Raw Bitter Apricot Kernels

Bitter apricot kernels are widely used in cosmetics and face scrubs due to their high oil (comprised of beneficial oleic and linoleic acid) and nutrient (vitamin A, E and B17) content. Apricot kernels are also great when ground and used to exfoliate the skin. Our kernels are extremely high quality and are sourced from India (northern Ladakh region).

Ingredients: 100% Apricot kernels (bitter)
Country of Origin: India, northern Ladakh region
Botanical Name: Prunus armeniaca

Bitter Apricot Kernels for B17 – bitter kernels are said to contain vitamin B17 which is said to be a beneficial nutrient for the skin. The fact that B17 is relatively rare to find from other sources means that apricot kernels are a must for homemade facial scrubs and skincare products.

We have to say that apricot kernels are not intended for internal use due to containing amygdalin – a cyanogenic glycoside which results in the release of tiny amounts of cyanide during digestion of the kernels in the human gut.

The FSA say…

Update on FSA policy regarding the sale of apricot kernels and the recent introduction of the maximum level (ML) of 20 mg/kg for HCN in raw apricot kernels set in Commission Regulation EU 2017/1237 amending section 8 of the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006. This came into force from the 27 July 2017.

As such, we are now selling these bitter kernels, but not for human consumption and it is your responsibility, as the buyer, what you choose to do with this product. In purchasing this from Detox Trading we take no legal responsibility for your choice.

Why not organic?

We get this question very often, since apricot kernels are not being sold as a food product any longer (see above) they cannot be certified organic. Without this legal thumbs up from an organic certifying body there’s no way we can label them as organic.

Don’t be fooled – You’ll see US organic versions out there but the USA have slightly different laws for certifying organic foods, these wouldn’t be allowed to be sold as organic in the UK and there certainly isn’t equivalence in this case.

Check out our other skincare products here.

Suggested Use Bitter Apricot Kernels:

Please note we are not permitted to advise this product for internal use, instead we have to say they’re for cosmetic use only 😉

Packed on premises that handles nuts & seeds.