Global Apricot Oil Market Size, Share, Analysis Report By Application (Cosmetics, Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, Others), By Distribution Channel (Hypermarket/Supermarket, Convenience Store, Online, Others) , By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2025-2034

Report Overview

The Global Apricot Oil Market size is expected to be worth around USD 3.5 Billion by 2034, from USD 2.0 Billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. In 2024, Asia Pacific held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 31.67% share, holding USD 0.6 Billion revenue.

Apricot oil concentrates—usually cold-pressed or solvent/supercritical-CO₂ extracts from apricot kernels (Prunus armeniaca)—are valued as light, high-oleic emollients for skincare and as specialty edible oils. Typical fatty-acid profiles are dominated by oleic (≈60–71%) and linoleic (≈20–24%) acids with low saturates, while kernels themselves contain about 45–52% extractable oil; together these traits underpin desirable spreadability, oxidative stability, and nutrition claims. Phytosterols and tocopherols add functionality for cosmetics and nutraceuticals.

• For instance, studies have shown that enzyme treatments can increase oil recovery from apricot kernels by up to 14.22% compared to traditional methods. These innovations not only enhance production efficiency but also align with the growing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products.

In terms of production, the global apricot harvested area was reported at 562,475 hectares, yielding 3.72 million metric tons in 2020. Turkey stands as the leading producer, followed by countries like Uzbekistan, Iran, and Algeria. However, the U.S. has observed a 62% decline in apricot-bearing acreage over the past two decades, primarily due to competition from imported processed apricot products and a shift towards higher-value commodities.

Key Takeaways

• Apricot Oil Market size is expected to be worth around USD 3.5 Billion by 2034, from USD 2.0 Billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 5.7%.
• Cosmetics held a dominant market position in the apricot oil segment, capturing more than a 38.3% share.
• Hypermarket and supermarket channels held a dominant position in the apricot oil market, capturing more than a 39.2% share.
• Asia Pacific region emerged as the clear leader in the global apricot oil market, accounting for about 31.67% of the total volume and yielding approximately USD 0.6 billion.

By Application Analysis

Cosmetics lead apricot oil application with 38.3% market share in 2024 due to rising demand for natural skincare oils.

In 2024, cosmetics held a dominant market position in the apricot oil segment, capturing more than a 38.3% share. This strong lead is mainly due to the growing demand for plant-based and clean-label personal care products. Apricot oil, rich in oleic and linoleic acids, has become a go-to ingredient in moisturizers, facial oils, massage blends, and hair care formulations. Its non-greasy texture and fast absorption make it highly suitable for a range of cosmetic uses, especially in formulations designed for sensitive or dry skin.

Manufacturers are increasingly promoting cold-pressed apricot kernel oil as a premium-grade base oil for anti-aging, skin softening, and baby care products. This has especially driven demand in Europe and North America, where organic and sustainable skincare trends continue to rise. Government regulations supporting reduced use of synthetic additives in cosmetics—such as the European Union’s Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009—have encouraged formulators to incorporate more natural oils like apricot oil.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Hypermarket/Supermarket dominates with 39.2% due to strong retail visibility and trusted shelf presence.

In 2024, hypermarket and supermarket channels held a dominant position in the apricot oil market, capturing more than a 39.2% share. This leading position reflects the strength of brick-and-mortar retail formats in offering both visibility and consumer trust for natural and wellness-oriented products like apricot oil. Consumers often prefer these retail environments because they can physically evaluate the product, check certifications, and compare packaging and price—all in one place. This is particularly important for apricot oil, where purity, origin, and extraction method (like cold-pressed or refined) play a key role in purchasing decisions.

The dominance of hypermarkets and supermarkets is further reinforced by their wide regional outreach and ability to stock multiple brand variants. In countries like India, the United States, and Turkey, leading retail chains have increasingly allocated shelf space to herbal and natural oil categories due to growing wellness trends. Government programs that promote wellness-focused retailing—such as India’s “Eat Right India” campaign under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)—have also nudged stores to offer more health-centric products, including plant-based oils.

