Apricot oil comes from apricot kernels and is used in skincare, cooking, and traditional wellness practices

Apricot oil is extracted from the pit inside an apricot fruit. It has a light, slightly sweet smell and absorbs into skin quickly, which is why it shows up in many skincare products. Some people also cook with it or take it as a supplement, though the research on internal use is limited. The oil contains fatty acids and compounds like linoleic acid and oleic acid, which are found in many plant oils.

You will find apricot oil sold as a pure oil you can buy yourself, or as an ingredient in creams, lotions, and massage oils. It is inexpensive compared to many other plant oils, which is one reason it appears in both drugstore and high-end skincare lines. The oil itself has no flavor or smell strong enough to overpower food, so it works as a cooking oil if you choose to use it that way.

Key Takeaways

  • Apricot oil is a lightweight plant oil extracted from apricot pits and is commonly used in skincare products because it absorbs quickly.
  • The oil contains fatty acids like linoleic and oleic acid, which are nutrients found in many plant-based oils.
  • People use apricot oil on skin for moisturizing, in massage, and in cooking, though research on internal health benefits is limited.
  • Apricot oil is generally considered safe for most people, but those with nut allergies should check whether they react to apricot kernel oil.

How apricot oil is used in skincare

In skincare, apricot oil is most often used as a moisturizer or massage oil because it soaks into skin without leaving a heavy residue. People with dry or sensitive skin often find it gentle enough for daily use. You can explore it directly to damp skin after washing, or mix a few drops into your regular moisturizer to add extra hydration.

The oil is also used in products meant to reduce the appearance of scars or stretch marks, though the evidence that it actually does this is mixed. Some people use it around the eyes or on areas prone to dryness. Because it absorbs relatively quickly compared to heavier oils like coconut oil, it works well under makeup or other products.

Apricot oil as a cooking ingredient

Apricot oil has a smoke point around 420°F (215°C), which means it can handle moderate heat but is not ideal for high-heat cooking like deep frying. Some people use it for sautéing vegetables, drizzling over finished dishes, or making salad dressings. It has a neutral taste, so it does not change the flavor of food the way olive oil or sesame oil would.

If you cook with apricot oil, store it in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator, because the fatty acids in it can break down when exposed to light and heat. Once opened, most bottles last several months if stored properly. It is less common in everyday cooking than olive or canola oil, so you may need to search specialty or online grocery stores to find it.

What the research says about apricot oil

Most research on apricot oil focuses on its use on skin rather than internal health. Studies show that the fatty acids in apricot oil can help skin retain moisture and may reduce irritation, which is why it appears in many commercial moisturizers. However, these same fatty acids are found in many other oils, so apricot oil is not unique in this way.

There is less research on what happens when you ingest apricot oil as a supplement or cooking ingredient. Some traditional medicine systems have used apricot kernel oil internally, but modern scientific studies on this use are limited. If you are considering taking apricot oil internally for a specific health reason, speaking with a healthcare provider first is a reasonable step.

Safety and who should be cautious

Apricot oil is generally considered safe for topical use on skin for most people. Allergic reactions are uncommon, but they do happen. If you have a known allergy to tree nuts or stone fruits, you may want to test apricot oil on a small patch of skin first, since apricot kernels come from a stone fruit.

Apricot kernels themselves contain a compound called amygdalin, which the body can convert to cyanide in small amounts. However, the oil extracted from the kernels does not contain significant amounts of this compound, so using apricot oil on your skin or in cooking is not a safety concern. If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications that affect how your body processes oils, checking with a healthcare provider before using apricot oil internally makes sense.

How apricot oil compares to other plant oils

Apricot oil is lighter and absorbs faster than coconut oil or shea butter, making it better for people who do not want a greasy feel. It is less expensive than argan oil or jojoba oil, which are often marketed as premium skincare ingredients. Like most plant oils, it contains fatty acids and antioxidants, but no single oil is dramatically superior to the others—the best choice depends on your skin type and what you are trying to do.

If you have oily skin, apricot oil may still feel too heavy, and you might prefer a lighter option like jojoba oil. If you have very dry skin, you might layer apricot oil under a thicker cream. For cooking, apricot oil sits between olive oil (lower smoke point, stronger flavor) and neutral oils like canola (higher smoke point, no flavor). Trying a small bottle first is a practical way to see whether it works for your needs.

Where to buy apricot oil and what to look for

You can find apricot oil at drugstores, health food stores, and online retailers. It is sold as a pure oil in bottles, usually ranging from 2 to 16 ounces, and also as an ingredient in creams and lotions. Prices vary widely depending on the brand and whether the oil is labeled as organic or cold-pressed, but apricot oil is generally one of the more affordable plant oils.

When buying pure apricot oil, look for bottles that are dark glass or opaque plastic, since light can degrade the oil. Check the label to see whether it is cold-pressed or refined; cold-pressed oil retains more of the original plant compounds, though both types work for skincare. If you are buying it as an ingredient in a product, check the ingredient list to see where apricot oil falls—ingredients are listed by weight, so if it is near the end of the list, there is very little in the product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apricot oil on my face every day?

Yes, most people can use apricot oil on their face daily without problems. It is gentle enough for regular use, though if your skin is very oily or prone to breakouts, you may want to use it only a few times a week or test it on a small area first. If you notice irritation or clogged pores, stop using it.

Is apricot oil the same as apricot kernel oil?

Yes, they are the same thing. The oil is extracted from the kernel (the pit) inside the apricot fruit, so both names refer to the same product. You may see it labeled either way depending on the brand.

Can I ingest apricot oil for health benefits?

Some people do take apricot oil internally, but research on internal health benefits is limited. If you are considering this, speaking with a healthcare provider first is wise, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

Does apricot oil help with wrinkles or anti-aging?

Apricot oil can help keep skin hydrated, which may make fine lines less noticeable. However, there is no strong evidence that it reverses wrinkles or stops aging. It works best as part of a broader skincare routine that includes sun protection and other moisturizing products.

What should I do if I have an allergic reaction to apricot oil?

Stop using the product and rinse the area with water. If the reaction is mild (redness or itching), it usually goes away on its own. If you have swelling, difficulty breathing, or a severe rash, seek medical attention. Keep the product bottle so you can show a healthcare provider what you used.