Though not as popular a skincare oil as jojoba, rosehip, or even almond – both apricot and grapeseed oil have a variety of uses beyond that of carrier oil for other stronger essential oils like rosemary, ylang ylang, lavender, or roman chamomile.

You can create your own formulation by pairing apricot oil or grapeseed oil with a few drops of another calming essential oil like lavender or a balsam fir, or you can incorporate them into an already established skincare routine by using them as oil cleansers or moisturizers.

 All About Apricot Oil

One major benefit of apricot oil is that it seamlessly works well with most other skincare products. Besides, it is emollient and anti-inflammatory for those with irritation, or who need help with dark circles, fine lines, or wrinkles.

Apricot oil is extracted from the apricot kernel inside the fruit – it has no odor and is generally well tolerated by all skin types, although those with severe acne may want to avoid use and opt for jojoba or shea butter. Apricot kernel oil is ‘mildly’ comedogenic, meaning it may exacerbate oil production by clogging pores. On a scale of 0-5, it ranks as a 2. Those without acne-prone skin can comfortably use it, and should not experience any issues with daily use.  

Apricot oil is rich in bioactive compounds and contains beta-sitosterol, oleic acid, and tocopherols. This help to lock in moisture, reduce inflammation and skin irritation, and protect the skin against damage while hydrating. Apricot is antioxidant-rich and nourishing.

Apricot kernel oil is a good choice for ‘oil cleansing,’ as it can help to remove dead skin cells, and in turn, brighten skin. It is known to also help reduce dark spots, dark circles under the eyes, and blemishes. While many people may automatically think of foam when they hear ‘cleanse,’ oil is an effective tool to use with the simple addition of a washcloth.

To do an oil cleanse, simply apply 1-2 teaspoons of apricot oil in the palm of your hand, and apply the oil to your face before wetting it. Gently massage the oil into your skin to remove makeup, impurities, or blackheads, and allow the oil to penetrate. Then, use a dampened, warm washcloth or microfiber towel to wipe away the oil. Do not press or aggressively wipe. Pat dry with a towel and apply a moisturizer after finishing.

 The Goods on Grapeseed 

Grapeseed oil is another natural skin care and culinary oil that is often extracted from the grape seeds that have been left over from winemaking.

Grapeseed oil is especially rich in omega-6 fatty acids – while people may be concerned about watching omega-6 intake from dietary sources to keep their omega-3 to omega-6 ratio in check when it comes to skincare oils, omega-6 fatty acids confer protection from inflammation, sunburn, irritation, free radical damage, and wrinkles. This can contribute to more youthful, radiant-looking skin.

In addition to boasting a high omega-6 content, grapeseed oil is also especially rich in antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, and polyphenols – the grape seed has a higher E content than alternative skincare oils like apricot, olive, or coconut.

Opting for ‘organic’ or natural brands means you can feel confident that the grapeseed oil wasn’t extracted using harsh solvents like hexane – which is often the case with commercially available grapeseed oils (and by extension, many vegetable or plant oils).

Grapeseed oil tends to be less comedogenic than apricot, so that may convince those with acne or oily skin to use grapeseed instead of apricot. Compared to the apricot’s comedogenic rating scale of 2, grapeseed falls at a 1. Grapeseed oil also holds natural anti-microbial properties making it more useful than apricot for acne-prone or oily skin.

While grapeseed oil can also be used as an oil cleanser, like apricot. It would probably work better as a natural moisturizer compared to apricot, used after cleansing. The proanthocyanins, powerful antioxidants naturally found in grapeseed, are extremely concentrated when compared to other skincare oils, which can combat breakouts, reduce redness and puffiness, lighten blemishes and scarring, boost natural collagen production, and even skin tone – all while hydrating and firming the skin naturally.