Apricot Kernel Seed Oil: What It Is & How to Use It
By Rebecca Martin
Apricot kernel seed oil (also called apricot kernel oil or simply apricot seed oil) is a light, fast-absorbing plant oil pressed from the inner seed of the apricot fruit. It’s valued for its silky feel and gentle, fragrance-free finish, which makes it easy to use every day on face, body and hair. This guide explains what it is, its main apricot kernel oil benefits, how it differs from other oils, and the simplest ways to add it to your routine.
What Is Apricot Kernel Seed Oil?
Despite the different names, “apricot kernel seed oil” and “apricot kernel oil” refer to the same ingredient (INCI: Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil). The oil is mechanically expressed from the stone (kernel) of the fruit, then gently filtered. Our own oil is 100% pure and cold pressed to preserve its delicate fatty acids and naturally occurring vitamin E. Explore it here: Organic Apricot Seed Oil.
Want to Try Apricot Kernel Oil?
If you’re looking for a lightweight, fragrance-free oil for face, body and hair, explore our Organic Apricot Seed Oil — 100% pure, cold pressed and available in plastic-free aluminium packaging.
Texture & Skin Feel
Apricot oil has a soft “silky” slip and absorbs quickly, leaving a non-greasy finish. That makes it a good match for morning routines (under sunscreen and makeup) as well as evening care.
What’s Inside (in brief)
Like many cosmetic plant oils, apricot oil contains a balanced mix of oleic and linoleic fatty acids, plus natural tocopherols (vitamin E). Reviews of apricot kernel oil outline this typical composition and unsaponifiables profile (NCBI review: apricot kernel oil composition). Broader dermatology papers also describe how plant oils support the skin barrier and surface smoothness when used as emollients (NCBI review: topical plant oils).
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Oleic acid (Omega-9): contributes to the oil’s soft, conditioning feel and helps leave skin feeling supple.
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Linoleic acid (Omega-6): is an important component of skin surface lipids and helps support moisture retention and barrier comfort.
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Naturally occurring vitamin E: provides antioxidant support and is one of the components naturally present in apricot kernel oil.
Key Benefits of Apricot Kernel Seed Oil
- Lightweight & fast absorbing
- Rich in vitamins A & E
- Softens dry & sensitive skin
- Supports hair & scalp health
- Fragrance-free & vegan
The main apricot kernel oil benefits are therefore straightforward: it helps soften and condition dry-feeling skin, provides a comfortable emollient layer without a heavy finish, and is versatile enough to use on the face, body and hair. Its light texture can be particularly useful when you want the softness of a facial oil without the richer feel of some alternatives.
How to Use Apricot Kernel Seed Oil
Face
Amount: 2–3 drops for the whole face.
When: AM or PM, after your water-based products. In the morning, apply after serum/cream and before sunscreen. In the evening, use as your final softening step.
How: Warm the drops between your fingertips and press into slightly damp skin. For extra comfort, mix 1–2 drops into your moisturiser as a booster.
Tip: If you wear makeup, let the oil settle for 1–2 minutes before applying SPF and foundation so the finish stays smooth. For evening routines, many also enjoy Rosehip Oil as a richer alternative.
Body
Amount: 4–8 drops per area.
When: After showering or bathing, while skin is still damp.
How: Massage over shins, arms, elbows and any tight or rough areas to help lock in hydration and leave a soft, non-greasy finish.
Apricot Oil for Hair & Scalp
Ends (daily): Smooth 1 drop between palms, then lightly coat mid-lengths and ends for shine and frizz control.
Pre-wash treatment (weekly): Work 4–6 drops through dry lengths, leave 20 minutes, then shampoo as normal.
Scalp comfort (occasional): Massage 1–2 drops onto dry patches, then cleanse.
Because apricot oil is lightweight, a very small amount can also be used on hair ends between washes. Start with a single drop — particularly on fine hair — and add more only if needed. This helps avoid weighing the hair down while still adding softness and shine.
Hands & Nails
Massage a small drop into cuticles and backs of hands after washing to soften dryness without residue.
Apricot Kernel Oil Compared with Rosehip & Jojoba Oil
Choosing between facial oils often comes down to texture and what you want from your routine.
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Apricot Kernel Oil: light, silky and fast absorbing — a versatile choice for daily face, body and hair use.
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Rosehip Oil: generally feels richer and is often chosen as part of an evening or mature-skin routine. Explore our Organic Rosehip Oil.
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Jojoba Oil: technically a liquid wax with a slightly different skin feel and a particularly versatile role in facial skincare. Explore our Organic Jojoba Oil.
If your priority is a light, non-greasy oil for everyday use, Apricot Kernel Oil is a particularly straightforward place to start.
Simple Routine Builder
Morning (AM)
- Cleanser / toner (optional)
- Hydrating serum
- Moisturiser
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2–3 drops Apricot Kernel Seed Oil — press in gently
- Sunscreen (last step)
Evening (PM)
- Cleanser
- Treatment serum (if used)
- Moisturiser
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Apricot Kernel Seed Oil — seal in comfort as a final step
Who It Suits
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Sensitive skin: fragrance-free, gentle slip.
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Dry or mature skin: quick comfort with a soft finish.
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Combination skin: lightweight feel layers well without heaviness.
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Fine hair: adds shine to ends without greasiness.
Storage & Shelf Life
Keep your oil tightly closed, out of direct sunlight, and away from heat sources. Like other cold-pressed plant oils, it’s best used within 6–12 months of opening. Store in a cool, dark place to help protect its delicate fatty acids (reference).
FAQs
Is “apricot kernel seed oil” the same as “apricot kernel oil”?
Yes — both names refer to the same ingredient pressed from the apricot’s stone (kernel). The oil itself is identical (composition review).
What are the main apricot kernel oil benefits?
Apricot kernel oil benefits include helping soften and condition dry-feeling skin, supporting a comfortable skin barrier and leaving a smooth, silky finish without feeling excessively heavy. Its lightweight texture also makes it useful on body, hair ends and cuticles.
Will it make me greasy or pill under makeup?
It absorbs quickly. Use 2–3 drops, press into damp skin, and allow a short wait before SPF/makeup for a smooth finish.
Can I mix it with other products?
Yes — you can blend 1–2 drops with your moisturiser, or layer it after serums. Keep exfoliating actives (like strong acids/retinoids) separate if your skin is sensitive.
Can apricot kernel oil replace my moisturiser?
It depends on your skin and routine. Facial oils are emollients rather than water-based hydrators, so many people prefer to apply apricot oil after a serum or moisturiser to help leave skin feeling soft and comfortable. You can also mix 1–2 drops into your usual moisturiser.
Is it suitable for sensitive or reactive skin?
Its simple, fragrance-free profile makes it a gentle option. As always, patch test first and adjust amounts to suit your skin.
Can apricot seed oil be used on hair every day?
Yes, if your hair responds well to it. For daily use, smooth just one drop over dry mid-lengths and ends to add softness and shine. Fine hair usually needs very little, while drier or thicker hair may suit slightly more.
Can I use apricot oil with other facial oils?
Yes. Apricot oil can be used alongside other facial oils such as Jojoba Oil or Rosehip Oil. You can alternate them depending on how your skin feels rather than using several oils at once.
Where to Buy
Choose pure, cold-pressed oil from a trusted source. Ours is 100% apricot kernel (seed) oil, vegan and cruelty-free, in plastic-free aluminium packaging. Shop Organic Apricot Seed Oil.
