Apricot kernel oil (Prunus armeniaca) is one of the gentlest oils you can find: light, silky and hypoallergenic, it’s often chosen for sensitive or delicate skin. Pressed from the kernels inside apricot stones, it’s rich in vitamins A and E, making it a nourishing and protective ingredient in natural skincare.
Quick facts
Botanical name: Prunus armeniaca
Texture: Light, silky and easily absorbed
Best for: Dry, sensitive or delicate skin
Key benefits: Softens, nourishes, supports the skin barrier and improves elasticity
Used in:
- Body Oils like our Bee Happy Body Oil, Bee Calm Body Oil and Bee Sleepy Body Oil (all contain apricot kernel oil for nourishment)
- Natural Deodorants (Apricot Kernel Oil soothes and nourishes underarm skin)
- Lip Balms (our Lip Balms protect and nourish dry, cracked and sore lips)
Apricot Kernel Oil & the bees
Apricot trees are among the first to blossom in spring, producing pale pink flowers that are a welcome feast for bees when little else is in bloom. These early blooms are crucial for pollinators emerging from winter, helping sustain healthy colonies.
Origins
Apricots have been cultivated for over 3,000 years, first in China before spreading along the Silk Road to Persia and the Mediterranean. In traditional medicine, apricot kernels were believed to promote vitality and longevity. The oil has long been used as a massage base for its gentle nature.
How it's made
The kernels inside apricot stones are cold-pressed to yield a light golden oil. This careful method retains its vitamins and antioxidants, making it both nourishing and mild.
Skin benefits of Apricot Kernel Oil
Gentle and hypoallergenic: Perfect for sensitive skin.
Nourishing: Rich in vitamins A and E.
Lightweight: Absorbs quickly without greasiness.
Softening: Helps skin feel supple and smooth.
Well-being benefits
Apricot kernel oil has a faint nutty scent and smooth texture that makes it a favourite for massage, offering both relaxation and skin-softening benefits.
The experience
Silky and feather-light, apricot kernel oil disappears into the skin, leaving only softness behind.
Why we use Apricot Kernel Oil in our skincare
We love apricot kernel oil because it’s gentle yet effective — the kind of ingredient you can trust for even the most delicate skin. For Neve’s Bees, it adds lightness to our balms while carrying nourishing vitamins that help skin glow.
Sustainability and sourcing
Apricot oil is a by-product of fruit harvests, making it a sustainable choice. No extra land is needed — the kernels that would otherwise be waste are pressed into this gentle oil.
Fun fact
In many cultures, apricots symbolise love and happiness. Their early blossoms are celebrated as one of the first signs of spring.
Used in
- Neve’s Bees Lip Balms (across the range)
- Neve’s Bees Tinted Lip and Cheek Balms (across the range)
- Neve’s Bees Hand Salves (across the range)
- Neve’s Bees Body Oils (across the range)
Final thoughts
Apricot kernel oil is a quiet star in our range — gentle, nurturing, and brimming with natural goodness. It’s a reminder that sometimes the softest touch is also the most powerful.
Julie Macken
After graduating with a Chemistry Degree and subsequent MBA, Julie spent 25 years 'in corporate life' working in Sales and Marketing for companies including Unilever and GSK. Her 'aha moment' came whilst running a marketing workshop in Brazil persuading South Americans to eat plastic-packed frozen chips instead of fresh potato.
Realising there were more fulfilling ways to utilise her skills, Julie founded Neve's Bees a family skincare business – creating a unique range of waterless skincare, using only natural and sustainable ingredients blended with Oxfordshire beeswax, promoting healthy skin and a healthy eco-system. Following a lifelong passion, Julie is also studying part time for a degree in Traditional Herbal Medicine.
Julie lives in Rural Oxfordshire with her husband, 2 children, 3 cats, 4 hens, 5 beehives, 6-acre wildflower meadow…and Bella the Dog.
