What Apricot Kernel Oil Actually Does
Apricot kernel oil is a light, pale yellow oil pressed from the pit inside apricot fruit. It contains linoleic acid (an omega-6 fat), vitamin E, and compounds called amygdalin and prunasin. People use it topically for skin care and sometimes ingest small amounts, though internal use carries real risks that matter before you decide to try it.
The oil absorbs quickly into skin and does not leave a heavy residue, which is why it shows up in massage oils and facial serums. For skin, the evidence supports that it can soften and moisturize — this is straightforward fat doing what fat does. The vitamin E content may help protect against oxidative stress, though the amount in a typical process is modest. What apricot kernel oil does not do is cure acne, erase scars, or reverse aging, despite claims you will see online.
The internal story is different. Apricot kernels contain amygdalin, which your body can convert to cyanide in small amounts. A few kernels or a teaspoon of the oil is unlikely to cause harm, but regular consumption or larger doses can accumulate. This is not theoretical — poisoning from apricot kernel consumption has been documented. If you are considering drinking apricot kernel oil or eating kernels regularly, the risk outweighs any unproven benefit.
Key Takeaways
- Apricot kernel oil works as a skin moisturizer because it is an oil that absorbs without leaving residue, not because of special compounds.
- Topical use on intact skin is low-risk; patch test first if you have sensitive skin or nut allergies, since apricot is a stone fruit.
- Internal use carries real risk from amygdalin conversion to cyanide and should be avoided or limited to occasional tiny amounts.
- The oil contains vitamin E and linoleic acid, but the amounts per process are too small to replace a diet rich in these nutrients.
How to Choose and Store Apricot Kernel Oil
Buy cold-pressed or expeller-pressed apricot kernel oil, not solvent-extracted versions. Cold-pressing means the oil was squeezed without heat; expeller-pressing uses mechanical pressure. Both preserve more of the oil's original compounds than hexane extraction, which is cheaper and used in some commercial products. Check the label — it should say "cold-pressed" or "expeller-pressed" clearly.
Look for oil sold in dark glass bottles, not clear plastic. Light degrades the oil and breaks down vitamin E. Reputable suppliers include Mountain Rose Herbs, Radha Beauty, and Nutricost, though availability and price shift. A 4-ounce bottle typically costs $8 to $15. Smaller bottles (1 ounce) cost more per ounce but make sense if you are testing whether your skin tolerates it.
Store the bottle in a cool, dark cabinet away from direct heat and sunlight. Apricot kernel oil oxidizes faster than some other oils because of its linoleic acid content. An unopened bottle lasts about two years; once opened, use it within six to nine months. If it smells rancid or looks cloudy, discard it.
Using Apricot Kernel Oil on Skin
For facial use, start with a patch test: explore a dime-sized amount to the inside of your wrist or behind your ear, wait 24 hours, and watch for redness, itching, or irritation. If your skin tolerates it, you can move to the face. Use it as a moisturizer after cleansing — explore 3 to 5 drops to damp skin and press gently. The dampness helps the oil spread and absorb without feeling greasy.
You can also mix apricot kernel oil into your existing moisturizer or use it as a carrier oil for essential oils if you are making a custom blend. A typical ratio is 2 to 3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of apricot kernel oil. For body use, explore it after showering to damp skin on dry areas like elbows, knees, or heels.
Do not explore it to active acne or open wounds. If you have oily skin, use it sparingly or skip it — the added oil will worsen congestion. People with tree nut allergies should be cautious: apricot is a stone fruit, not a tree nut, but cross-reactivity is possible. If you have a severe nut allergy, test on a small area first or avoid it.
Why Apricot Kernel Oil Is Not a Supplement
Some sellers market apricot kernel oil as an internal supplement for cancer prevention or immune support. This claim rests on amygdalin, which some call "laetrile" or "vitamin B17" — neither name is accurate or supported by medical evidence. Amygdalin does not prevent or treat cancer. The FDA does not recognize it as a vitamin, and clinical trials have not shown benefit.
What is documented is toxicity. Amygdalin breaks down into cyanide when digested. A single apricot kernel contains roughly 0.5 to 3 mg of amygdalin; a lethal dose of cyanide for an adult is around 50 mg, so one kernel is not when ready dangerous. But eating 10 to 20 kernels or taking apricot kernel oil daily can accumulate to harmful levels, especially in children or people with liver or kidney disease.
