With an oil content of 40 to 50%, apricot kernel oil found in a number of products in PHYTO5’s Water element Yogi Body Gel and Metal element Yogi Body Gel is pressed from the kernels of the Prunus armeniaca–the apricot. Rich in the fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which helps skin maintain its moisture balance, it is light enough to leave no oily residue making it especially suitable as a base for facial serums and moisturizers. In mature skin, apricot essential oil softens and improves skin’s elasticity helping to smooth out fine lines.
(This article was originally published on October 9, 2018 and has been updated here for freshness and comprehensiveness.)
Apricot kernel oil's fatty acids (excellent for firming and toning) and high concentrations of vitamins E and A (which help to slow the aging process) help revitalize, rehydrate, moisturize, nourish, soften and smooth dry and/or mature skin.
Apricot oil is composed of approximately 90% polyunsaturated fatty acids (omegas 6 and 9) which are excellent for cell growth. Gamma linolenic acid is vital in helping the skin to maintain its balance of moisture. Skin cells use these healthy fats in their membranes to be better able to absorb nutrients and produce skin strengthening compounds. Stronger skin means fewer lines and wrinkles.
Omega-6 fights inflammation and promotes circulation; gamma linolenic acid mentioned above comes from omega 6. Apricot kernel oil is between 20 and 25% omega-6.
Omega-9 is also known to promote a healthy inflammation response and supports the immune system. Apricot kernel oil is roughly 60 to 70% omega-9.
Apricot oil is rich in vitamin A, an antioxidant that plays a critical role in healthy skin and cell growth. Bursting with beta-carotene (the precursor to vitamin A) which gives the apricot its orange color, beta-carotene turns wrinkle forming free radicals into harmless compounds. Apricot is one of the very best sources of beta-carotene.
Apricot kernel oil abounds in vitamin E, a primary free radical fighting antioxidant critical for health and the natural slowing of signs of aging. Apricot kernel oil is formulated into PHYTO5’s Ageless Cleansing Foam and Eye Serum.
A great source of vitamin C, the main water-soluble antioxidant of the body, means that the vitamin C in apricot kernel oil can attack any free radicals in the watery parts of the skin cells protecting those areas from damage.
Apricot is a great source of iron which makes skin look radiant. The skin needs oxygen to complete the metabolic processes necessary to maintain its strength, firmness and resilience. The red blood cells require iron to carry that needed oxygen throughout the body including the skin.
Apricot’s vitamin B and potassium content combined with a number of other important vitamins and minerals are potent for combatting signs of aging in the skin.
Light and gentle, it is also beneficial for all skin types including sensitive and skin suffering from conditions such as eczema. The oil is very readily absorbed by the skin.
Beneficial for sallow or oily skin, apricot enlivens a complexion lacking tone and vibrance. It provides the skin a barrier against irritants and dehydration and is an ideal substitute for petroleum-based oils. In fact, many chemists today consider it an appropriate and better substitute for mineral oil.
Apricot oil is soothing, pain-relieving and an anti-inflammatory. It helps maintain the immune system strengthening the body’s ability to fight infections and viruses like colds and flu.
Mixed with a carrier oil, it can be massaged into the scalp and hair to cure a dry and flaky scalp and to help restore damaged and chemically treated hair. It brings back the shine of the hair and is excellent for conditioning fly-away hair.
Apricot kernels have been consumed for their nutritional and healing properties for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. The oil of apricot kernels, gutti ka tel. is a time honored Himalayan beauty secret.
Apricot kernel oils is rather wonderfully indulgent and rooted in the wisdom of generations—its origins a sacred remedy.
If you’re fortunate to be using skincare formulated with apricot kernel oil from the Himalayan region, the apricots will have been handpicked in the mountains’ upper altitudes.
In the Spring, the tender downy apricot fruit blooms copiously in Central and East Asia. In that region, it’s common to pay the high compliment to someone that her cheeks have an apricot complexion. Between the epidermal analogy and creating skincare products formulated using the kernels’ oil lies quite a long history.
Traditional Chinese medicine frequently has used apricot kernel, found inside the pit, as an ingredient in longevity tonics. In this discipline, it’s also been used to treat tumors and ulcers and to relieve digestive challenges. Traditional Chinese medicine has also long recognized apricot kernel oil as important for skin health.
In the Kashmiri mountains, the famed Hunza, known for living well past one hundred years and for living spirited lives at that, enjoy the apricot and its kernels that grow so abundantly on the spectacular mountain terraces. The apricot plays a central role in their diets.
The oil of the kernel is the most valuable product derived from the apricot. The extremely hard apricot pit or stone is opened up to reveal the kernels which are 40 to 45% composed of a luminous orange-yellow oil. The oil is finely textured and gives off a slight fragrance resembling bitter almond.
High quality apricot kernel oil boasts the following attributes:
serves as emollient with a non-greasy feel
provides lubricity
offers excellent carrier oil properties; it is rapidly absorbed and once absorbed, an excellent moisturizer
softens skin
lends elasticity, clarity and suppleness, not to mention antioxidant activity due to its high vitamin E content
tightens the skin’s grain
fosters cell turnover and brightens complexion
helps maintain adequate hydration levels for skin
helps calm inflamed, itchy skin
helps provide balance for acne-prone skin, sensitive, congestive and/or mature skin
moisturizes all skin types and is especially beneficial for dry, prematurely aging and mature skin
calms the skin, therefore very good for sensitive, irritated, itchy skin
mimics lipid content of skin
very closely resembles almond oil in its makeup but is far less expensive, therefore an excellent substitute
pleases with a pleasant and nutty aroma
perfect for a relaxing massage or even aromatherapeutic uses
nourishes and strengthens scalp and hair
#####
Endnotes:
Michalun, M.Varinia, and DiNardo, Joseph C. Milady Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary. United States, Cengage Learning, 2014.
Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Fruits and Vegetables. United Kingdom, Elsevier Science, 2020.
Touhami, Ramdane, and de Taillac, Victoire. An Atlas of Natural Beauty: Botanical Ingredients for Retaining and Enhancing Beauty. United States, Simon & Schuster, 2018.
Photo by Tariq Sulemani from Getty Images via Canva
Eliminate impurities.
Decongest and brighten dull skin.
Encourage balanced blue blood circulation.
Yogi Body Gel is a mineralizing, oxygenating and hydrating gel that supports the energy of venous circulation (highly recommended for heavy legs). It revitalizes the skin and helps balance emotions. 6.8 oz.
Use on the body (not the face) wherever support for venous circulation is needed. Apply to entire body especially the abdominal area, the solar plexus, to encourage a sense of emotional contentment and a prevailing sense that all is well.
Due to the presence of potent natural essential oils, all products have the following warning: “Not suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women."
Super-hydrate mature very dry skin.
Increase elasticity.
Balance moisture retention.