Apricot Kernel Oil
(Prunus Armeniaca)
From the Latin words “prunus” (plum tree) and “aremniaca” (of Armenia)...
Currently commercially grown in France, the Apricot Kernel is a 30-foot deciduous tree native to China. Eventually, it was transported to the Middle East and then found its way to the U.S. in the 1700s.
Today crushed Apricot Kernels are commonly used as a facial mask to soften the skin, according to Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy and Massage.
In addition, Apricot Kernel Oil is used as an antitussive, anti-asthmatic and to treat tumors in traditional Chinese medicine.
Expeller pressed from air dried apricots this natural oil has similar properties as Sweet Almond Oil. Light in color with a pleasant nutty odor, it is high in vitamin A and used in the manufacture of creams, balms, lotions and cosmetics.
Coveted for its high Vitamin E content and skin softening properties, Apricot Kernel Oil is a non-greasy emollient primarily used as a carrier.
Apricot Kernel Oil is a triglyceride in the same category as avocado oil, olive oil and sesame oil. It’s comprised of approximately:
- 75 percent oleic acid;
- 20 percent linoleic acid;
- Unsaturated fatty acids esterfied with glycerin.
Common Uses of Apricot Kernel Oil
- Skin softener / moisturizing agent for body oils, lotions, creams and other cosmetics
- Replacement for mineral oil
- Occlusive agent
Benefits of Apricot Kernel Oil
- Prevents evaporation of water
- Adds good slip and lubricity to products
- Offers rapid skin absorption
- Contains high Vitamin E content
- Helps skin retain elasticity, clarity, and suppleness
APRICOT KERNAL OIL TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
TRADE NAME:OBN 207 AL/R
CHEMICAL NAME: APRICOT KERNEL OIL
INCI NAME:PRUNUS ARMENIACA
CAS NUMBER:72869-69-3
|
U.M. |
Test Methods |
Range |
|
Physical status at 25C° |
|
Visual |
Liquid |
|
Acid value |
mgKOH/g |
AOCS Cd3a-63 |
0.5 |
|
Iodine value |
gI2/100 |
AOCS Tg2a-64 |
95 – 110 |
|
Saponification value |
mgKOH/g |
ISO 3657-1988 |
185 – 200 |
|
Peroxide value |
meq02/Kg |
Internal method |
<2 |
|
Color |
Yellow/Red |
Lovibond cell 5” ¼ |
<40Y/4R |
|
Unsaponifiable matter |
% |
Internal method |
<1 |
|
Density at 20C° |
g/cc |
ASTM D1298-85 |
0.910 – 0.920 |
|
Refractive index |
|
ASTM 1248-92 |
1.468 – 1.476 |
|
Cloud point |
°C |
AOCS Cc6-25 |
<-10 |
|
Pour point |
°C |
ASTM D97-87 |
<-15 |
Fatty acids composition %(GLC):
|
Myristic acid |
C14:0 |
Tr. |
|
Palmitic acid |
C16:0 |
3 – 8 |
|
Palmitoleic acid |
C16:1 |
<0.8 |
|
Margaric acid |
C17:0 |
<0.1 |
|
Margaroleic acid |
C17:1 |
<0.1 |
|
Stearic acid |
C18:0 |
0.5 – 3.0 |
|
Oleic acid |
C18:1 |
56 – 70 |
|
Linoleic acid |
C18:2 |
22 – 33 |
|
Alpha-Linolenic acid |
C18:3 |
<0.5 |
|
Arachidic acid |
C20:0 |
<0.5 |
|
Eicosanic acid |
C20:1 |
<0.3 |
|
Behenic acid |
C22:0 |
<0.3 |
|
Erucic acid |
C22:1 |
Tr. | |
