Apricot Kernel Oil for Face: A Lightweight Oil for Everyday Glow

If you've tried a face oil before and found it heavy or greasy, apricot kernel oil may change your mind. It is one of the lightest plant oils you can use, it settles into skin quickly, and it leaves a satin finish rather than a shine. That's why it's a favourite for facial massage and for people who are new to face oils.

What is apricot kernel oil?

Apricot kernel oil (Prunus armeniaca) is pressed from the soft kernel inside the apricot stone. In Urdu it's often called khubani ka tel, and in the mountain valleys of northern Pakistan apricot kernels have been pressed for oil for generations. You can read more in The Hunza Apricot.

The oil is clear to light gold, with a soft, faintly nutty scent and a fluid texture that spreads easily with just a couple of drops. Like almond oil, it is rich in oleic and linoleic fatty acids, but it feels noticeably finer on the skin.

Why apricot oil suits the face

• It's light. A fine texture means it doesn't sit heavily on the skin or under makeup.
• It absorbs quickly. Skin feels soft within a minute or two, not slick.
• It's great for massage. Fingertips glide, so you can massage without tugging.
• It layers well. It works on its own or under or over your usual moisturiser.
• It's simple. One ingredient, no added fragrance, so it's easy to see how your skin responds.

Which skin types is it good for?

• Normal skin: two or three drops at night keeps skin soft and comfortable.
• Dry skin: use it over moisturiser to seal it in, or try a richer blend with almond in winter.
• Combination skin: press it onto drier cheeks and go lighter on the T-zone.
• Oily skin: one or two drops at night only, pressed over areas that feel tight.
• Sensitive skin: a gentle, unscented starting point, but always patch test first.

Not sure which oil suits you? Our guide on how to choose a face oil walks through it by skin type.

A 2-minute apricot oil face massage

1. Cleanse your face and leave it slightly damp.
2. Put two or three drops onto your fingertips and warm them together.
3. Press the oil gently over your cheeks, forehead, chin and neck.
4. With flat fingers, sweep from the centre of your face outward, ten times.
5. Use your knuckles to glide along the jawline from chin to ear.
6. With your ring fingers, tap lightly along the brow bone and under the eyes.
7. Finish by pressing your palms over your face for a few seconds and taking a deep breath.

That's it. Two minutes, every evening. Beyond leaving skin soft, it's a calming way to end the day, and a good habit for slowing down before bed.

Apricot oil as a gentle makeup remover

Massaged onto dry skin, apricot oil helps loosen makeup and sunscreen before your usual cleanser. It's the base of the oil cleansing method, which we explain step by step.

Apricot oil vs other face oils

Compared with almond oil, apricot is finer and settles faster. Compared with rich oils like walnut, it's much lighter, so it's easier to wear in the day and in hot weather. That makes it our pick for summer skin care. For a full comparison, see Apricot Oil vs Almond Oil.

How long does a bottle last?

Because you only need two or three drops, a small bottle goes a long way, often a couple of months of daily face use. Keep it closed, out of the sun and away from heat so it stays fresh. Our guide to storing natural oils explains how to tell if an oil has gone off.

Try our apricot oil

Our Apricot Oil is pure apricot kernel oil and nothing else, bottled in amber glass. It's the lightest of our three oils and the one we reach for most for face rituals.