Cold-pressed from apricot kernels — one of the lightest and most skin-compatible carrier oils available. Exceptionally high oleic acid with a feather-light skin feel that makes it the preferred facial oil base for premium skincare brands targeting sensitive and mature skin.
Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus armeniaca) is cold-pressed from the kernels inside apricot stones. It is extremely similar to sweet almond oil in composition but has a noticeably lighter, more delicate skin feel — making it particularly popular for facial formulations where sweet almond may feel slightly too heavy. High oleic acid (60–75%) provides excellent emolliency and skin penetration.
SV Botanica supplies refined cosmetic-grade apricot kernel oil — the industry standard for facial skincare — and cold-pressed unrefined grade for premium natural formulations. India is a significant apricot producer, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, providing direct access to quality kernel supply.
The lightest natural triglyceride carrier oil — absorbs almost immediately without any greasy residue. The preferred base for facial oils targeting oily and combination skin.
Extremely gentle and hypoallergenic — widely used in formulations for sensitive, reactive, and mature skin that may not tolerate heavier oils.
Lighter than sweet almond for facial massage and head massage applications where minimal residue is desired.
High oleic acid maintains skin suppleness — widely used in premium anti-ageing face oils and overnight treatments.
Apricot kernel oil has a clean, elegant fatty acid profile dominated by oleic acid:
| Oleic Acid (C18:1) | 60–75% — emolliency, skin penetration, suppleness |
| Linoleic Acid (C18:2) | 20–30% — skin barrier support |
| Palmitic Acid (C16:0) | 4–7% — emollient saturated FA |
| Stearic Acid (C18:0) | 1–3% — minor saturated FA |
| Tocopherols | ~200–400 mg/kg — natural antioxidant |
| Phytosterols | Beta-sitosterol — anti-inflammatory |
| Amygdalin | Trace in cold-pressed |
Apricot kernel oil sits between sweet almond (slightly heavier) and jojoba (completely dry) — the lightest triglyceride carrier oil:
| Oil | Oleic Acid | Skin Feel | Best Known For |
| Apricot Kernel ★ | 60–75% | Very light, silky | Lightest triglyceride carrier |
| Sweet Almond | 62–68% | Light, medium | Slightly heavier, affordable |
| Peach Kernel | 60–70% | Very light | Nearly identical to apricot |
| Argan Oil | 43–49% | Silky | Tocopherols, hair benefit |
| Jojoba Oil | Wax ester | Dry, non-greasy | Non-triglyceride, stable |
Apricot kernel oil is the go-to upgrade from sweet almond when a lighter skin feel is needed — particularly for facial oils, facial massage, and head and neck massage. Virtually identical to peach kernel oil and can be used interchangeably. Moderate PUFA content — add 0.1% Vitamin E to finished products.
Apricot kernel oil's fatty acid profile is dominated by oleic acid with a balanced linoleic component — clean, elegant, light:
Key bioactive compounds beyond the fatty acids:
| Tocopherols | 200–400 mg/kg — natural Vitamin E |
| Phytosterols | Beta-sitosterol — skin barrier, anti-inflammatory |
| Squalene | Trace — skin smoothing |
| Carotenoids | Trace — minor in cold-pressed |
We supply Apricot Kernel Oil in refined cosmetic grade and cold-pressed unrefined grade.
| INCI Name | Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil |
| Botanical Source | Prunus armeniaca |
| Appearance | Pale to light yellow, clear |
| Specific Gravity | 0.910–0.918 g/ml |
| Refractive Index | 1.469–1.473 at 40°C |
| Saponification Value | 185–200 mg KOH/g |
| Iodine Value | 93–110 g I₂/100g |
| Moisture | NMT 0.1% |
| Heavy Metals | NMT 10 ppm |
| Shelf Life | 12–18 months |
Apricot kernel oil's extremely light skin feel makes it the preferred facial carrier oil across premium skincare, facial massage, and sensitive skin formulations.
The lightest natural carrier for luxury face oils — absorbs instantly, no residue.
Professional facial massage oil — lighter than sweet almond, ideal for sensitive skin clients.
High oleic base for anti-ageing face oils and overnight treatments.
Hypoallergenic base for eczema, rosacea, and reactive skin formulations.
Ultra-light carrier for delicate eye area treatments.
Gentle, light alternative to sweet almond for premium baby skincare.
Very light emollient for lip oils and treatment lip serums.
Ultra-light hair serum base for fine hair types.
| Application | Recommended Level | Grade |
| Facial oil (neat) | Up to 100% | Refined |
| Anti-ageing cream | 5–20% | Refined |
| Facial massage | 50–100% | Refined or CP |
| Sensitive skin moisturiser | 10–30% | Refined |
| Eye contour | 5–15% | Refined |
| Hair serum | 10–30% | Refined |
Use apricot kernel oil as a direct upgrade to sweet almond wherever a lighter skin feel is desired. Nearly identical to peach kernel oil — both can be used interchangeably. Add 0.1% Vitamin E to finished formulations. Refined grade recommended for facial products requiring maximum clarity.
Apricot Kernel Oil is supplied in food-grade HDPE or amber glass packaging to maintain quality during shipping and storage.
10ml–100ml amber glass vials for evaluation and stability testing.
Amber HDPE or dark glass containers with tamper-evident caps.
Food/cosmetic grade HDPE drums with tamper-evident seals. Standard commercial pack.
Intermediate bulk containers for large commercial orders.
Store in cool (below 20°C), dark conditions away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep containers sealed — apricot kernel oil oxidises rapidly on exposure to air. Nitrogen blanket packing available on request to maximise shelf life. Recommended shelf life: 12–18 months from date of manufacture when stored correctly.
Minimum Order Quantity
Sample orders from 10ml. Trial orders from 1 kg. Commercial orders from 25 kg. IBC (180–200 kg) for high-volume buyers. Custom packaging and private-label bottling available on request.
We supply apricot kernel oil from samples to bulk orders. Share your specification.