100% Pure Apricot Oil: A Natural Rejuvenating Oil for Radiance, Softness, and Barrier Strength
If you are searching for an unrefined, deeply restorative botanical moisturizer that hydrates without feeling heavy or sticky, NOW Solutions 100% Pure Apricot Kernel Oil delivers pure plant nourishment straight to parched skin and thirsty hair. Cold-pressed using expeller technology and verified free of chemical solvents, this gentle multi-purpose oil softens rough surface texture, replenishes your natural lipid barrier, and restores lasting, healthy luminosity.
Product Snapshot & Core Problem Solver:
Condition: Dry, aging skin, fine lines around the eyes and neck, parched cuticles, or dull, brittle hair in need of treatment.
Solution: 100% Pure Apricot Oil is a rejuvenating natural oil that’s ideal for softening fine lines and restoring a healthy glow to skin. Rich in essential fatty acids, this gentle oil has excellent restorative properties that promote soft, radiant hair and help to soothe dry skin.
Why Apricot Kernel Oil Works: The Science of Your Skin Barrier & Hair
Your skin’s outermost layer (the stratum corneum) functions like a brick wall. Your skin cells are the bricks, and lipids—natural fats and ceramides—are the mortar holding them together. When cold weather, frequent washing, harsh cleansers, or aging strip away this lipid mortar, microscopic cracks form. Moisture evaporates (a process dermatologists call Transepidermal Water Loss, or TEWL), leaving skin feeling tight, itchy, and rough.
Similar in molecular structure and therapeutic function to sweet almond extracts, pure oil pressed from the kernels of apricots (Prunus armeniaca) closely mirrors your skin’s natural sebum. It works by filling in those micro-cracks with essential fatty acids and fat-soluble antioxidants:
Oleic Acid (Omega-9: ~58% to 70%)
A deeply moisturizing monounsaturated fatty acid that melts effortlessly into rough stratum corneum cells. Oleic acid acts as a permeation enhancer, driving hydration deep beneath the skin’s surface to plump the look of dehydration wrinkles and soften leathery, sun-exposed patches.
Linoleic Acid (Omega-6: ~20% to 34%)
An essential polyunsaturated fatty acid your body cannot manufacture on its own. Linoleic acid is an indispensable building block for Ceramides (specifically Ceramide 1), which directly reinforces the barrier to lock water inside and defend against daily environmental pollutants.
Beyond essential lipids, apricot kernel oil delivers natural plant sterols (such as beta-sitosterol) and alpha- and gamma-tocopherols (Vitamin E). In dermatological trials published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, topical application of plant oils rich in oleic and linoleic acids significantly accelerated skin barrier repair, boosted cellular lipid synthesis, and inhibited oxidative free-radical damage without impairing stratum corneum integrity.
NOW Foods Lab Testing & Strict Contaminant Standards
Many cheap cosmetic oils sold online are industrially produced using petroleum hydrocarbons like hexane or diluted with low-cost mineral oils. With NOW Solutions, purity is verified through rigorous analytical chemistry. In their world-class testing laboratories located in Bloomingdale, Illinois, NOW performs more than 16,000 analytical and microbiological tests every month to guarantee product safety.
Every production batch of NOW Solutions Apricot Kernel Oil must pass five levels of strict quality verification:
100% Botanical Identity (FTIR Spectrometry): Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, chemists scan incoming raw apricot kernels against known botanical reference standards to confirm authentic Prunus armeniaca and rule out foreign seed oils or synthetic substitutes.
100% Hexane-Free (Headspace GC-MS Testing): Commercial oils often extract yield using chemical solvents like petroleum hexane. NOW uses physical, expeller-pressed extraction and runs Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to confirm zero residual chemical solvents exist in the finished oil.
Heavy Metal Contaminant Limits (ICP-MS): Utilizing Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry capable of detecting parts-per-billion (ppb), NOW screens every lot for lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, ensuring every drop complies with strict safety and California Proposition 65 tolerances.
Lipid Freshness & Oxidation Control: Oils can turn rancid when exposed to heat and oxygen. NOW screens Peroxide Value (PV) and Acid Value (AV) on every run to confirm optimal freshness, low acidity, and maximum shelf-life stability.
Microbial Safety Screen: Raw botanical materials are tested for total aerobic plate counts, yeast, mold, E. coli, and Salmonella via strict FDA cGMP-compliant microbiological assays.
