Apricot oil

Apricot seed oil in a clear glass vial

Apricot oil or apricot kernel oil is pressed from the kernels of the Prunus armeniaca (apricot). Apricot 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.^[1]

The seed cake is also used separately to extract an essential oil, which contains Amygdalin - a colorless crystalline glucoside.

The oil is chiefly composed of oleic acid and linoleic acid, both of which are unsaturated fats.

References

1. ↑ Mrs. M. Grieve. "A Modern Herbal | Apricot". Botanical.com. Archived from the original on 9 August 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-20.