Sweet almond oil is one of the most popular body massage and aromatherapy or cosmetic carrier oils in existence; it's readily available, keeps well, has a pleasant aroma and absorbs readily into the skin. You'll find sweet almond oil readily available in the cosmetics or personal care section of almost any store, with higher-end products available in specialty natural products stores.
Facts
Sweet almond oil is produced by pressing the dried kernels or nuts of the almond tree. These kernels are the same nuts you're used to eating, either whole or ground into meal, and are usually known simply as almonds. The "sweet" in sweet almond oil differentiates between the oil's source in edible almonds--Amygdalus communis, var. dulcis--as opposed to the poisonous bitter almond, Amygdalus communis, var. amara, which a different plant entirely. Oil extracts from the bitter almond are widely used in flavoring, but because of its poisonous nature should be used sparingly and not confused with sweet almond oil.
Benefits
Sweet almond is rich in a number of vitamins, including vitamins A, E, B1, B2, and B6; thus its softening, nourishing effect on skin. While there is little scientific research about the effects of sweet almond oil, it is reputed to help soothe irritated, dry, inflamed or itchy skin. Sweet almond oil also has many of the same nutritional benefits of a whole almond if used in cooking, including a high concentration of oleic and linoleic essential fatty acids.
Uses
Sweet almond oil is highly sought after as a massage oil because it has a fine texture and is easily absorbed. Because of this, it leaves the skin soft and smooth without a greasy coating. Sweet almond oil is also added to soap and other cosmetic applications, such as face creams or scrubs, and because it absorbs so easily also makes a fine aromatherapy carrier oil. Sweet almond oil can also be used for cooking--it's well suited to stir frying since it is cholesterol free and has a high flash point.
Considerations
When purchasing sweet almond oil, look for virgin cold-pressed products. Cold-pressing preserves many of the delicate and volatile oils and organic compounds that would otherwise be destroyed by the high heat of other processing methods. Much as with olive oil, the designation of "virgin" refers to the fact that the oil in question comes from the first pressing of the almonds and is thus often considered to be higher in nutrients. Store almond oil in a cool dry place; it does keep well due to its Vitamin E content, which acts as a preservative, but will go rancid if exposed to continuous heat.
Warnings
If you have allergies to tree nuts, you should avoid using sweet almond oil or products containing it on your skin; they may produce an allergic reaction. Always read the label on almond oil products carefully--make sure you've purchased something made of sweet almond oil, not bitter almond oil, and make sure you're not allergic or sensitive to any additives that may be present. Further, you should be wary of a product known as "fixed almond oil," which is made of a mixture of sweet and bitter almonds oils. Because bitter almond oil has poisonous qualities, fixed almond oil may be irritating to the skin and should not be consumed.
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