Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil is liquid gold.

Pressed from edible almonds, this pale yellow oil has been a part of Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for ages.

It’s lightweight, with a mild nutty aroma, with healthy fats and vitamin E.

Whether you’re dealing with dry skin, frizzy hair, or just want a wholesome cooking oil alternative, almond oil has you covered with a gentle touch and a nutrient punch.

Wellness Benefits

Skin Nourishment & Glow:

Almond oil is packed with skin-loving nutrients – especially vitamin E and fatty acids – that moisturize deeply.

It’s highly emollient, meaning it helps the skin balance water loss. People with eczema or psoriasis have traditionally used almond oil to soothe irritation and itch. Regular use can soften your rough patches, improve your overall complexion, and even help fade any old acne scars or stretch marks over time .

Thanks to its antioxidant content, almond oil may also help protect skin from sun damage and premature aging! It’s good to dab around the eyes to ward off fine lines.
Acne and Cleansing:

Almond oil is non-comedogenic (meaning it will not clog pores) and has gentle antibacterial properties.

With vitamin A (retinol) in the mix, it helps dislodge dirt from pores and calm down breakouts.

A lot of makeup removers use almond oil because it dissolves excess oil and makeup without stripping the skin – so you would have fewer clogged pores and pimples.
Hair Health & Luster:

As a hair treatment, almond oil is a superstar for shine and strength. It contains biotin (vitamin B7) and vitamin E, which are both known to support healthy hair and nails.

Rub a few drops into your scalp and will moisturize dry scalp skin and help with dandruff - it has anti-fungal properties that combat the yeasts that cause flaking.
This oil also forms a protective coating on hair strands. This means less frizz, more shine, and better shielding from UV sun damage (sweet almond oil has a natural SPF ~5) .

Over time, users find their hair feels stronger, more elastic, and less prone to split ends.
Heart-Healthy and Edible:

If you get high-quality/food-grade almond oil, it can be used in the kitchen too. It’s high in monounsaturated fats (like olive oil) which are linked to improved heart health.

Using almond oil in salad dressings or low-heat cooking can help boost your intake of healthy fats.

Studies have shown it can elevate “good” HDL cholesterol while lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol.

Best Practices for Use

Skin:

After a warm shower, massage a few drops of almond oil onto damp skin (damp skin helps oils absorb better). It’s excellent as an all-over body moisturizer and is gentle enough for facial use on most people.

You can also add a spoonful to your bath for a silky soak, or use it as a natural makeup remover by applying to a cotton pad and sweeping over your face.
Hair:

For a simple hot-oil treatment, warm 1–2 tablespoons of almond oil and massage it into your scalp and hair ends. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight with a shower cap), then shampoo out.

To tame frizz or add shine, rub just 2–3 drops between your palms and smooth over damp or dry hair – focusing on the ends.
Nails:

Good for brittle nails and unhealthy cuticles. Rub a drop into each nail to moisturize and strengthen. The biotin content can help promote stronger nails with consistent use.
Cooking:

If you have the food-grade almond oil, try drizzling it over salads, pasta, or steamed veggies.

Avoid high heat – use it in dressings, dips, or post-cooking, since high heat can destroy its nutrients and flavor.

Cautions

Allergy Alert:

Because almond oil comes from nuts, anyone with nut allergies should avoid it or do a careful patch test first.

Even though the oil is typically from sweet almonds which have had most proteins filtered out, trace amounts could trigger reactions.

When in doubt, consult an allergist or stick to nut-free oils like jojoba or rosehip for skin moisturizing.
Patch Test New Products:

Do a quick patch test on your inner wrist or elbow before slathering almond oil everywhere – especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin.

Although rare, a few people might experience slight irritation or breakouts.

Apply a small amount and check after 24 hours for any redness or bumps. If all is clear, you’re good to go!
Storage and Quality:

To get the most benefit, use 100% pure sweet almond oil (often labeled as sweet almond or Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis).

Bitter almond oil is a different product used for scent/flavor and is not safe for cosmetic or ingestible use unless properly processed.

Store your almond oil in a cool, dark place.

It can go rancid after about a year, especially if exposed to heat and light, so give it a sniff – if it smells acrid or off, it’s past its prime.
Slip Hazard:

Oil makes surfaces slippery! If you use almond oil in the bath or shower, be sure to wash out any residue from the tub floor to prevent slips.

Same goes for wooden floors or yoga mats where the oil might drip.