Products
Apricot kernel oil is commercially available in various personal care products and cosmetics, for example in the form of lip balms, hand creams and body lotions. The pure oil is also available.
Structure and properties
Apricot kernel oil is a fatty oil obtained from the seeds of apricots, which are located in the stone core of the fruit. It can be produced by a cold pressing and extraction. Apricot kernel oil has a light to medium yellow color and is rich in unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid and linoleic acid. Other components include vitamins such as vitamin E and vitamin A (beta-carotene). The unrefined oil smells like amaretto / bitter almonds.
Effects
Apricot kernel oil has skin nourishing, softening and hydrating properties. Unlike other oils, it absorbs well into the skin.
Fields of application
- As skin and hair care products, for cosmetics.
- As a carrier oil, for example, for essential oils.
- For the manufacture of sweets and desserts. Apricot kernel oil is also contained in persipan. As a cooking oil, however, it is hardly used.
Undesirable effects
The bitter apricot kernels contain the toxic cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin. Appropriate production methods can ensure that it is not present in the oil. Due to the numerous unsaturated fatty acids, apricot oil quickly becomes rancid. It is therefore also stabilized with vitamin E.
