Refined Apricot Kernel Oil
CTFA Name: Apricot Kernel Oil
INCI Name: Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot Kernel Oil)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Italy
Packaging: Drums (metal or BPA-free plastic), BPA-free buckets, BPA-free jugs, amber glass bottles (4oz, 8oz, 16oz only)
Description: Characteristic yellow to golden amber liquid; mild odor.
Applications: Skincare, Soap Manufacturing, Hair Care
Benefits: lightweight, naturally high in oleic and linoleic fatty acids, natural source of vitamin e, emollient, excellent in cold processed soap, ideal for lip care products, excellent for massage oils
100% Pure Apricot Kernel Oil is a lightweight oil ideal for use in lip care, massage, skin care and hair care formulas. Shay and Company Apricot Kernel Oil is a 100% pure oil, not a cosmetic blend. Apricot oil is naturally high in fatty acids, vitamin e and vitamin e, delivering skin repair benefits, along with being an ideal oil for cold process soap making, massage oils and lip care products.
Apricot kernel oil is a light, amber colored oil that is cold-processing the pit of apricot fruits. Apricot Kernel oil is an excellent replacement for sweet almond oil, if you are trying to stay clear of traditional nut oils. Apricot kernel oil is a natural source of vitamins E and K, and rich in natural anti-oxidants.
Why choose Apricot Kernel Oil from Shay and Company?
- 100% pure apricot, not a cosmetic blend- many wholesalers offer apricot oil but it is a cosmetic blend.
- Clean processing- our apricot kernel oil is 100% mechanical extraction, no solvents or hexane is ever used
- Excellent source of oleic acid, linoleic acid, vitamin e and vitamin k
- Ideal for use in cold and hot process soap making
- Lightweight skin feel for use in skin care formulas
- Vegan
- 100% naturally derived
- Excellent alternative to sweet almond oil
Why does Shay and Company carry only 100% pure apricot kernel oil and not a cosmetic blend?
We have full ingredient disclosure on all our ingredients so we would never sell an ingredient that was blended and not tell you. Cosmetic blended oils do not tell you the exact ratio of what is in the oil. If you’re making soap, you definitely want to know exactly what is in your formula. You do not want to “hope” your formula products a good, solid soap.
Likewise in skincare, apricot kernel oil serves a distinct purpose in your product. You would not want to have any unknowns when it comes to your product, and neither would your customer.
Is Shay and Company refined apricot oil hexane free?
Yes, our apricot kernel oil is hexane free. No solvents are used in the processing of apricot kernel oil.
How is the apricot oil from Shay and Company extracted?
Apricot kernel oil is 100% mechanically expressed; no solvents and no high heat used. All processing is completed at 120°F or lower.
What are the benefits of using apricot oil in skincare formulas?
Apricot kernel oil is a highly moisturizing and very stable oil. This makes it great for skincare as it will create stable formulations without the heavy or greasy feel. Products using apricot kernel oil are ideal for use on skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
What is the benefits of using apricot kernel oil in hair care products?
This oil can be added to skin and hair treatments to increase moisture and help to repair damage. Think of adding apricot kernel oil to your next shampoo bar (using our melt-and-pour shampoo, of course), hair oil, hair mask, face lotion, cuticle oil, or body butter. For hair care products, apricot kernel oil has been said to help strengthen weak hair and promote a healthier scalp, leading to increased growth.
What types of products can I make using apricot kernel oil?
- Facial Oils
- Bathing Oils
- Body Oils
- Massage Oil
- Massage Cream
- Face Lotion
- Hand Cream
- Cuticle Oil
- Eye Creams
- Cold Process Soap
- Hot Process Soap
- Melt and Pour Soaps
- Liquid Shampoo
- Shampoo Bars
- Hair Conditioner
- Leave-in Hair Oils
Why is apricot oil good for face care products?
Apricot oil is excellent for face care because it is light weight, leaving the skin hydrated without leaving it feeling greasy, and because of the naturally high fatty acid profile. Oils rich in oleic and linoleic acids are close to your natural sebum, creating moisturized skin without creating breakouts or clogged pores. Apricot oil is also good for skincare formulas because it is nut oil free with little to no sensitivity issues.
Can I use apricot oil in soap making?
Yes! We sell lots of apricot oil for soap making. It is an excellent alternative to sweet almond oil if you are trying to stay away from nut oils.
Apricot oil in cold or hot process soaps helps to create a softer feeling soap bar, leaving the skin feeling more moisturized and soft. Apricot helps to create a more mild soap, making it great to use in bars targeting sensitive skin, eczema and psoriasis.
How much apricot oil should I use in my soaps?
Suggested levels of usage for apricot oil in cold process soaps is 5-20% total of the oils.
What is the suggested levels of usage for apricot oil in my formulas?
