Aura Cacia • Apricot Kernel Oil • Treatments

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cubbiejoy88 on 4/22/2013 3:57:00 PM more reviews by cubbiejoy88

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I can see how this would be an amazing moisturizer but for my sensitive skin it is a big no-go! I have completely broken out all over my face since using this oil. However, it did not feel greasy and seemed to absorb nicely and left my skin feeling soft and supple. My skin just didn't like it. I am, however using it around my eyes as wrinkle prevention and haven't had any negative affects yet. It does seem to make my eyes look younger and I can't argue with that! :)

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*TOP REVIEWER* SorceressOfTheDark on 4/18/2013 11:21:00 AM more reviews by SorceressOfTheDark

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

This review is not for the brand listed, but it is for Apricot Kernel Oil. I purchased mine in the vegetarian health food section of a well-known grocery store. The label reads "Spectrum Organics expeller pressed, 100% naturally refined, marked excellent for skin care". I paid under 8 dollars for it and it's a decent size bottle. Do not buy synthetic oil, which has been stripped of its properties.
Since I've been into the OCM, I've been experimenting with various oils. I find using oils separately on my face in my daily facial regime to be most beneficial. I look at it this way. When I read the ingredients of my most trusted products, I find various oils in them. So I then take those oils and apply them sparingly to my skin. The results have been amazing. I haven't always liked all the oils 100% for my face, but I have liked them for various reasons.
Apricot Kernel Oil is an outstanding oil. I'll pour about a teaspoon into my palms. That sounds like a lot, doesn't it? Then I'll pat it into my face, under my eyes, and suddenly, it disappears into my skin, without any greasiness. This is after I have cleansed my skin and used my softener/toner. I was amazed the first time I did this with my Apricot Kernel Oil. I have tried other oils and they left my face rather greasy/oily. But not this one. My face just looked dewy. It takes roughly two teaspoons of oil to complete my face/neck/decolletage area/back of my hands. There is no greasy feel left. My skin absorbs this delightful oil, there is no fragrance and my skin just looks fresh. On top of that, my skin is gently hydrated. Not overly hydrated, just gently hydrated. I can do this morning or night. Next, I'll use my serum, then my moisturizer. Using this oil has allowed me to cut back on the amount of product I am using of serum/moisturizer, etc. What's left on my hands I'll run through my hair. It does not make my hair greasy at all, but rather just imparts a shine and has made my hair healthier, cured any frizzies and given it a boost for volume.
Apricot Kernel Oil is a carrier oil and should be refrigerated once opened. It's light and known for its moisturizing properties, balancing your skin, firming and toning your skin and hydration. It contains GLA, gamma linoleic acid, which maintains moisture balance. It also is rich in Vitamin A and E, which soothe the skin and slow the signs of aging. It also is used in hair treatments to restore shine.
It was discovered in China over three thousand years ago for its healing properties and the effects it has on skin and hair. That should give you a good idea how important this oil should be in your natural health cabinet for your skin preparations.
It's one of my HG of oils that I'll always keep around. Since I've been using it, I can see a difference in my hair. I notice a softness to my complexion. My skin products synergize together in a more positive way than before. The product is economical and it's making the total sum of my other products more economical, too. It's definitely a keeper for me. My skin is happier for it. Since it does go rancid eventually, use it also on your body to keep your overall skin soft and hydrated. It's an inexpensive alternative to high-priced moisturizers, yet it still has anti-aging properties. You're applying anti-aging moisturizers to your entire body for a fraction of the cost of what the big companies would charge you. Now that's a good deal.