Key Market Segments

By Application

• Cosmetics
• Food & Beverage
• Pharmaceutical
• Healthcare
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Hypermarket/Supermarket
• Convenience Store
• Online
• Others

Emerging Trends

Integration of Apricot Oil into Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals

A significant and emerging trend in the apricot oil market is its incorporation into functional foods and nutraceuticals. This development is driven by the growing consumer demand for health-promoting products that offer benefits beyond basic nutrition. Apricot oil, rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and antioxidants, aligns well with this shift towards functional ingredients in food products.

The global functional food market has been expanding steadily, with retail sales in the United States alone reaching $320 billion in 2024 and projected to grow to $384 billion by 2028. This growth reflects a broader consumer interest in foods that contribute to health maintenance and disease prevention. Apricot oil’s inclusion in such products caters to this demand, offering a natural source of nutrients that support overall well-being.

In India, the government’s promotion of apricot cultivation in regions like Ladakh under the ‘Ladakh Apricot’ initiative has bolstered the supply of apricots and apricot-based products, including oil concentrates. This support has facilitated the incorporation of apricot oil into various food products, enhancing their nutritional profiles and appeal to health-conscious consumers.

The integration of apricot oil into functional foods and nutraceuticals presents a promising avenue for market expansion. As consumers continue to seek products that offer additional health benefits, apricot oil’s rich nutritional composition positions it as a valuable ingredient in the development of functional food products.

Drivers

Nutritional Composition and Health Benefits of Apricot Kernel Oil

Apricot kernel oil, extracted from the seeds of the Prunus armeniaca fruit, is gaining recognition for its rich nutritional profile and potential health benefits. This oil is predominantly composed of unsaturated fatty acids, including oleic acid (approximately 58–66%) and linoleic acid (around 29%), along with smaller amounts of palmitic acid and linolenic acid. These fatty acids are known for their positive effects on cardiovascular health and skin nourishment.

In addition to its fatty acid content, apricot kernel oil contains bioactive compounds such as tocopherols (vitamin E) and phenolic compounds, which exhibit antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting overall health.

The oil’s composition closely resembles that of human sebum, allowing for easy absorption into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. This characteristic makes it an excellent emollient for moisturizing and soothing dry or sensitive skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties further enhance its suitability for treating conditions like eczema and minor burns.

Moreover, apricot kernel oil has been explored for its potential therapeutic applications. Research indicates that it may possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, which could be beneficial in managing skin infections and promoting wound healing.

Restraints

High Production Costs and Limited Cultivation Areas

One of the significant challenges facing the apricot oil industry is the high production costs associated with its extraction and the limited areas suitable for apricot cultivation. These factors not only affect the profitability of apricot oil production but also its scalability and competitiveness in the global market.

Furthermore, apricot cultivation is geographically limited to regions with specific climatic conditions. Countries like Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Iran are among the top producers of apricots, with Turkey alone accounting for 21% of the global production in 2022 . In contrast, regions like India, despite having favorable conditions in areas such as Ladakh, face challenges in scaling up apricot cultivation due to factors like limited arable land, water scarcity, and the need for advanced agricultural practices.

These constraints in both production and cultivation not only limit the supply of apricot oil but also affect its price stability. Fluctuations in raw material costs, influenced by factors such as crop yields and climatic conditions, can lead to price volatility. For instance, adverse weather conditions or pest infestations can reduce apricot yields, leading to a decrease in oil production and a subsequent increase in prices.

The combination of high production costs and limited cultivation areas presents a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of apricot oil, especially among price-sensitive consumers. While the oil’s beneficial properties make it an attractive option for natural and organic product lines, its elevated price point may restrict its accessibility to a broader audience. This challenge underscores the need for innovations in cultivation techniques, extraction methods, and cost-effective production strategies to enhance the competitiveness of apricot oil in the global market.

