Natural apricot oil is one of the base oils used to dissolve essential oils before their use. But it is also successfully used separately for cosmetic and culinary purposes.
To obtain oil, apricot kernels are usually pressed without heating. With this method, only a third of what is possible is squeezed out, but the product has the best properties. The liquid turns out to be transparent, pale yellow in color, slightly viscous in consistency, with a subtle aroma of nuts.
Chemical composition of apricot kernels
The main part of the core consists of easily digestible organic compounds - oleic and linoleic fatty acids. They are indispensable for ensuring good metabolism in the human body, are a source of energy, improve tissue nutrition, and relieve inflammatory processes. The contents of the seeds also contain palmitic, linolenic, and stearic acids.
Natural apricot oil without impurities contains several vitamins that are powerful antioxidants:
- tocopherol (E), which protects cells from external influences, improves oxygen supply, and strengthens hair;
- retinol (A), which stimulates the development of protective cell membranes, making the skin smooth, elastic, and moisturized;
- ascorbic acid (C), which normalizes intercellular metabolism, slows down tissue aging, and enhances their regeneration;
- B vitamins that accelerate hair growth and heal wounds.
All beneficial compounds are preserved in apricot oil due to cold pressing of the kernels. They are easily absorbed into the skin and act on it from the inside, producing a rejuvenating, moisturizing, restoring effect.
Minerals - magnesium and potassium - also improve metabolism between skin cells, help smooth it out, and eliminate problems (acne, flaking).
Beneficial components of apricot kernels
For its antioxidant properties, oil obtained from apricot kernels is highly valued in cosmetology. The identified combination of fatty acids (linoleic, stearic, etc.) in the oil turned out to be so beneficial and important for the human body that it was previously considered vitamin (F).
What it is
Apricot oil (apricot kernels) is an extract obtained by cold pressing the seeds extracted from the seeds of the apricot plant. On average, the seed part contains a minimum of 35%, a maximum of 60 vegetable fats, but when isolated, the yield is a smaller percentage by weight, which explains the relatively high cost.
Description of apricot oil:
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- texture – light oily;
- shade – light yellow;
- aroma – weakly expressed, with a nutty note;
- consistency – viscous;
- the taste is specific.
On sale you can find refined (purified, devoid of taste and aroma) and unrefined. The choice should be made on the second type due to maximum preservation of nutrients.
Beneficial properties of apricot kernel oil
The product has a beneficial external effect. When absorbed, it locally introduces its own beneficial substances and components of various additives. Apricot liquid oil has the following properties:
- nourishes and moisturizes dry skin;
- regulates the secretions of the sebaceous glands;
- softens rough spots;
- slows down the process of wrinkles;
- restores hair shine and accelerates its growth;
- strengthens nail plates;
- improves skin color, smoothes out its unevenness.
Apricot kernel oil is suitable for almost all skin and hair types, but special attention should be paid to skin prone to oiliness. With regular use, the product evens out wrinkles, eliminates dry skin, and helps maintain a well-groomed appearance of the face, neck, hair, and hands.
An excellent effect can be obtained by using the product in a massage. Hands lubricated with it glide easily over the areas being rubbed. The liquid relaxes, warms, quickly absorbs into the skin and leaves no marks on clothes and bedding.
Medicinal properties of apricot oil
There are a number of qualities due to which apricot kernel squeeze is used in the treatment of some diseases. She is capable of:
- heal small wounds, burns, cracks;
- relieve inflammation, soothe itchy skin;
- accelerate the regeneration of mucous membranes;
- eliminate diaper rash and irritation on delicate baby skin.
Regular oral administration in small doses has a positive effect on:
- the body's resistance to harmful bacteria and viruses;
- metabolism, absorption of vitamins and microelements from food;
- activity of the stomach, intestines (eliminates constipation, treats gastritis);
- work of the heart, blood vessels;
- reduction of edema due to a mild diuretic effect.
Apricot oil promotes faster recovery, delaying damage to the epidermis, and recovery from illness. It partially solves the problem of vitamin deficiency and generally has a beneficial effect on the body.
The oil is used in pharmaceuticals together with some fat-soluble drugs; ointments and balms are made on its basis.
Ways to use at home:
- To relieve nasal congestion during a runny nose, to cure inflammation of the mucous membrane, you need to drop a squeeze of the seeds, heated to body temperature, into both nasal passages. Repeat the procedure every 4–5 hours until the condition improves.
- Gargles are used to treat the throat. Mix 30 ml of seed extract in 2 glasses of warm water. Use 3-4 times daily for a week.
- A course of inhalations will help with coughing. Pour 15 ml of apricot oil and 2 drops of essential oil (eucalyptus, lemon) into a container of hot water (about 2 liters). Breathe over it for up to 10 minutes, covered with a blanket or terry towel.