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*TOP REVIEWER* trillium13 on 4/11/2013 8:22:00 PM more reviews by trillium13

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

This review is not for this specific brand, but apricot oil nonetheless. I had bought some to make homemade lip scrub with, which I did once. ;) While it did make a very nice scrub with brown sugar, I was too lazy to keep making it, so I had this oil sitting around. I use a different oil for makeup removal, so thought I would just try to use this up as a moisturizer. Turns out my skin seems to like it! I use just 2 drops for my whole face, and pat it in right after a shower at night. (it's just a bit too heavy for me to use during the day) It soaks right in and my face is super soft. It's not greasy at all. My skin is generally oily but this doesn't seem to make it worse, and it hasn't broken me out. I plan to keep using it since it feels nice and my skin seems happy with it. :)

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*TOP REVIEWER* Kalya on 3/15/2013 8:34:00 AM more reviews by Kalya

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Medium   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Apricot kernel oil, along with sesame oil and castor oil, is my favourite mix for the oil-cleansing regime. It works. Yes!
All the nasty blackheads, grime and other imperfections are reduced or diminished.
Skin is left soft and supple. Also the oil is easily absorbed into my skin, unlike oils like coconut or sunflower, which just stay on the skin surface.
I am not sure if it does anything for fine lines or wrinkles - neither do I care, as long as the skin is healthy and clean. I believe the wrinkles etc issues are based more on a holistic diet rather than creams and serums.

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Becky2009 on 8/12/2012 4:35:00 AM more reviews by Becky2009

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

Apricot kernel oil might be my favorite oil, and I love all oils! Others I use or have used regularly are jojoba, argan, camellia, rosehip, and tamanu. Why is apricot my favorite? I think because:
- it's super cheap, which means I can use it as a cleasner as well as a moisturiser (as opposed to say rosehip - too expensive to use as a cleanser)
- it goes on lightly and sinks in relatively fast
- very nourishing - particularly good in winter, when my skin can be dry.

Um... that's all I have. I don't know exactly why I love this so much, but I just know that when I use it my skin feels and looks great. I am trying to be ruthless with my skincare at the moment and only purchase/repurchase things I really love, but apricot oil is definitely on the "keep" list.

This is a review for apricot oil in general but the way, not a specific kind.

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*TOP REVIEWER* staci01 on 2/22/2012 10:58:00 PM more reviews by staci01

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Other, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Other    

I've had a bottle of this, the organic one, for over a year and it never dawned on me to use this alone on my skin. I was reading what I call the natural beauty Bible "Organic Body Care Recipes" by Stephanie Tourles and ran into apricot kernal oil again. The oil tightens skin and pores and has slight astringent quality. So I slathered some of this oil on my face and left it on for 4-5 minutes and then tissued the excess off and went to bed. When I woke up I had zero breakouts, my skin tone was even and over all my face looked chipper and happy. Decided to wait and keep trying it nightly as my skin is the moodiest thing ever and what starts out good most often turns out to be bad for my skin. It's been two weeks now and my skin is still getting along with this oil! Also I've noticed it really tightens pores! I've also been applying this oil to act as a protective barrier between my skin and foundation. I've yet to find a foundation that my skin gets along with so I have to deal with a few blemishes every time I use it. I stick with Lancome Dual Finish as it's the fairest shade I can find and also it's the closest I can find to MAC's StudioFix that's not StudioFix. After applying the oil, a moisturizer and the foundation my skin looked great and it also didn't freak out over the course of the day which is great. Also love the fact that it sinks into skin pretty quickly and doesn't make the skin look greasy or oily and doesn't, again, mess with foundation. I think this oil though may be a teeny bit drying but not much. The fact that it does such great things for my moody skin means I'll keep using it. Will always have this stuff on hand!

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*TOP REVIEWER* icaria on 11/18/2011 2:55:00 PM more reviews by icaria

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

For me this is a nice alternative to argan oil wich was a bit clogging, especially on my face/T-zone. It penetrates quickly & the next morning my skin, especially my décolleté, feel smooth & comfortable. I got a small bottle for about $6 CAD so I didn't break the bank. Another nice little addition.

