Almond oil for skin and face – fatty acids, skin feel and uses

Rich in oleic acid

Oleic acid makes up 63 to 78% of its fatty acids, plus linoleic acid. The proportions vary by variety.

Absorbs quickly

Despite its caring effect, it absorbs relatively quickly and leaves a soft, velvety film on the skin.

Versatile base oil

A classic base oil for massage and for diluting essential oils – for body, face and hair ends.

Profile

INCI Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Plant Sweet almond tree (Prunus dulcis)
Origin (typical) Mediterranean region, California
Extracted from Almonds (cold-pressed)
Texture Light, clear, absorbs quickly
Main fatty acids Oleic acid 63–78%, linoleic acid 12–27%
Colour Pale yellow
Character Versatile, spreads easily, slightly nutty natural scent
Active in detail

From the kernels of the sweet almond

Almond oil is pressed from the kernels of the sweet almond (Prunus dulcis). Oleic acid makes up 63 to 78% of its fatty acids and linoleic acid 12 to 27%, measured across 55 varieties and breeding lines (Kodad & Socias i Company 2008). It spreads easily and leaves a thin, velvety film on the skin. It is traditionally used as a body and massage oil, and a few drops can also be used on the face.

Skin type check

Almond oil on different skin types

How almond oil feels and what it does on your face, body and lips.

F
Face Top
A few drops on slightly damp skin are enough; more leaves a visible sheen.
D
Dry skin Top
Forms a layer of oil that slows water loss and keeps the skin supple.
B
Body Top
Applied to damp skin after showering, it spreads easily even over large areas.
L
Lips Top
In our lip balms it is one of several oils and makes the stick easy to apply.
N
Normal skin Top
Ideal as a make-up remover or light care oil.
O
Oily skin Mit Bedacht
Leaves a film; use sparingly on very oily facial skin.
Science & care

What does almond oil do on the skin?

Three effects make almond oil the versatile standard oil of natural cosmetics.

01

A film of oil

Almond oil forms a thin film on the skin, slows water evaporation and keeps it supple.

02

Good glide

Almond oil spreads easily and stays slippery for a long time, which is why it is a classic massage oil.

03

Carrier oil function

Almond oil has only a faint natural scent, which makes it suitable for diluting essential oils before use.

Almond oil · Sweet almond · Cold-pressed
Use cases

What can you use almond oil for?

Body oil

Apply to damp skin after showering

Make-up remover

Loosens even waterproof mascara; on closed eyelids only

Massage oil

Standard carrier in aromatherapy

Lip care

A component in lipsticks for a silky shine

Hand care

Quick care in between without a greasy film

Hair ends

One or two drops on dry ends

Terms

Glossary

Sweet almond vs. bitter almond
Cosmetic almond oil usually comes from sweet almonds. Bitter almonds contain amygdalin, which can release toxic hydrogen cyanide.
Carrier oil
A plant oil that 'carries' essential oils and dilutes them in use – almond oil is the classic one.
Oleic acid
A monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid – the main fatty acid in almond oil.
Linoleic acid
A polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid – essential for the skin.
INCI
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil – the official cosmetic name for sweet almond oil.
Cold pressing
Gentle extraction without heat – preserves all the sensitive actives.

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