- Instilling 1-2 drops of the product into the nose up to 4 times a day will help restore the mucous membrane after a vasoconstrictor spray.
- Painful sensations in the lower back and joints can be relieved by rubbing with a mixture of apricot kernel, sandalwood, and lavender oils (10 drops of the first - 2 of the other two). The course of treatment lasts 10–14 days.
- Cotton pads with a warm solution are applied several times daily to wounds, ulcers, irritated areas, and burns for their speedy healing.
Reviews
To find out about the experiences of people using the product, just enter the words “apricot oil application” in any Internet search engine. So, after analyzing the nature of the reviews, we can conclude that the product has acquired the greatest importance in the field of cosmetology for the care and improvement of the condition of hair, nails, facial skin, eyebrows and eyelashes. People note mainly the positive properties of the product. There are practically no supporters of the food use of oil, and there are also no reviews on this topic.
Harmful effects of apricot kernel oil
The natural, pure product is safe for almost all categories of people, including infants, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and the elderly.
Vegetable fat is contraindicated only for those who have an allergic reaction to it. Before first use, it is recommended to check oil tolerance. It is necessary to apply the product to a small area on the wrist and check the reaction of the skin after half an hour. If the skin area does not begin to itch, burn, swell, or turn red, you can safely apply the liquid to other parts of the body. For a small child, it is better to take a purified (refined) product to begin with.
Do not exceed the therapeutic dose when taking the drug orally, especially if you adhere to a dietary diet.
Directions for use and precautions
A natural, high-quality product does not pose a danger to anyone:
- Even mothers of babies, pregnant and lactating women, and older people can use it. A refined (that is, additionally purified) product is suitable for them.
- The oil is considered hypoallergenic, but personal intolerance is the only risk factor when using it. Therefore, on the eve of the first use, testing is carried out.
Apply the product to an area of skin, monitoring its condition. If after 25-35 minutes redness, burning, and swelling do not appear, the product can be used.
You need to study the packaging. It indicates whether the product is external or internal.
In cosmetology
Apricot kernel squeeze is highly appreciated by cosmetologists for its positive effect on the appearance of skin and hair. It is used with various essential additives, as part of creams, balms, masks or in pure form.
The liquid is suitable for massage sessions, including anti-cellulite. It has a warming effect on the rubbed areas of the body, is well absorbed without tightening the skin.
Apricot oil for skin
The product can be used regardless of skin type. It reduces the size of pores, normalizes the production of secretions by the sebaceous glands, and perfectly moisturizes. Liquid squeezed from apricot kernels can heal cracks, give skin elasticity, smooth out age wrinkles, and soften rough elbows and feet.
There is an improvement in complexion, external rejuvenation, and lightening of pigmentation after several applications of creams or masks with a squeeze of the seeds. In winter, the product soothes chapped skin and protects it from reaction to the cold.
Apricot kernel squeeze does not cause irritation, so it can be used to remove makeup, evening tonic wash, reduce puffiness under the eyes, and care for chapped lips. The oil, heated to body temperature, or a cream with its addition should be applied to the skin with light finger movements, removing the residue with a napkin after 15 minutes.
Apricot oil for face
To take care of your hands, it is recommended to rub the back of your hands with the product and dip your nails in it for 10–15 minutes to strengthen them.
Popular skin care recipes:
- A mask of 1 tablespoon of apricot product and egg yolk applied to the face moisturizes well. It should be washed off after a quarter of an hour.
- A 15-minute mask of 2 tablespoons of warm milk mixed with baking yeast and apricot oil (1 tablespoon each) has a rejuvenating effect.
- A very pleasant procedure after bathing: apply almond and apricot oils (2 tablespoons each) to the body with gentle massage movements, adding 1-2 drops of lavender and sandalwood.
- On irritated, flaky areas and rashes, compresses soaked in oils can be applied for 20 minutes - 15 ml of apricot with 2 drops of chamomile, tea tree, patchouli, lavender. But for lightening lotions, use lemon oil.
Benefits of hair oil
Using shampoo or conditioner with apricot additives, masks, and wraps will help restore the structure of damaged hair and slow down hair loss. The product made from seeds restores shine and softness to curls, smoothes out split ends, and protects them from the effects of the external environment in the future.
After applying a few drops of apricot oil to your hair, it will be easier to create a beautiful hairstyle. The hair will retain its shape for a long time, and will also become silky, manageable and easy to comb.
For periodic shampooing, add 5-7 drops of the product to 1 serving of shampoo and conditioner. You can apply the oil an hour before bathing or immediately after it, to damp hair. Do not lubricate the roots of excessively oily hair; only the brittle ends need to be treated.
