular in formulations where the oil is meant to be smelled and seen. The refined version has undergone degumming, neutralisation, bleaching and deodorisation, making it nearly odourless and lighter in colour. The manufacturer states that refining also improves the stability of the oil. For white creams, fragranced products and wherever the oil should not interfere with the final scent, the refined variant is the simpler choice.

Frequently asked questions