What is Apricot Kernel Oil?
Apricot Kernel Oil (INCI name: Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil) is a plant- or seed-derived oil. A light, fast-absorbing oil rated 2/5, popular in facial oils for its low weight.
You may see it on labels as Apricot Kernel Oil, Apricot Oil, Apricot, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, so it can hide under more than one name in an ingredient list.
Where Apricot Kernel Oil shows up
You'll most often find Apricot Kernel Oil in facial oils, cleansing balms, moisturisers, hair products, and many products marketed as natural. Separately from clogging, its irritancy is rated 0/5 — low, so it's unlikely to sting or sensitise on its own.
Is Apricot Kernel Oil bad for acne-prone skin?
Because it barely registers on the comedogenic scale, Apricot Kernel Oil is generally a safe pick for breakout-prone skin and is often recommended as a gentler alternative to heavier ingredients.
Note for fungal-acne (malassezia) sufferers: Apricot Kernel Oil is commonly avoided in fungal-acne routines, since it falls into the fatty-acid or ester families the yeast can feed on. The evidence there is looser than for comedogenicity — see our fungal-acne checker for context.