- Facial Oils- 20-100%
- Facial Serums- 5-50%
- Emulsified creams or lotions- 3-20%
- Body oils- 20-100%
- Massage oils-25-100%
- Hair Oils- 5-100%
- Beard oils-10-100%
- Lip Care-5-25%
- Cold process soaps-5-20%
What is the INCI name for Apricot oil?
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot Kernel Oil)
What color is apricot kernel oil?
Light yellow in color.
What does apricot kernel oil smell like?
Apricot kernel oil has little to no smell. It just smells like an oil.
Is the apricot oil sold by Shay and Company vegan?
Yes, apricot oil is vegan.
Is the apricot oil sold by Shay and Company eligible for Leaping Bunny?
Yes! All our products are. Just submit the request through Leaping Bunny and they will send us an email that we can sign for you.
Is apricot oil palm free?
Yes.
What is the shelf life of apricot kernel oil?
Generally speaking, all oils have a 2-3 year shelf life if properly stored.
Is apricot oil good for mature skin?
Yes, apricot oil is nice and lightweight, plus it is high in natural fatty acids and vitamin e. This makes it ideal for mature skin. You want moisturizing without feeling heavy or greasy.
Can I use apricot oil in facial oil serums?
Yes, apricot is great for facial oil serums and lotions.
Can I use apricot oil directly on the skin?
Yes, you can use this just on its own or you can blend it with any of our other oils.
Can I add a fragrance or essential oil to apricot oil?
Yes, you can add fragrance or essential oil to apricot oil. Simply measure out, add and mix well. No need to high-speed mix.
What makes apricot oil different from sweet almond oil?
Apricot oil and sweet almond are very similar in look and feel. Apricot oil is slightly lighter in feel and can absorb faster than sweet almond oil. Both are excellent oils for use on the skin and can be combined in products.
Is apricot oil the same as apricot kernel oil?
Yes, they are the same thing.
Does apricot oil smell like apricots?
No, apricot oil has very little to no smell and just smells characteristic of oil. This is derived from the seed of apricots, not from the fruit.
Is apricot oil considered sustainable?
Yes! Apricot oil is considered a sustainable on upcycled oil as the fruit is the primary use and the seed, which is where the oil comes from, is a secondary use of the same crop.
Is apricot oil biodegradable?
Yes, apricot oil is biodegradable.
Is apricot oil at Shay and Company food grade?
Apricot oil is the quality of a food grade oil but we are not a food grade facility so it is not labeled as food grade.
Does apricot oil help support the skin barrier?
Yes, apricot oil is lightweight and absorbs quickly, making it an excellent oil to help support the skin barrier.
Is apricot oil fast absorbing?
Yes, apricot oil is considered fast absorbing, meaning it doesn’t sit on the skin after application.
Does apricot oil contain vitamin e?
Yes, apricot oil is an excellent source of natural vitamin e.
Is apricot oil non-comedogenic?
Apricot is rated as a level 2 non-comedogenic oil.
Is apricot oil lighter than avocado oil?
Yes, apricot oil will feel lighter and be absorbed faster than avocado oil.
Does apricot oil help decrease frizz?
Yes, apricot oil can be used in hair oils and serums to help decrease frizz. It is lightweight, so it will not leave the hair feeling heavy or greasy, and it has excellent moisturizing properties. Other great hair oils are organic broccoli seed oil, daikon seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil and grape seed oil.
Does apricot oil make the hair feel greasy?
No, apricot oil is a lovely oil for the hair.
Can I use apricot oil in lip balms or lip gloss?
Yes! Apricot oil is an excellent oil for lip care products. It is lightweight but very moisturizing, plus there is very little sensitivity to apricot oil
Can I use apricot oil in sugar scrubs?
Yes, apricot oil is an excellent choice for salt or sugar scrubs.
Does apricot oil speed up trace in cold process soap?
No, apricot oil will not affect trace in soap making.
Is apricot oil good for facial soap bars?
Yes, you can use apricot oil in facial soap.
Where is the apricot oil sourced that is sold at Shay and Company?
Our apricot kernel oil comes from Italy.
Apricot Kernel Oil is sold in 4-ounce amber glass bottles, 8-ounce amber glass bottles, 16-ounce amber glass bottles, half-gallon BPA-free jugs, 1- gallon BPA-free jugs, 5-gallon BPA-free buckets and drums. Please email us directly for orders of 4 drums or more.
Short Term Storage: Air tight container. Dark location. Cool room temperature.
Long Term Storage: Removing air from storage container will delay oxidation and rancidity (may need to place in a smaller container). Refrigeration can extend shelf life.
Best Used By: See lot specific C of A for expiration date.

bogwitch.hours (verified owner) –
Used this in a cuticle oil and an oil to milk facial cleanser and both turned out fabulous. The oil to milk cleanser is mostly apricot oil and oh how it glides on my skin beautifully before I wash it off. I think I’ll make a massage oil with it next!