Apricot kernel powder: what it is and how to use it

Among the recurring ingredients in face and body care, apricot kernel powder stands out as a true essential. Natural, easy to incorporate into formulations and gentle on the skin, it’s a go-to ingredient. But where does it come from, how does it differ from the apricot kernel itself, what can it do for your skin, and how should you use it, whether in homemade treatments or ready-to-use products?

What is apricot kernel powder?

It is a powdered solution, more or less fine, made from the grinding of apricot kernel shells. The grinding step is generally followed by additional steps:

• sieving, to remove the coarsest particles;
• sterilisation, typically carried out using steam, which contributes to its microbiological purity.

It is a prized ingredient in cosmetics, primarily used in exfoliating products:

• face and body scrubs;
• exfoliating foot and hand treatments;
• exfoliating soaps;
• exfoliating shower gels and creams.

Finally, it’s worth noting that apricot kernel powder does not contain the small almond-like seeds found inside the stones. These are removed before grinding and are instead used to produce apricot vegetable oil, which is also widely used in cosmetics.

Apricot stone, shell or kernel: what’s the difference?

An apricot stone is made up of two parts, each with a different use in cosmetics. The hard shell is ground and then sieved to produce apricot kernel powder, valued for its exfoliating action in scrubs, soaps and shower gels. The kernel, tucked away inside, is mainly used to make apricot oil, which also features in cosmetics.

So when people talk about the benefits of apricot kernels for the skin, they are mostly referring to the powder, used as an exfoliant, and to the oil pressed from the kernel, which can go alongside it in a homemade treatment.

Apricot kernel powder: what are the benefits?

The main benefit of apricot kernel powder is that it makes a natural exfoliant and blends easily into all kinds of cosmetics, whether homemade preparations or shop-bought products (conventional and organic alike).

The skin, the largest organ of the human body, is constantly renewing itself. Every day, skin cells die and are replaced by new ones. The only catch: dead cells (particularly keratinocytes, which produce the keratin that gives skin its protective barrier) remain on the surface of the epidermis and build up there. When this layer of dead cells becomes too thick, the skin can look dull, dry and rough. Worse still, pores tend to become clogged, leading to blemishes and ingrown hairs. That’s why regular exfoliation is recommended. And that’s where apricot kernel powder comes in! Added to a body care product, it can:

• help remove excess dead cells from the surface of the epidermis;
• leave the skin feeling softer to the touch, with a smoother look;
• prepare it for other treatments;
• through the mechanical action of massage, also be used on areas of uneven skin (such as those marked by stretch marks);
• give the skin a look of radiance (see also our tips on firmness).

How to use apricot kernel powder?

1- As a DIY treatment

If you love making your own skincare at home, apricot kernel powder is a perfect ingredient for creating your own exfoliants. For example:

• you can make an exfoliating cream by mixing 3 tsp of powder into a neutral cream base (available at organic stores) with a few drops of natural apricot aromatic extract;
• you can also create a nourishing exfoliating paste using clay (approx. 10 g), apricot kernel powder (2 g), apricot vegetable oil (1 to 2 ml) and water (10 ml).

2- Choosing quality products

If you prefer a more convenient option but still love naturally formulated skincare, you’ll be pleased to know that many “clean” cosmetics are now widely available on the market.

At Cellublue, we have a passion for nature! That’s why we rely, when developing our products, on active ingredients and components derived from nature. Both of our scrubs contain apricot kernel powder:

• our Stretch Mark Scrub, which exfoliates the skin and prepares it to receive other treatments (including our Stretch Mark Serum);
• our Cellulite Scrub, which works both mechanically on the skin (through massage and exfoliation) and through its formula enriched with caffeine.

Related articles

• Castor oil and stretch marks: what to know
• Stretch mark treatments: how to reduce their appearance
• Black seed oil and stretch marks: what you need to know

Useful categories: Anti-Cellulite Care, Anti-Cellulite Solutions.