Apricot Oil

Apricot oil is obtained from the seed kernels of Prunus armeniaca. It is a hard tree, bearing stone fruit, closely related to the peach. Apricot oil is pressed from the kernels of the Prunus armeniaca (apricot). The kernels have an oil content of 40-50%. The oil is similar to almond oil and peach oil, both of which are also extracted from the kernels of the respective fruit. Apricot oil and almond oil, are used similarly in cosmetics to soften skin. Apricot oil can be used on the scalp to improve its condition. The seed cake is also used separately to extract an essential oil, which contains Amygdalin - a colorless crystalline glucose. The oil is chiefly composed of unsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid and linoleic acid. Apricot oil is used as a substitute for Oil of Almonds, which it very closely resembles. It is less expensive and is considerably used in cosmetics, for its softening action on the skin.