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*TOP REVIEWER* glamstep on 9/24/2011 4:51:00 PM more reviews by glamstep

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Black    

After Katrina Kaif (People's Magazine declared India's most Beautiful Women earlier this year) known for her glowing perfect skin confessed on being addicted to Anne Semonin's Apricot Kernel oil I had to try it. Even if that meant shelling out $130 USD for 1 oz for THAT brand!!!! It seriously feels like a makeup primer going on, it feels so so SOOoo silky smooth & just vanishes into the skin QUICKLY. My skin feels soo supple to the touch, but my eyes cant see a trace of it in any lighting! I use this in the morning before a cleanser because its a natural exfoliate, allowing cleansers to do their job better & then at night again to lock in moisture. Its stood the test of time even during the dry cold weather of NY, my face no longer cracks upon smiling or flake like dandruff (GROss I know) This has never given me any breakouts & has no scent. This would replace my daily moisturizer had it any spf, matter of fact I can just use sunblock now instead because this covers ALL my other needs.


FYI this oil is safe for even the most sensitive skin-acne, eczema, dermatitis etc (actually its used in baby products commonly) Its rich with Vitamins A and E linoleic, oelic (essential fatty acids) that give its anti-inflammatory properties; i.e improves blood flow & helps building firmer,elastic skin over time. Its popularly used in massage therapies to revitalize & refresh skin & even in hair products! It prevents hair loss, by strengthening the follicles.Their ton of recipes out there & you can/should find one that best suits you. O yea I bought THIS brand at Whole Foods for $4 for 4 oz & its the SAME STUFF as Anne Semonin----what a steal! (& what a ripoff right?)

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Jstar2009 on 7/9/2011 9:04:00 PM more reviews by Jstar2009

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I love, love, love this oil. I have dry, yet acne prone skin (how lucky am I!?) so I'm always experimenting with hydrating creams/oils to get a glow back to my skin. I have given up on face creams to hydrate (I've tried everything) so now I use oil blends and have experimented with quite a few. Squalane and macadamia are firm favourites- added to these two is Apricot KerneL Oil. It makes my skin GLOW! I was shocked at how soothing and hydrating this oil is- it just really infuses my skin with that *healthy* look. Its a HG oil- one that I will be adding to squalane and macadamia. I Love it! :P p.s. I pick mine up from Wholefoods.

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kerroppi on 4/23/2011 10:09:00 PM more reviews by kerroppi

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Great oil for my face. Has definitely helped with my acne. Before this, I used sesame oil but it the oil was dryer and didn't help clear acne. AKO is thinner, but more nourishing. Thus, I was surprised when it actually helped with my acne. I put 1-2 drops of this on my damp face after washing and start under the eyes, then massage it throughout my face. Great stuff. will repurchase. Only facial moisturizer I use. Has helped with my oily skin...now I produce less oil.

edit: after a couple of months, I've noticed that this has resulted in consistent blemishes on the areas that I put it. I've started only putting it under my eyes, but have noticed that sometimes I develop blemishes on my upper cheeks, where the oil must have touched. Such a pity, as this is a very nice and nourishing oil that moisturizes well and doesn't make my face seem like an oil slick. However, I will not be using this for my face anymore, maybe body.

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maryamaz on 1/16/2011 1:42:00 AM more reviews by maryamaz

Age: 25-29   Skin: Very Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I throw a couple drops of this in with my conditioner when my ends are especially dry, and it makes a real difference in my hair texture. I'd be very careful about the amount used; when I've gone up to 4-5 drops, my hair looks terrible and oily. I use this as a makeup remover as well. I'm not sure if that's a great idea, but it's so effective and so cheap, plus it's nourishing.

I bought a big 16 oz. bottle of this from an online store (Majestic Mountain Sage, under the "Fixed Oil" section) a couple years ago and I'm still nowhere near finishing the bottle.

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*TOP REVIEWER* untinnu on 12/8/2010 9:03:00 AM more reviews by untinnu

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I tried this based on review. Before this, extra virgin coconut oil was my night moisturizer (review in it's respective place).
This oil feels nice, it did felt thick, but it sunk in quickly and didn't feel as greasy as coconut oil. Sad to say that it did nothing for my skin, not only that, but after three days, I end up with white heads on my Tzone and chin. I went back to coconut oil, and after two days, my face is cleared..
I will use up the rest on my hair and body, will be back to review for that.
I most likely won't be repurchasing.

