What are the benefits of apricot oil for the nails?

The apricot oil, extracted from the seeds of the apricot fruit, is a gentle vegetable oil with a relatively dry touch and amber reflections. It is found in various cosmetic products where it is recognisable by its INCI name: Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil. The vegetable apricot oil contains several bioactive compounds that are the source of its numerous skin and hair properties. Hydrating and nourishing, it helps to soften and protect the skin and hair fibres, making them supple. This vegetable oil is also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, properties that are again interesting for both skin health and that of the scalp.

Please note : Slightly comedogenic, its use on the skin is not recommended for individuals with oily skin.

An integral part of the fingers, the role of nails is not merely aesthetic. Indeed, this semi-transparent plate fulfils a genuine hygienic and protective function. The majority of the nail is composed of keratin, a fibrous structural protein also present in hair fibres and skin. An insoluble protein in the skin, keratin ensures the impermeability of nails. However, it can become damaged due to a deficiency in nutrients or minerals in the body or certain bad habits such as biting them or frequently exposing them to chemical products. To strengthen the keratin and protect the nails, the use of apricot oil can be beneficial.

• Apricot oil for hydrating and nourishing nails : This vegetable oil is rich in oleic and linoleic acids, fatty acids that can be beneficial for nail health. Indeed, these compounds possess moisturising properties useful for strengthening the cuticle of the nails and preventing them from splitting. Moreover, by ensuring their hydration, apricot oil makes them shinier.

• Apricot oil for preventing fungal infections : This botanical extract can also be used to combat fungal colonisations of the nails due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides in its composition. These are fungicidal molecules whose action against various fungi such as Fusarium oxysporum, Athelia rolfsii or Macrophomina phaseolina has been established by various scientific studies. The application of apricot oil can thus help to protect the nails and cuticles from infections and fungal diseases.

• Apricot oil for protecting nails from oxidative stress : Nails are not immune to the attacks of free radicals. Apricot oil can help prevent oxidative stress due to its richness in antioxidants, particularly phytosterols, carotenoids and tocopherols. By thus protecting the nail cuticle, apricot oil helps to prevent their breakage.

Please note : Even though apricot oil appears to be a promising ingredient for moisturising and protecting nails, it's important to bear in mind that there are currently no scientific studies proving its benefits for nails.

Apricot oil should be applied regularly to the nails to provide real benefits. There are several ways to use it, detailed below.

• Through massage.

  To strengthen your nails, you can apply a drop of apricot oil to each one daily and massage until fully absorbed. It can be applied directly with your finger, or using an applicator brush, like a nail varnish. After a few days, your nails will appear stronger.

• In an oil bath.

  It is also possible to allow apricot oil to work for a longer period by using it as an oil bath. To do this, immerse your nails in a small basin filled with vegetable oil and wait for about fifteen minutes. This technique is indeed time-consuming but proves to be very effective in giving the apricot oil time to act. This bath can be carried out once a week.

• As a mask.

  Your nails can also benefit from the advantages of apricot oil during your sleep. In the evening, coat your nails with vegetable oil and then wrap them in cellophane wraps. You are then ready to go to sleep and wake up to find hydrated and shiny nails.

• BERKER D. Nail Anatomy. Clinics in Dermatology (2013).

• TIAN F. & al. Composition and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of white apricot almond (Amygdalus communis L.) oil. European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology (2011).

• SHARMA H. & al. Evaluation of the antifungal activity of essential oil from bitter apricot (Prunus armeniaca) kernels. Indian Phytopathology (2016).

• QADIR R. & al. Cold pressed apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) kernel oil. Cold Pressed Oils (2020).