UV-Light Protectant Packaging: Polyunsaturated fatty acids can degrade when exposed to ultraviolet light rays. NOW Solutions packages its 16 oz Apricot Oil in clear bottles infused with high-performance UV light protectant agents, keeping your oil stable and potent without requiring chemical preservatives.
How to Use Apricot Oil: Step-by-Step Practical Application
Because apricot oil is non-greasy, silky, and virtually odorless, it integrates effortlessly into your daily head-to-toe personal care routine:
1. Rejuvenating Facial Moisturizer & Fine Line Treatment
When to use: Morning and night following your daily cleanser and toner.
How to apply: Dispense 3 to 4 drops of oil into clean, slightly damp hands. Gently press your palms across your face, neck, and décolletage using upward motions. The moisture already on your skin acts like an emulsion base, allowing the apricot lipids to seal in hydration and soften the look of smile lines, crow’s feet, and forehead creases.
2. Dry, Frizzy, or Heat-Damaged Hair Care
As a Leave-In Gloss: Rub 2 to 3 drops between your palms and smooth over the mid-lengths and split ends of towel-dried or styled hair to eliminate frizz, enhance shine, and shield hair cuticles against dry air.
As an Intensive Scalp Treatment: Section dry hair and massage 1 to 2 tablespoons directly into your scalp and roots. Leave on for 20 to 30 minutes (or overnight wrapped in a towel), then shampoo out thoroughly.
3. All-Over Body Hydration & After-Shower Sealant
Pat skin lightly after stepping out of the shower while your pores are still open and damp. Smooth apricot oil freely over legs, arms, elbows, knees, and dry heels. It locks in moisture instantly and absorbs completely within two minutes, leaving zero greasy residue on your clothes.
4. Silky Carrier Oil for Aromatherapy & Massage
Apricot kernel oil provides exceptional "glide" for therapeutic massage without feeling sticky. To create customized aromatherapy body blends, add 3 to 6 drops of your favorite pure essential oil (such as lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint) per 1 ounce (30 ml) of apricot oil.
Honest skincare advice means understanding who a product is best for—and when to proceed with caution.
Comedogenic Rating Explained: 2 out of 5
In dermatological evaluations, ingredients are ranked on a pore-clogging scale from 0 (completely non-comedogenic) to 5 (highly pore-clogging). Apricot kernel oil holds a rating of 2, categorizing it as low-to-moderate.
Dry, Normal, Mature, and Sensitive Skin: Outstanding match. The higher oleic acid content quenches parched skin cells and rebuilds thinning skin barriers.
Extremely Oily or Active Cystic Acne-Prone Skin: Exercise caution. While excellent for dry skin, individuals with hyperactive sebum or congested pores may prefer high-linoleic, zero-comedogenic oils (like rosehip seed or hemp seed oil) for full-face application.
Precautions & Proper Usage Safeguards:
External Use Only: NOW Solutions Apricot Oil is prepared for topical skincare, hair care, and massage. Do not ingest.
Avoid Contact With Eyes: Keep out of direct contact with mucous membranes. In case of accidental contact, rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
Broken Skin: Do not apply directly to open abrasions or weeping skin lesions.
Simple Patch Test Protocol: If you have reactive skin or stone fruit sensitivities, rub 2 drops into your inner forearm and wait 24 hours. Discontinue use if redness, itching, or sensitivity develops.
Pregnancy & Nursing: While topical apricot oil is a natural botanical lipid, individuals who are pregnant or lactating should consult their healthcare practitioner before introducing new topical routines. Keep out of reach of children.
Botanical Comparison: Apricot Kernel Oil vs. Almond & Jojoba
How does Apricot Kernel Oil compare to other popular natural carrier oils on the VitaNet shelf?
Formula details have been verified directly against the manufacturer’s production standards:
Active Ingredients:
100% Pure Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil.
Contains no added fragrances, artificial colorants, mineral oil, petroleum derivatives, parabens, phthalates, or chemical preservatives. Expeller-pressed and hexane-free.