Application of apricot oil for hair
Usage options:
- Wrapping the scalp in a towel for 30–60 minutes after rubbing warm apricot oil into the skin nourishes and strengthens the hair. Then you should wash off the product with shampoo.
- Regular masks made from a mixture of liquid honey, egg yolk, cognac and apricot oil (5 ml each) will increase hair thickness. Leave in a warm place for 2 hours, then rinse.
- Also, for rapid growth, you should take 30 ml of the product, 10 ml of yogurt (cream or sour cream can be used as a substitute), 3 egg yolks, and a little red pepper. Apply to scalp and wash after 30 minutes.
- A mask of honey with apricot kernel oil (15 ml each), supplemented with 6 drops of lavender and rosemary in equal parts, will help stop the process of hair loss. It can be kept for up to 3 hours.
- The same effect is achieved by applying a mixture to the scalp for 15 minutes, which includes 10 g of rye bran, poured with 20 ml of garlic clove decoction, and 10 ml of seed extract.
- It is recommended to cover dry hair for 30 minutes with a cap containing cottage cheese and egg mixture (30 g of cottage cheese 5% per 1 egg), mixed with 2 tablespoons of sour cream and butter.
- A mask made from 15 ml of seed extract, 30 ml of liquid honey, 10 ml of aloe juice, 1 egg yolk can restore the structure of damaged vegetation. This mixture is washed off with warm water after 35–40 minutes.
Application for eyelashes and eyebrows
Apricot oil also nourishes short hairs, making them stronger. Eyelashes become long and fluffy, eyebrows grow faster and smoother.
Frequent procedures for washing off mascara with a cotton pad soaked in this product are already enough for a positive effect. Or you can distribute it with a brush along the entire length of the eyelashes and leave for a couple of hours.
Using apricot kernel oil for eyelashes and eyebrows
You can speed up the beneficial effects with strengthening compresses. For them, dense rolls are formed from cotton wool, soaked in drops of apricot, jasmine, sandalwood oils and placed on the eyelids. Cover the top of the compress with a piece of film. Remove the cotton wool from the eyelashes after 10–15 minutes and gently blot them with a napkin.
About apricot
The common apricot is an essential fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. You recognize the tree itself from a thousand. They are quite tall, 5-8 meters, with rounded, fine-toothed leaves visible on the branches. They are very small, only 6-10 cm in length.
If you are lucky, you will see an apricot blossom. This will happen in March - April, then you will be able to observe single white flowers with pink veins. And if you see an apricot in June - August, then this tree will delight you with yellowish-red fruits.
Combination with other essential oils
As a base, the seed extract helps the added esters to be absorbed into the skin without causing irritation. Many aromatic and base oils have been used successfully when combined with apricot.
A mixture with lavender is suitable for hair and nails. A combination with almonds, primrose, and avocado helps nourish aging, dry skin. You can moisturize your body with a product containing jojoba and olive oils. Sandalwood and rosemary are used in making masks. Children's skin responds well to a mixture with chamomile, bergamot, and patchouli.
When treating colds, the product should be supplemented with essential oils of mint, juniper, pine, fir, lemon or eucalyptus. Tea tree calms irritation perfectly.
Apricot oil has a beneficial effect on the human body from the outside and inside. It is non-toxic and has virtually no contraindications for use. This is one of the means of increasing immunity, which has shown itself well in the treatment of colds and relieving irritations.
The squeezing from the seeds does an excellent job of caring for the appearance. This product helps to significantly rejuvenate the face, neck and décolleté, becoming even more beautiful. Its use is highly effective in improving the condition of skin, hair, and nails.
Product rating
To make it easier to navigate and quickly choose the best apricot oil, we have compiled a rating of the most popular products.
| Manufacturer | Purpose/volume | Price, rubles | Recommend, % |
| Zeitoun | Cosmetic/100 ml. | 650,0 | 100,0 |
| Spivak | Cosmetic/50.0 | 250,0 | 98,0 |
| Aromatics | Cosmetic/50.0 | 250,0 | 98,0 |
| Botany | Cosmetic/50.0 | 250,0 | 98,0 |
| Natural oils | Cosmetic/30.0 | 50,0 | 96,0 |
| Aspera | Cosmetic/50.0 | 100,0 | 96,0 |
| A.R.S. | Cosmetic/50.0 | 350,0 | 90,0 |
| Shams Natural Oils | Food/250 ml. | 1400,0 | 90,0 |
| Galenopharm | Cosmetic/250.0 | 130,0 | 90,0 |
According to the data presented in the table, the highest rating is for the Zeytun brand, which is not overpriced when compared with volume.
