Apricot kernel oil is cold expeller pressed and refined from the kernels of the apricot fruit, Prunus armeniaca. The apricot tree is a member of the rose family originating in Central and East Asia. The refined oil is light in texture, pale yellow in color with a nutty scent, similar to sweet almond oil. The organic, unrefined, oil is a darker golden color with a deep richer scent. Apricot oil has healthful benefits for the skin, hair and scalp!

SKIN

Apricot kernel oil is high in essential fatty acids, oleic and linoleic. It has the benefits of vitamins with a high vitamin A and E content. It penetrates the skin, readily, with no oily residue. It moisturizes, softens and nourishes skin leaving a healthy glow. Skin can be beautiful, soft and supple. It's mild nature is recommended for dry, irritated, inflamed, mature, acne-prone or sensitive skin. It reduces inflammation and soothes irritation of eczema or dermatitis. It's often used as a carrier massage oil for babies or adults, with aromatherapy benefits. Find it in commercial or homemade beauty products: soaps, lotions, creams, balms, for lip care and other cosmetics.

HAIR AND SCALP

Find apricot kernel oil in commercial or homemade shampoo or conditioner. It can add softness, moisture and shine to hair. It's moisturizing and soothing properties improves irritating or dry scalp conditions. It can, even, help to promote hair growth!

Apricot oil is easily accessible. Find it in natural or organic food stores, supermarkets, on-line and other locations. It stores well in most locations but not in extreme heat. Extreme heat will shorten its shelf life. The average shelf life is, approximately, one to three years.

MAKING HOMEMADE SOAP:

Use apricot oil in your homemade soap recipes. Combine it with soap making oils. It's great for superfatting. Try using just one or two ounces, in every pound of fat, at trace.

SAPONIFICATION: (Converted to Ounces)

KOH - .188 ( Potassium hydroxide; Homemade Liquid Soap )

NaOH - .134 ( Sodium hydroxide; Homemade Bar Soap )

SOAP MAKING TIP: Combine apricot kernel oil with lavender and tea tree oil, (melaleuca oil), for acne relief. Help get rid of blackheads and reduce the inflammation of blemishes. Skin can be soft and soothed.

Essential oils are concentrated oils of a plant. They carry a distinctive fragrance or "essence" from the object from which they were extracted; plant, leaves, flower or peel. They contain bioactive ingredients. This means, they contain natural chemicals that interact with biological systems. They're potent chemicals and should be used with care!

CAUTION! Never use large amounts of essential oils, externally or internally. Never use them straight. They must always be diluted in carrier oil, or soap, lotion, or other buffering agent. Finally, never use them without knowing what their bioactive compounds are known to do.