You may have heard of almond oil when experimenting with different essential oils, but what is sweet almond oil and what is it used for?
Sweet almond oil is a carrier oil that is made from the kernels of sweet almonds. It is typically used to hydrate and nourish the skin, since it contains high levels of fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. Sweet almond oil can be used alone, plus it can also be used alongside essential oils as a carrier oil or for other beauty applications.
If you want to know more about sweet almond oil, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, you’ll learn how sweet almond oil is made, its primary uses, key benefits, and substitutes for this particular carrier oil.
What is sweet almond oil made from?
As the name would suggest, sweet almond oil is extracted from sweet almonds, however, there is a difference between how sweet almond oil (or simply almond oil) is produced when compared with bitter almond oil.
Sweet almond oil is produced from sweet almonds (Prunus dulcis, variety dulcis), which is potent in fatty acids such as omega 6 and 9. The oil is extracted by pressing the kernels from this plant together to withdraw the oil inside.
Bitter almond oil, on the other hand, is produced from a different species of almond plant (Prunus dulcis, variety amara) that produces bitter almonds.
Uses for sweet almond oil
Take a look at the below sections to understand the different uses for sweet almond oil:
Cosmetic sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil is regularly used in the cosmetic industry due to its nourishing and moisturizing benefits.
It contains vitamins A and E which help the skin to retain moisture, and can also help to protect the skin from UVB rays – although it should never be used as your sole method of sun protection.
It is used in the skincare industry in products such as moisturizers, lotions, and masks, plus it can be used on the hair to help give your hair a smoother, healthier texture and prevent split ends.
While it’s considered suitable for all skin types, it does not absorb quickly into the skin which means it may leave a slight oil residue on the skin. It does however have a low comedogenic rating of 2, making it suitable for oily skin types.
Culinary sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil is often used as a dressing for salads, as well as an accompaniment to fish, vegetables, and creamy soups. It naturally has a low smoke point, and therefore isn’t suitable for frying or other high-heat cooking, however, refined almond oil can be used when baking or cooking due to its higher smoke point.
Note that cooking oils are regulated by the FDA but carrier oils aren’t. So to stay on the safe side, you can simply use the food-grade type for all your sweet-almond-oil-related cooking and beauty needs.
Meanwhile, it is not advised under any circumstances to consume bitter almond oil as it contains a chemical called amygdalin, which is known to be toxic when consumed.
Benefits of sweet almond oil
There are many benefits to sweet almond oil, which is why it’s highly popular in the cosmetic industry.
Some key benefits of sweet almond oil include the following:
Hair
- Highly moisturizing
- Can promote hair growth
- Can prevent split ends
- Helps to repair an irritated scalp
- Unlikely to clog pores with a comedogenic rating of 2
Skin
- Helps the skin retain moisture
- Cleanses the skin
- May provide anti-inflammatory benefits
- Can reduce the appearance of scarring
- Soothing for conditions such as psoriasis and eczema
Appearance and scent of sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil has a sweet, nutty scent which is loved by some but maybe offputting if you prefer your oil products to be unfragranced.
It is generally pale yellow/clear in appearance, however, may appear differently if other ingredients are added in the manufacturing process.
Sweet almond oil is just one of many carrier oils, here’s a guide on 63 of our favorite carrier oils if you’d like to know more about this extensive topic!
Substitutes for sweet almond oil
There are some common substitutes for sweet almond oil which include the following:
Culinary purposes:
- Pecan oil
- Walnut oil
- Peanut oil
Cosmetic purposes:
- Coconut oil
- Apricot kernel oil
- Sunflower seed oil
Shelf life and storage of sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil has a shelf life of between 1 – 2 years depending on how it’s stored. If kept unopened and in adequate conditions, sweet almond oil should last 2 years from purchase, however, upon opening it’s likely to last you no more than 1 year.
To improve shelf life, sweet almond oil should be stored in a cool dark place. If you notice any signs of degradation such as a change in scent or appearance, we recommend disposing of your sweet almond oil and repurchasing it.
FAQ
Here are some quick-fire frequently asked questions to help you better understand sweet almond oil and how it can be used!
There are some key differences between bitter almond oil and sweet almond oil. They are produced from different variants of the almond plant, with sweet almond oil being produced from the Prunus dulcis, variety dulcis whereas bitter almond oil is made from the Prunus dulcis, variety amara.
Sweet almond oil is a carrier oil and therefore won’t evaporate, and it can be used on the hair, skin, and face. In contrast, bitter almond oil is an essential oil that will evaporate and is considered to be good for the hair and skin but should not be consumed to its potential toxicity.
Here’s some more info on 112 essential oils if you’re interested in bitter almond oil and other types of essential oil!
Sweet almond oil has many uses, including the following:
– Soothing the skin/scalp
– Hydrating hair/skin
– Within body lotions/moisturizers
– As a product in baby massage due to its benefits for delicate skin
– Reduce the appearance of wrinkles, stretch marks, and scarring
– As a skin cleanser/makeup remover
Sweet almond oil can often be used as an alternative to coconut oil – here’s a DIY lipgloss recipe that can be made using either coconut oil or sweet almond oil!
Sweet almond oil can be applied directly to the skin for an instant boost of moisture and nourishment. It’s wise to start with a “patch test” on a small area of skin to see if you have any negative reaction (rash, redness, etc.). You should avoid sweet almond oil if you have an allergy to nuts – always consult a medical physician if you have allergies or skin conditions when introducing new products into your routine.
Sweet almond oil slowly absorbs into the skin, helping to add nourishment, moisture and giving a smoother, softer feel. It may leave a slight oily residue because it absorbs slowly, so you won’t need to use much to achieve a good level of moisturization.