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*TOP REVIEWER* AuNatural716 on 11/21/2010 9:22:00 PM more reviews by AuNatural716

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

OMG, I thought I found my HG moisturizing oil (for the winter) with hazelnut oil, but I decided to try this anyway...this IS AMAZING..doesn't clog my pores at all and just gives me a glow! Makes my skin SOOOOO smooth and decreases my clogs/zits drastically, especially with the addition of a drop of neem oil! I rub 2-3 drops of AKO into damp skin, and wake up in the morning to smooth, RADIANT skin! Hazelnut is good too, but it does not do much for my acne or give me skin this SMOOTH and REFINED! I love this, and consider this HG status! No peculiar smell either, so that's great! I bought the NOW brand for only $4.00 too, so I will definitely continue purchasing and using this!

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av315 on 9/30/2010 6:38:00 PM more reviews by av315

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I am 28 with normal, sensitive and acne-prone skin. I don't have very dry skin so I was sure my skin would go bezerk with pure apricot kernel oil since most skincare products make me break out, especially on my forehead and around my hairline and chin. But NO, this stuff is pure goodness for my skin! It doesn't clog my pores and it seems to go on smooth (not dry like grapeseed oil) but without being greasy like EVOO or Avocado oil (although I definitely would only put AKO on at night). I just lightly blot it and a little while later it's absorbed. I agree with others that the bottle I bought definitely makes it hard to not pour too much. It has a very neutral pleasant smell and blends great with essential oils.

UPDATE: I left for four days and somehow left without my AKO and went without moisturizer those nights. Anyway, the second or third day, the tiny bumps that I had along my jawline and hairline came back! People told me that AKO keeps your skin clear which seemed unlikely given how rich the oil is. I just didn't want it to CREATE problems where there were none, I wasn't expecting it to solve any. I now believe. I am back and I've been back on plain AKO with nothing added for three days and the bumps started clearing up after the second night of me using the oil again.

Summary: not expensive, it's rich without being greasy, neutral smelling, doesn't clog pores (may even clear things up), cruelty-free and as natural as you can get.

UPDATE: My friend suggested I try putting AKO on my hair which I did. It seems greasy and like it isn't going to absorb (kind of like on your skin) but an hour later my hair feels SILKY SMOOTH! Is there anything this stuff cannot do?!

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*TOP REVIEWER* gabiinchicago on 8/20/2010 5:32:00 PM more reviews by gabiinchicago

Age: 44-55   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

Update: it's been seven months, and my skin still loves this oil. Cannot do any wrong with my acne-prone skin. Keeps it clear and moisturized--and removes everything.

I've changed my method a bit now that it's warming up: wash with cetaphil, rinse, then apply oil and massage for 1-2 minutes. Rinse out two baby wipes (to get the chemicals out) and wipe off oil. Apply fav moisturizer and go.

Update: it's been a month, and my skin just loves this stuff. I stopped using it for a week just because I thought I didn't need the extra moisture since it's been so humid, and after a week of not using it, I had a breakout. I applied the oil and massaged for a few minutes, and the next morning, completely clear again! I never would have guessed that oil would help my skin, and I've tried other oils, but this one has something different. Try it.

I've been using this for about a week now, since starting back with my glycolic 35% peels (now that summer is coming to an end) to help with the flakies because my moisturizer is so light that it doesn't have enough staying power. Even though I'm acne-prone, I haven't had any problems yet, and I usually react after 3-4 days. I will update if that changes.

I'm using it to massage in after cleansing with Cetaphil. I don't really wipe it off, but if there's excess, I use a blotter.