Opportunity

Expansion into Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals

A significant growth opportunity for apricot oil lies in its integration into functional foods and nutraceuticals, driven by its rich nutritional profile and the increasing consumer demand for health-promoting products. Apricot oil is abundant in essential fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and antioxidants, making it a valuable ingredient in products aimed at enhancing overall health and well-being. This trend aligns with the global shift towards functional foods—products that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition.

The apricot kernel, from which apricot oil is derived, contains bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and dietary fiber. These components contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which are beneficial in managing chronic diseases like cardiovascular conditions and certain cancers. Incorporating apricot oil into functional foods like fortified biscuits, energy bars, and beverages can enhance their nutritional value and appeal to health-conscious consumers.

Government initiatives in various countries are supporting the development and promotion of functional foods. For instance, the European Union has established regulations for “Foods for Specified Health Uses” (FOSHU), which allow products containing specific ingredients to make health claims. Such frameworks provide a pathway for apricot oil-based products to enter the functional food market with recognized health benefits.

In India, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has been promoting the export of apricots from the Ladakh region under the ‘Ladakh Apricot’ brand. This initiative aims to boost the export potential of apricots and apricot-based products, including oil concentrates, thereby enhancing their presence in international markets.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific leads with 31.67% share, generating around USD 0.6 billion in 2024.

In 2024, the Asia Pacific region emerged as the clear leader in the global apricot oil market, accounting for about 31.67% of the total volume and yielding approximately USD 0.6 billion in regional revenue. This commanding position reflects the enduring cultural affinity across Asia for plant-based wellness and traditional beauty remedies—where apricot oil has long featured as a staple in skin and hair care routines.

This cultural grounding dovetails with a surge in modern, wellness-focused retail formats—spanning specialty beauty stores to supermarket “natural aisle” offerings—making apricot oil widely accessible to everyday consumers.

Governmental backing has further buoyed this regional growth: for example, India’s promotion of indigenous wellness and herbal products under schemes like “AYUSH” has encouraged production and consumption of native botanical oils, apricot included. Meanwhile, markets like Japan and South Korea are embracing apricot oil in K‑beauty formulations, adding to its appeal across mass and premium segments.

Key Regions and Countries Insights

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Australia
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

Greenwood Essencial was founded in 2011 by someone passionate about essential oils and the idea that nature carries both beauty and wellness. The brand emphasizes purity and simplicity, offering 100 % natural cold‑pressed apricot kernel oil among its core offerings. Its products cater to those who value transparency and therapeutic-grade standards, making Greenwood Essencial a go‑to for users seeking clean, single‑ingredient emollients in natural skincare formulations.

Forest Essentials is a luxury Indian Ayurvedic beauty brand founded in 2000 in New Delhi by Mira Kulkarni. Rooted in ancient wellness traditions, it incorporates high‑quality ingredients like apricot kernel oil into its skincare and haircare blends. Estée Lauder took a 20 % stake in 2008, accelerating global reach. Today Forest Essentials operates over 130 stores in India, supplies 190 hotels, and exports to 120 countries—all while maintaining its natural, animal‑cruelty‑free ethos.

Top Key Players Outlook

• Greenwood Essencial
• Forest Essentials
• Now Foods
• AMD Oil Sales LLC.
• Frontier Natural Products Co-op
• Aura Cacia
• Life-Flo
• Nature’s Alchemy
• Starwest Botanicals
• Hobe Labs

Recent Industry Developments

In 2024, NOW Foods continued to stand out as a trusted household name in natural health, offering a broad portfolio of over 1,400 products—from supplements and essential oils to beauty and personal care lines.

March 31, 2024 Forest Essentials, recorded an annual revenue of ₹497 crore (about USD 60 million), marking its strength in premium natural cosmetics.

Report Scope