our story
Handcrafted skincare rooted in heritage, nature & purpose
How it began
Apricoty was born from a deep love of nature, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. Founder Kevork Douzadjian grew up in the lush landscapes of Lebanon, where his earliest memories are steeped in the scents of citrus trees, the warmth of sunbaked earth, and the quiet magic of watching nature unfold. From a young age, Kevork was drawn to the natural world—not just to observe it, but to interact with it. His curiosity blossomed into experimentation, creativity, and eventually, entrepreneurship.
At just seven years old, he began selling backyard lemons to local grocers. Later, with his friends, he launched a modest window-cleaning venture. But the pivotal moment came at age thirteen, when he discovered a soap-making kit in a local bookstore. Alongside his sister, he crafted his first bar of soap—combining the natural elements he had always loved with his growing fascination for wellness and creation. That spark never left him.
A life in harmony with nature
Today, Kevork’s childhood fascination has matured into Apricoty, a family-owned business based in Altadena, California—a place where his passions for sustainability, skincare, and nature converge.
In his own backyard micro-farm, Kevork cultivates a variety of herbs—including calendula, rosemary, mint, and lavender—growing them organically and infusing oils by hand to ensure maximum potency and purity. These botanical infusions are the heart of many Apricoty formulations, bringing skin-soothing benefits and deep connection to the earth.
The apiary
Kevork the beekeeper
Long before Apricoty had a shelf of soaps, Kevork was tending bees. Today he keeps his own hives, suiting up to check the frames, harvest comb, and look after the colonies that quietly do so much of the work behind our products.
Every jar of raw honey and every golden beeswax candle begins in those hives. It’s slow, seasonal, hands-on work — and it’s a big part of why Apricoty smells, feels, and heals the way it does.
The Rebuild
Rebuilding after the Eaton Fire
In January 2025, the Eaton Fire swept through Altadena and took our production space with it — the workshop where every batch of soap, every candle, and every jar of honey came together. Overnight, the heart of the business was gone.
But this community showed up. Neighbors, customers, and friends near and far helped us begin again. Today we’re rebuilding the way we started: by hand, in small batches, one bar at a time — grateful, and more determined than ever.
Placeholder rebuild copy — swap in Kevork’s final wording when ready.
Where we are now
Apricoty has grown from a single soap bar to a full collection of natural skincare, hair, and wellness products — soaps, candles, incense, lip balms, solid deodorants, beeswax candles, bath salts, facial serums, body lotion, shaving cream, scrubs, and more. Everything is made in small batches from plant-based, cruelty-free ingredients — essential oils, butters, and beeswax from Kevork’s own hives — with no synthetics, added fragrances, dyes, parabens, or sulfates. Every ingredient is printed right on the label, so there are never any surprises. We believe what you put on your body should be as wholesome as what you put in it.
Why Apricoty?
Named after one of our most cherished ingredients, apricot kernel oil, Apricoty embodies both nourishment and heritage. This vitamin-rich oil—high in A, C, and E, along with antioxidants—deeply hydrates and softens the skin, helping to reduce fine lines and improve elasticity.
The apricot tree itself traces its roots back to Armenia, where it has been cultivated for millennia. In fact, apricots are so central to Armenian identity that they’re a national symbol. From ancient herbal medicine to modern skincare, cultures across the world have recognized the apricot’s healing value.
the holy grail of skincare
Why apricot?
The name comes from the fruit — and it’s more than a namesake. Apricot oil turns up in nearly everything we make; some soaps even carry whole apricots. The fruit itself is delicious, but the real magic lives in the oil pressed from its kernels: rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, E, and K, it’s one of the true holy grails of natural skincare.
Benefits for your skin
Five reasons your skin loves it
01
Brightening
Naturally high in vitamin E, apricot oil boosts your skin’s radiance and helps it hold onto its elasticity.
02
Moisturizing
Packed with vitamin A, it leaves skin soft, smooth, and comfortably nourished.
03
Strengthening
Rich in linoleic acid, it helps reinforce the skin’s natural barrier.
04
Softening
Skin drinks it in easily — because it closely resembles the oils our bodies make on their own.
05
Calming acne
Its anti-inflammatory nature helps soothe irritation and calm breakouts.
More than skin deep
Apricot oil’s benefits reach well beyond skincare, supporting the body in surprising ways.
Gut health
Bone strength
Heart health
Hair health
Nail health
A metabolism boost
Eye health
The nutrient profile
What’s inside every drop
Apricot kernel oil is dense with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and plant acids — here’s the full picture of what goes to work on your skin.
Vitamins
A, C, E & K · B-5, B-6 & B-17 · Folates, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Pyridoxine, Riboflavin, Thiamin
Minerals
Beta-carotene, Potassium, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Lycopene, Zinc, Calcium, Copper, Iron, Phosphorus, Manganese, Magnesium
Acids
Citric, Malic, Oleic, Quinic, Succinic, Ascorbic, Phenolic, Chlorogenic, Gallic, Ferulic, Caffeic, Amino, 4-aminobenzoic, Protocatechuic, Salicylic & p-coumaric
Flavonols
Quercetin, Glycoside rutin, Resveratrol & Vanillin
Apricot oil is also recognized for its anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-aging properties.
Once you try Apricoty, you’ll never want to go back to the synthetic stuff again. Nothing beats natural — especially apricots.
Our promise
At Apricoty, every bar of soap and bottle of balm tells a story—of generations, of sustainability, of honoring the land. We don’t just make products; we grow them, befriend them, and refine them—with care, patience, and purpose.
Apricoty is a love letter to tradition, to nature, and to the small, meaningful rituals that make us feel whole.
