The apricot is a fruit belonging to the Rosaceae family. Originating from Asia, apricot trees are now cultivated in Africa, Southern Europe, Asian countries, and Australia. The apricot, much like the peach, is a fleshy fruit that possesses a hard pit containing a seed, also referred to as an almond. It is from this pit that the apricot oil is extracted, typically through mechanical pressing or with the aid of a solvent. Rich in fatty acids and other active ingredients, this vegetable oil is widely used in cosmetics to care for one's skin and can be applied in its pure form. It's worth noting that there are currently no contraindications regarding the use of apricot oil around the eye area.
Possessing a high moisturizing power, the apricot vegetable oil can help compensate for the scarcity of sebaceous glands in this facial area. Indeed, the high presence of oleic acid in its composition (nearly 70%) allows it to fulfill a protective role similar to that of the hydrolipidic film. Thus, by limiting water loss around the eye contour, apricot oil prevents dehydration fine lines. Moreover, its content in vitamin E, carotenoids, and phytosterols, antioxidant compounds, allows it to delay skin aging and prevent hyperpigmentation problems by inhibiting oxidative stress. Antioxidants also protect collagen and elastin fibers from free radical attacks.
This support is also evident through the anti-collagenase and anti-elastase properties of apricot vegetable oil. An in vitro study indeed showed that this botanical extract can inhibit, in a dose-dependent manner, the activities of collagenase and elastase, the enzymes responsible for the degradation of collagen and elastase respectively. These results are promising regarding the effects of apricot oil on the signs of aging, which often appear prematurely around the eye contour. However, caution is necessary as, for now, only an in vitro study has demonstrated this property.
Key Takeaway : Apricot oil primarily provides hydration to the eye contour and may potentially help prevent wrinkles and bags due to a possible tightening activity. However, it will have no effect on dark circles, regardless of their type.