When July settles over Malatya, the air itself turns sweet with the scent of sun-ripened apricots. This land along the Euphrates is known as the apricot capital of the world; across thousands of acres, branches bend under the weight of orange fruit, and during harvest season village squares and rooftops turn gold with apricots drying in the sun. But the quiet hero of this story hides inside the fruit, behind a hard shell: the kernel. As apricots are dried and brought to the table, the almond-sized seed found inside the cracked kernel carries a piece of knowledge passed down through generations in Anatolian villages, rarely spoken of outside them. This little seed holds a light, nourishing oil that grandmothers have used for skin care for as long as anyone can remember. Dried apricots may be the star of our tables, but the oil hidden in the kernel belongs to a much quieter tradition, passed from hand to hand.
Let's be clear from the start: apricot kernel oil is not sold on its own on Ülker Sofuoğlu's shelves. This oil comes together with beeswax and other cold-pressed plant oils as a raw ingredient inside formulas like the Hand & Foot Care Cream, Heel Cream, Manicure Cream, Ayşe's Cream, and the Hand & Nail Care Set. So there is no need to look for a bottle of pure apricot kernel oil; you experience its contribution through the texture and effect of the cream it is blended into.
Why is this oil cold-pressed? When the seed inside the kernel is pressed using only mechanical pressure, without any heat, the delicate vitamins and fatty acids inside stay largely intact. Oils extracted with heat or chemical solvents lose some of these valuable components along the way, much like overcooking fruit dulls its flavour and nutrients. Cold pressing, by contrast, is closer to picking the fruit straight from the branch and bringing it to the table; nothing in between dulls its freshness. This is exactly why cold-pressed oils are favoured in Ülker Sofuoğlu's formulas: every oil that goes into a cream stays as close as possible to its natural state.
In terms of composition, apricot kernel oil is largely made up of oleic acid and linoleic acid, a pairing that gives it a texture reminiscent of almond oil but somewhat lighter and more fluid. Being rich in vitamins A and E makes it particularly valuable for dry and mature skin. Vitamin E is a recognised antioxidant, while vitamin A is counted among the components that support the skin's natural structure. This composition is the core reason the oil is described as both light and nourishing.
So what does it actually do for the skin? Used regularly, it can contribute to the skin's moisture balance and help the surface feel softer and smoother. Its light texture allows it to penetrate without weighing skin down, supporting the sense of elasticity. This is not a promise of dramatic transformation; apricot kernel oil is a measured, quiet companion to daily skin care. Skin struggling with dryness may, over time, show a more balanced and lively appearance as a result.
This oil is worth discussing especially for dry and mature skin; as we age, the skin's natural oil production slows, which can leave it feeling more sensitive and tight. Apricot kernel oil's light, nourishing structure steps in right at that point. It suits hands, the area around the nails, heels, and the face; it can make a real difference on hands roughened by winter and on thinner, more delicate areas of skin. It also feels comfortable on younger skin, never heavy.
Ülker Sofuoğlu's 38 years of manicure and pedicure experience know exactly which hands need which kind of support. Hands aging, drying out, and worn by daily work need an oil that is light yet effective, and apricot kernel oil strikes precisely that balance. Being both a treasure of Anatolian soil and a light texture that balances heavier oils in the formula makes it a valuable, dependable ingredient in the creams.
A few tips for using the cream that contains this oil. Applying it while skin is still slightly damp, right after washing your hands for instance, helps it absorb more easily. Taking a small amount of cream and massaging it into the nail beds with small circular motions helps both the cuticles and the skin look better cared for. It also suits an evening ritual well; through the night, skin quietly benefits from the cream's support. Applying a thin layer once or twice a day to the area that needs it is enough.
A question that comes up often: is apricot kernel oil the same as almond oil? No, they come from different trees; although their fatty acid profiles are similar, apricot kernel oil generally offers a lighter texture. Another common misunderstanding is thinking this oil should be applied straight from a bottle in its pure form. In Ülker Sofuoğlu's creams, though, it is carefully formulated alongside other cold-pressed oils in a balanced ratio; its real strength comes from that balance.
Proper storage of creams containing apricot kernel oil matters too. Closing the lid tightly after use and keeping the cream in a cool spot away from direct sunlight preserves the freshness of the oils inside for longer. A cupboard shelf is a better choice than the warm, humid air of a bathroom; this small habit helps protect the cream's texture and scent.