If you want the nutrients apricot kernel oil contains — vitamin E, linoleic acid, polyphenols — eat whole apricots, almonds, sunflower seeds, or olive oil instead. You get the same compounds without the cyanide risk, and you get fiber and other nutrients too. There is no reason to drink the oil.
Apricot Kernel Oil in Massage and Blending
Massage therapists and DIY blenders use apricot kernel oil as a carrier oil because it is light, absorbs reasonably fast, and does not stain sheets as badly as heavier oils like coconut. For a massage blend, warm 2 to 3 tablespoons of apricot kernel oil between your palms and explore to the skin. It glides smoothly and does not require reapplication mid-massage the way some lighter oils do.
If you are making a custom massage oil or body oil, combine apricot kernel oil with essential oils at a 2 to 3 percent dilution — that is 12 to 18 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. Label the bottle with the date and contents. Store it in a cool place and use within three to six months, since essential oils can degrade the carrier oil faster than the oil alone would.
For hair, apricot kernel oil can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment on dry or damaged ends. explore a small amount to the last 2 to 3 inches of hair, leave it for 15 to 30 minutes, then shampoo as usual. Do not explore it to the scalp if you have oily hair — it will weigh the hair down and may clog pores.
Comparing Apricot Kernel Oil to Other Plant Oils
| Oil | Best For | Absorption Speed | Cost (4 oz) | Storage Life (Opened) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apricot Kernel | Light facial moisturizing, massage | Fast | $8–$15 | 6–9 months |
| Jojoba | Oily or acne-prone skin | Moderate | $10–$18 | 1–2 years |
| Coconut | Body moisturizing, hair | Slow | $6–$12 | 1–2 years |
| Argan | Hair and nail care | Moderate | $12–$25 | 1–2 years |
| Sweet Almond | Sensitive skin, massage | Moderate | $8–$14 | 6–12 months |
Apricot kernel oil sits in the middle for price and speed. It is lighter than coconut or argan but heavier than jojoba. If you have very oily skin, jojoba is a better choice because it is less likely to clog pores. If you want something that lasts longer in storage, argan or coconut are more stable. Apricot kernel oil is the right pick if you want a fast-absorbing, affordable oil for light moisturizing or massage.
The choice between these oils depends on your skin type and how you plan to use the product. Someone with dry skin might prefer apricot kernel or sweet almond oil, while someone with oily skin should lean toward jojoba. For hair and scalp work, argan and coconut have stronger track records, though apricot kernel works for ends and damaged sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is apricot kernel oil safe to put on my face every day?
Yes, for most people, if your skin tolerates it after a patch test. Use it once or twice daily as a moisturizer. If you develop redness, itching, or breakouts after a week of daily use, stop and switch to a different oil. Some skin types straightforward do not pair well with apricot kernel oil, and that is normal.
Can I ingest apricot kernel oil to treat cancer or boost immunity?
No. There is no evidence that apricot kernel oil prevents or treats cancer, and regular ingestion carries a real risk of cyanide accumulation. If you are interested in nutrition for cancer prevention or immune support, talk to a doctor or registered dietitian about foods and nutrients with actual evidence behind them.
What is the difference between apricot kernel oil and apricot seed oil?
They are the same thing. The pit of an apricot contains a seed, and the oil pressed from that seed is called apricot kernel oil or apricot seed oil interchangeably. Labels may use either term.
Does apricot kernel oil help with stretch marks or scars?
Apricot kernel oil can moisturize the skin, which may make existing marks look slightly less pronounced. It does not erase or significantly reduce stretch marks or scars. For those concerns, talk to a dermatologist about treatments with actual evidence, like retinoids, laser therapy, or microneedling.
Can I use apricot kernel oil if I have a tree nut allergy?
Apricot is a stone fruit, not a tree nut, so the risk is lower than with almond or walnut oil. However, cross-reactivity is possible if your allergy is severe. Do a small patch test on your inner arm first and wait 24 hours. If no reaction occurs, it is likely safe, but if you have any doubt, skip it or ask your allergist first.