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PinkMademoiselle on 6/16/2010 12:45:00 PM more reviews by PinkMademoiselle

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

Ladies, I may have stumbled onto the holiest of HGs. I have the absolute worst skin-type: very sensitive and prone to both dryness and acne. It's near impossible to find products that can balance the two variables. If I over-moisturize I get massive breakouts and if under-moisturize for the sake of acne, I get dry patches and tightness. It doesn't help that my skin is easily sensitized by fragrance, anti-aging ingredients, heavy silicones and a lot of natural extracts. I finally learned to avoid overly formulated products. The ones labeled as "natural" are just as irritating, if not more. Keeping it simple is the best thing I've ever done for my skin, but not after much trial and error. I've tried jojoba, grapeseed, avocado, and EVOO on their own and mixed with other moisturizers. None hit the spot quite like Apricot Kernel Oil. This is just right. It feels like pure heaven on my skin, not too heavy or greasy, or pore-clogging like EVOO, not drying like grapeseed. It sinks in beautifully. I will slather it on liberally at night and will have zero breakouts in the morning. I love waking up with even healthy-looking skin. I also use it as a pre-cleanser to help dissolve makeup. I love that I don't have to worry about harmful ingredients or irritation, it's like mother nature created this amazing oil specifically for my skin-type. It is believed to have the most potent anti-aging properties and is touted as a hidden beauty secret among older generations of women. I'm 28 and while I do have pre-mature wrinkles, I haven't used it long enough to confirm this. What I do know that it is the best moisturizer I've tried to date.

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*TOP REVIEWER* gommiebears on 1/26/2010 9:59:00 PM more reviews by gommiebears

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Dark, Cool   Hair: Black, Kinky, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

This is actually a review for Hobe brand of apricot kernel oil but it is essentially the same thing. Anyway, I like this oil because it is pretty good at removing makeup, including mascara and gel eyeliner. It doesn't irritate my skin or cause a burning sensation, unlike Origins cleansing oil. It is also a humectant, which is a good thing even if you have oily skin. You can find it at plenty of health food stores. The only con is that it doesn't emulsify when it comes into contact with water but then again it is oil *shrugs*. I purchased the four ounce bottle but plan to get the bigger bottle when I run out.

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*TOP REVIEWER* product_junkie6 on 1/19/2010 12:38:00 PM more reviews by product_junkie6

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Tan   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

PROS:
This makes an excellent body scrub when mixed with sugar!

The oil is light and doesn't have much of a scent to it, which makes it perfect for applying to your body before bed. It's also really nice to apply this to your legs after you shave.

CONS:
I find it to be a bit more greasy than grapeseed oil (but less so than coconut oil)
It's hard to control how much oil comes out of the bottle, you have to just tilt it gently to avoid pouring out too much.

I am on my second bottle and will keep purchasing this!

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twistedlogic on 10/20/2009 4:46:00 PM more reviews by twistedlogic

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

This is also a review for apricot oil in general.

Apricot oil is my ONLY one true holy grail in the entire world that I have ever encountered. Yes, I am pretty passionate about it. I will never ever be without it again. Nothing has ever made my skin so radiant, moisturized and glow with health. Nothing. It's great for around the eye area also, it makes my eyes look much less tired and practically removes dark circles and whatever lines I might have.
It's great for the body too, obviously, great for hands and nails, feet, lips. All over.
I've gone through my share of products over the years, and this is the only thing that has ever truly fucking impressed me. It's fucking amazing.

Miracle product? YOU BETCHA. Go try it, right now. You can get it at like health stores, and in my experience it's pretty cheap.

100% apricot kernel oil... Will you marry me?

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korean on 3/18/2009 2:12:00 PM more reviews by korean

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

1st off i only use the one that says organic, which is kinda hard to find lately.

it has a light nutty scent, didn't break me out, takes a while to absorb so i use it after showers, the bottle squirts out a little to much at a time,but all in all its a great natural product.

i use it on my face, arms,legs, feet, lips, hands and under eye.
it hasn't taken away fine lines, but when i wake up in the morning my skin looks supple and smooth.

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