Every skin is different, so we recommend testing a small area on the inside of your arm before first use. If you have a known skin condition, it is worth consulting a specialist before use. These products are meant for daily care, not treatment. If you would like to experience this quiet, sun-ripened treasure of Malatya in Ülker Sofuoğlu's handmade creams, we invite you to take a look at our shop.
Let's be clear from the start: apricot kernel oil is not sold on its own on Ülker Sofuoğlu's shelves. This oil comes together with beeswax and other cold-pressed plant oils as a raw ingredient inside formulas like the Hand & Foot Care Cream, Heel Cream, Manicure Cream, Ayşe's Cream, and the Hand & Nail Care Set. So there is no need to look for a bottle of pure apricot kernel oil; you experience its contribution through the texture and effect of the cream it is blended into.
Why is this oil cold-pressed? When the seed inside the kernel is pressed using only mechanical pressure, without any heat, the delicate vitamins and fatty acids inside stay largely intact. Oils extracted with heat or chemical solvents lose some of these valuable components along the way, much like overcooking fruit dulls its flavour and nutrients. Cold pressing, by contrast, is closer to picking the fruit straight from the branch and bringing it to the table; nothing in between dulls its freshness. This is exactly why cold-pressed oils are favoured in Ülker Sofuoğlu's formulas: every oil that goes into a cream stays as close as possible to its natural state.
In terms of composition, apricot kernel oil is largely made up of oleic acid and linoleic acid, a pairing that gives it a texture reminiscent of almond oil but somewhat lighter and more fluid. Being rich in vitamins A and E makes it particularly valuable for dry and mature skin. Vitamin E is a recognised antioxidant, while vitamin A is counted among the components that support the skin's natural structure. This composition is the core reason the oil is described as both light and nourishing.
So what does it actually do for the skin? Used regularly, it can contribute to the skin's moisture balance and help the surface feel softer and smoother. Its light texture allows it to penetrate without weighing skin down, supporting the sense of elasticity. This is not a promise of dramatic transformation; apricot kernel oil is a measured, quiet companion to daily skin care. Skin struggling with dryness may, over time, show a more balanced and lively appearance as a result.
This oil is worth discussing especially for dry and mature skin; as we age, the skin's natural oil production slows, which can leave it feeling more sensitive and tight. Apricot kernel oil's light, nourishing structure steps in right at that point. It suits hands, the area around the nails, heels, and the face; it can make a real difference on hands roughened by winter and on thinner, more delicate areas of skin. It also feels comfortable on younger skin, never heavy.
Ülker Sofuoğlu's 38 years of manicure and pedicure experience know exactly which hands need which kind of support. Hands aging, drying out, and worn by daily work need an oil that is light yet effective, and apricot kernel oil strikes precisely that balance. Being both a treasure of Anatolian soil and a light texture that balances heavier oils in the formula makes it a valuable, dependable ingredient in the creams.
A few tips for using the cream that contains this oil. Applying it while skin is still slightly damp, right after washing your hands for instance, helps it absorb more easily. Taking a small amount of cream and massaging it into the nail beds with small circular motions helps both the cuticles and the skin look better cared for. It also suits an evening ritual well; through the night, skin quietly benefits from the cream's support. Applying a thin layer once or twice a day to the area that needs it is enough.
A question that comes up often: is apricot kernel oil the same as almond oil? No, they come from different trees; although their fatty acid profiles are similar, apricot kernel oil generally offers a lighter texture. Another common misunderstanding is thinking this oil should be applied straight from a bottle in its pure form. In Ülker Sofuoğlu's creams, though, it is carefully formulated alongside other cold-pressed oils in a balanced ratio; its real strength comes from that balance.
Proper storage of creams containing apricot kernel oil matters too. Closing the lid tightly after use and keeping the cream in a cool spot away from direct sunlight preserves the freshness of the oils inside for longer. A cupboard shelf is a better choice than the warm, humid air of a bathroom; this small habit helps protect the cream's texture and scent.
Every skin is different, so we recommend testing a small area on the inside of your arm before first use. If you have a known skin condition, it is worth consulting a specialist before use. These products are meant for daily care, not treatment. If you would like to experience this quiet, sun-ripened treasure of Malatya in Ülker Sofuoğlu's handmade creams, we invite you to take a look at our shop.