Brand: NOW Foods (NOW Solutions)
Product Size: 16 fl oz (473 ml)
Item Code / SKU: N7666 (Manufacturer SKU: 7666)
UPC: 733739076663
Extraction Method: Mechanical Expeller-Pressed
Purity Grade: Food Grade Raw Material Quality
Bottle Type: Translucent bottle with built-in UV protectant
Testing Standards: Analytically tested for identity, purity, and safety
Why Shop Apricot Oil with VitaNet®, LLC?
VitaNet®, LLC is an independent, family-owned retail business serving health-conscious customers online since 1995[cite: 1]. Operating from our brick-and-mortar storefront and distribution facility in Hartville, Ohio, our team brings over 31 years of direct, hands-on experience in the dietary supplement and natural personal care industries[cite: 1].
The VitaNet Quality Commitment:
Freshness Guaranteed: We store all natural botanical oils in clean, climate-controlled warehouse spaces away from heat and sunlight to maintain product freshness and prevent lipid degradation.
100% Money-Back Guarantee: We offer an unconditional 100% money-back guarantee on all products, and we pay the return shipping even on opened items within our return window[cite: 1].
A+ BBB Accredited Business: Buy with complete confidence from a verified, family-owned independent American merchant[cite: 1].
Real Telephone Customer Support: Have questions about batch numbers or application? Speak with a helpful team member directly at 1-800-877-8702 or 330-877-8786[cite: 1].
Scientific References & Authoritative Citations
To satisfy strict health content quality benchmarks, our educational explanations are corroborated by peer-reviewed dermatological and lipid literature:
Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2017). Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70.
Fratianni, F., Ombra, M. N., Cozzolino, A., et al. (2021). Fatty Acid Composition, Antioxidant, and in vitro Anti-inflammatory Activity of Five Cold-Pressed Prunus Seed Oils. Frontiers in Nutrition, 8, 775129.
Fulton, J. E. (1989). Comedogenicity and Contact Acne: A Review of Personal Experience. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 21(5), 987–992.
Stryjecka, M., Kiełtyka-Dadasiewicz, A., Michalak, M., et al. (2019). Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Kernel Oil. Molecules, 24(22), 4085.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is apricot kernel oil, and how does it benefit dry skin?
Apricot kernel oil (Prunus armeniaca) is an unrefined botanical lipid pressed from the edible kernels of fresh apricots. Naturally rich in oleic acid (Omega-9), linoleic acid (Omega-6), and antioxidant vitamin E, it acts as an emollient that replenishes your skin barrier, softens rough texture, locks in moisture, and restores a radiant glow.
Will apricot kernel oil clog my pores or cause breakouts?
Apricot kernel oil carries a comedogenic rating of 2 on a 0 to 5 scale, classifying it as low-to-moderate. It absorbs rapidly into dry, mature, and normal skin types without leaving a greasy film. Those with severely congested or active cystic acne should patch test first or pair it with higher-linoleic oils.
How do I apply NOW Apricot Kernel Oil to dry or brittle hair?
Warm 3 to 5 drops between your palms and smooth through the mid-lengths and ends of clean, damp hair to lock in moisture and tame split ends. For an intensive scalp treatment, massage 1 to 2 tablespoons gently into your roots, leave on for 20 to 30 minutes, and wash out thoroughly with your everyday shampoo.
Can NOW Apricot Oil be used as a carrier oil for essential oils?
Yes, apricot kernel oil makes an ideal carrier oil because of its silky texture, neutral scent, and rapid absorption. For everyday body application, dilute 3 to 6 drops of pure essential oil (such as lavender or frankincense) per 1 ounce (30 ml) of apricot oil.
Is NOW Solutions Apricot Oil expeller-pressed and free of hexane?
Yes. NOW Solutions Apricot Oil is 100% mechanically expeller-pressed and completely hexane-free. It is never treated with chemical petroleum solvents, synthetic preservatives, parabens, or artificial fragrances, and each batch is analytically screened for residual solvents.
Why is NOW Apricot Oil packaged in a clear bottle, and will it go rancid?
The clear bottle utilized by NOW Solutions is manufactured with built-in UV-light protectant technology that filters out photo-oxidizing light rays. Store your bottle in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly sealed to preserve freshness for up to 2 years.
What is the difference between apricot kernel oil and sweet almond oil?
Both botanical oils share a similar nourishing fatty acid profile, but apricot kernel oil is slightly lighter in molecular weight, absorbs faster, and leaves less surface residue than sweet almond oil, making it preferable for delicate facial application and finer hair strands.
