Almond oil

There are two types of almond oil: sweet almond oil and bitter almond oil.

This is because both sweet and bitter almonds grow on almond trees (Prunus dulcis).

The most common almond oil is sweet almond oil – and this article is only about sweet almond oil. The almonds available in grocery stores and the like are sweet almonds.

Almond oil is always extracted from dried almonds. The extraction itself can be done in several different ways but cold pressing, direct pressing and chemical extraction are among the most common ways.

Almond oil is the most popular base oil of all. It is also widely used in cosmetic products such as baby oil, oil blends for dry skin, shampoo, etc.

This article explores the many properties and uses of almond oil.

Properties of almond oil

Undocumented properties

There is no evidence that almond oil can be used to treat the following:

In addition, it is often claimed that almond oil can be used to strengthen the immune system and detoxify the liver, but there is no scientific evidence for this.

Partially documented properties

• Fungus: Some studies suggest that almond oil can be used as an antifungal agent. This property has been tested in cats, for example. In that study, the dermatophyte Microsporum canis, which causes ringworm (tinea corporis) in pets, was successfully reduced

• Intestinal/Fecal: As almond oil has a high content of fatty acids, it has a laxative effect when ingested. It should be noted that almond oil is not a more suitable laxative than any of the other oils and available over the counter at the pharmacy as a laxative

Documented properties

• Skin and hair: There are several scientific studies that have shown that almond oil has a moisturizing effect on human skin and hair and it can thus be used on dry skin and dry hair. This is also supported by a business development use of almond oil in various cosmetic products and many consumers' positive experiences with products containing oil

Fatty acids

The following table shows the typical content of different fatty acids in almond oil:

Fatty acid	Fatty acid type	Amount	Normal content
Palmitic acid	Simple unsaturated	3 – 9%	5,5%
Palmitoleic acid	Simple unsaturated	up to 2%	0,2%
Stearic acid	Saturated	0,5 – 3%	2,8%
Oleic acid	Simple unsaturated	60 – 75%	70%
Linoleic acid	More unsaturated omega-6	20 – 30%	21%
Alpha linolenic acid	Polyunsaturated omega-3	up to 0.4%	0,1%
Arachidic acid	Saturated	up to 0.2%	0,1%
11-Eicosenoic acid	Monosaturated omega-9	up to 0.2%	0,1%
Behenic acid	Saturated	up to 0.2%	0,1%
Erucic acid	Omega-9 monounsaturated	up to 0.1%	Unknown

 

Uses of almond oil

Cosmetics and personal care

Almond oil is currently the most widely used essential oil in commercial cosmetic products and is mainly used as an ingredient in oil blends (especially for dry skin or dry hair), creams, soaps, shampoos, etc.

The popularity of almond oil is mainly due to its moisturizing effect but also because it has a softening effect while still not being greasy.

Some users also believe that almond oil can also be used to:

• reduce dark circles under the eyes
• reduce signs of ageing in the skin (i.e. remove wrinkles, lines, etc.)
• give the skin more shine or luster
• reduce damage from the sun's rays

These properties are not scientifically proven and should be taken with a pinch of salt.

Almond oil is also used in various medicines – especially for thinning, dissolving or similar purposes.

Aromatherapy

Almond oil is the most widely used base oil of all mainly because it “goes well” with all other oils but also because it is relatively cheap.

In addition, almond oil – like all other base oils – can also be used as an aromatherapy oil (i.e. without mixing with other oils).

Cooking oil

Almond oil can also be used gastronomically and is particularly well suited to fish, pesto, vegetarian dishes, desserts and pastries. Almond oil is particularly suitable for dishes that already contain almonds or other nuts.

Before using almond oil in cooking, you should be sure that the almond oil is suitable for this purpose. Some oils can be extracted using chemical methods (or added chemicals) that make them unfit for human consumption. Always read the packaging carefully and, if necessary, consult the retailer or manufacturer before consumption.

Precautionary measures

• Pregnancy and lactation: There are no known effects of almond oil on pregnant or breastfeeding women. To be on the safe side, any use and consumption of the almond oil is discouraged if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Nut allergy: People with nut allergies should not use almond oil

• Bitter almond oil: Bitter almond (Prunus dulcis var. Amara) is harmful and should not be taken or used for body care, aromatherapy, etc. This is because bitter almond oil contains small amounts of the toxin amygdalin, which is a chemical precursor of hydrocyanic acid (hydrogen cyanide) which is highly toxic