Are there any risks associated with using sweet almond oil?

The almond tree is a fruit tree whose early flowering marks the end of winter, sometimes as early as February, despite frosts still occurring. It is mainly cultivated in regions with mild climates, notably in southern France, from the Alpes-Maritimes to the western Pyrenees, as well as in Corsica. The fruits of the almond tree contain a lipid-rich kernel, from which the sweet almond oil. Sweet almond oil is obtained by cold-pressing of the almonds, a process that best preserves its constituents.

Virtually odorless, sweet almond vegetable oil has a fluid texture with an oily feel and a generally pale yellow color, which can vary slightly depending on production conditions. In cosmetics, it is listed under the INCI name Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil. The sweet almond oil is primarily valued for its nourishing and emollient properties, and is used equally on the skin, the scalp, and the hair.

The cosmetic use of sweet almond vegetable oil poses no health hazards or contraindications.

This plant-derived oil is generally very well tolerated, even by sensitive skin. Its richness in fatty acids and a lipid profile closely resembling that of the hydrolipidic film partly explain this excellent cutaneous tolerance, and sweet almond oil is indeed commonly used to soothe and nourish the skin.

However, the only caveat concerns its relatively thick and greasy texture, which confers a comedogenicity rating of 2. The sweet almond oil is therefore considered moderately comedogenic. In oily or acne-prone skin types, its undiluted application to the face can promote the obstruction of pores. For these skin types, it is preferable to opt for lighter plant oils, such as hazelnut oil or jojoba oil. Another option is to add a few drops of sweet almond oil to a moisturizer, or to blend it with a lighter oil, for example at a 50/50 ratio, in order to minimize its occlusive effect.

Regarding its tolerability, no instances of irritation associated with sweet almond oil have been reported in the scientific literature.

It is also suitable for pregnant women, who can use it in particular to nourish the skin and help prevent the onset of stretch marks, as well as for young children, whose skin is thinner and more reactive. However, as with most plant oils rich in unsaturated fatty acids, sweet almond oil is prone to oxidation. Over time, it can turn rancid, altering its cosmetic and organoleptic properties. To slow this process, it is recommended to store it in a tinted glass bottle, protected from heat and light, and to close the bottle tightly after each use.

Finally, even though sweet almond oil is well known for its mildness, we recommend, as with any cosmetic active ingredient, that you perform a skin patch test prior to use. This involves applying a small amount of product to the inner elbow crease and waiting 24 hours to ensure no reaction occurs before broader application.

Note : Since sweet almond oil is extracted from tree nut seeds, it may contain traces of allergens. Individuals allergic to tree nuts should therefore remain vigilant. A food allergy does not necessarily cause a skin reaction, but, as a precaution, it is best to consult a physician or a allergist before using it.

• Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sweet Almond Oil and Almond Meal. International Journal of Toxicology (1983).

• HOSSEINI N. & al. Improved itchy quality of life following topical application of sweet almond oil in patients with uremic pruritus: A randomized, controlled trial. Jundishapur Journal of Chronic Disease Care (2018).

• KAO S. H. Comparing the effect of foot massage with grape seed oil and sweet almond oil on physiological leg edema in primigravidae: A randomized clinical trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2020).