Sweet Almond Oil

Latin (Botanical) Name: Prunus amygdalus var. dulcus

Plant Family: Prunoideae

Common Extraction Method: Cold press

Typically Used Plant Part: Seed

Color: Pale yellow

Aromatic Characteristic: Light, sweet, nutty aroma

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Although almonds are often referred to as nuts, they are actually seeds located in the center of the almond fruit, very similar to a peach. The word “amygdalus” found in the Latin name of almond has the same etymology as the amygdala, the part of our brain that plays a primary role in emotional memory and emotional responses. The amygdala got its name because it looks like an almond. Known as the “King of Nuts” in ancient times, almonds and almond oil were believed to improve brain function; therefore, it was offered to the dignitaries in order to increase their administrative abilities.

Historical sources indicate that almonds began to be domesticated around 4000 BC and earlier. Native to the Middle East, almond has spread along the Mediterranean coast to North Africa and Southern Europe. By the 1840s, almonds had reached Central and Southwest Asia, India's Yamuna River, and California.

Many cultures and religious beliefs respect almond. It is considered “one of the best of fruits”. Almonds are also valued in ayurvedic medicine, according to their beliefs, almonds and its oil effectively support the health of the reproductive system, muscles and bones. They are considered a tonic for the brain, blood and skin, often used to improve cognitive functions, immunity, muscle strength.

Almond belongs to the same seed-fruit family as plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines and apricots. Almonds have been used to create lactose-free or vegan substitutes for dairy products and to create gluten-free flour. One of the most popular uses of almonds is almond oil, which is used for both health benefits and cosmetic applications.

There are two types of almond oil: Bitter Almond Oil and Sweet Almond Oil.

Bitter almond oil is obtained from the bitter almonds of the pink-flowered botanical plant known as “Prunus amygdalus var. amara”. These almonds are broad and short shaped, containing a compound called Amygdalin. When wild bitter almonds are crushed, chewed or processed, Amygdalin turns into a poisonous liquid known as cyanide. Almonds grown on most wild almond trees contain varying amounts of Amygdalin. Therefore, if these almonds are ingested, it can lead to fatal consequences. However, considered an essential oil, bitter almond oil retains its medicinal properties and benefits, making it safe for external application.

The sweet variety of almond oil is obtained from the sweet, edible almonds of the white-flowered botanical plant known as “Prunus amygdalus var. dulcus”. The oil from this variety is considered a fixed oil and is most commonly used in skin and hair care to improve appearance, health and texture.

However, sweet almond oil offers many benefits thanks to the rich fatty acids and other components it contains.

KEY COMPONENTS / ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Oleic acid (Omega 9)
Linoleic acid (Omega 6)
Palmitic acid
Stearic acid
Linolenic acid (Omega 3)
Margaric acid

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BENEFITS

Skin and hair friendly:

Sweet almond oil is a popular ingredient in natural beauty products. This light and soothing oil is beneficial for both skin and hair. The moisturizing effects of sweet almond oil can be especially beneficial for people with dry or sensitive skin.

Sweet almond oil shows antioxidant characteristic [1]. It contains high amount of vitamin E, which can help protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun and premature aging [2] [3]. It supports the increase of collagen production and a youthful-looking, smooth skin.

Sweet almond oil applied regularly before going to bed can reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles.

When applied topically, it helps to reduce the spread of stretch marks, redness and itching in the abdomen [4].

Sweet almond oil used in hair helps to slow down hair loss, moisturize hair and scalp, reduce hair dryness, soften the hair and help healthy hair growth [5] [6].

Nail friendly:

Thanks to the vitamin E it contains, sweet almond oil applied to the nails helps to eliminate vitamin deficiencies that cause thin, brittle nails and strengthens the nails [7] [8].

Heart friendly:

70% of sweet almond oil consists of monounsaturated fatty acids. A diet rich in unsaturated fats has been associated with many health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and obesity [9] [10]. Monounsaturated fats help lower high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease [11] [12]. Sweet almond oil helps lower bad cholesterol and protect heart health [13] [14].

WARNINGS

Avoid contact with eyes, in case of contact rinse with plenty of water.
Do not use the product if you have a known allergy to any of its ingredients.
It is recommended that children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people using medication should consult their doctor before using sweet almond oil.

ACADEMIC STUDIES

[1] L. P. Andreea et al. (2019). Fatty acids profile and antioxidant activity of almond oils obtained from six Romanian varieties. FARMACIA, 2019, Vol. 67, 5.

[2] S. Keser, E. Demir, Ö. Yılmaz (2014). Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activity of the Almond Kernel (Prunus dulcis Mill.) from Turkey. J.Chem.Soc.Pak., Vol. 36, No. 3, 2014.

[3] Ahmed Elamrani et al. (2018). Tocopherol Content of Almond Oils Produced in Eastern Morocco. Conference: 23rd National Symposium for Applied Biological Sciences (NSABS).

[4] M. Hajhashemi, M. Rafieian, H. A. R. Boroujeni, S. Miraj, S. Memarian, A. Keivani, F. Haghollahi (2017). The effect of Aloe vera gel and sweet almond oil on striae gravidarum in nulliparous women. The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, Volume 31, 2018 - Issue 13.

[5] N. Singh, M. K. Pandey, A. Sharma, J. Prakash (2014). Indian medicinal plants: For hair care and cosmetics. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ISSN (Print): 2321-3310; ISSN (Online): 2321-3086.

[6] Suraj, R., Rejitha, G., J. Anbu Jeba Sunilson, Anandarajagopal, K. and Promwichit, P. (2009). In vivo hair growth activity of Prunus dulcis seeds in rats. Biology & Medicine, 1 (4) : 34-38.

[7] Norton L. Further observations on the yellow nail syndrome with therapeutic effect of oral alpha‑tocopherol. Cutis 1985;36:457‑62.

[8] Al Hawsawi K, Pope E. Yellow nail syndrome. Pediatr Dermatol, 2010;27:675‑6.

[9] M. Guasch-Ferré et al. (2015). Dietary fat intake and risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in a population at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Am J Clin Nutr., 2015 Dec;102(6):1563-73.

[10] P. Pérez-Martínez, A. García-Ríos, J. Delgado-Lista, F. Pérez-Jiménez, J. López-Miranda (2011). Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil and obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. Curr Pharm Des. 2011;17(8):769-77.

[11] L. Schwingshackl, B. Strasser, G. Hoffmann (2011). Effects of monounsaturated fatty acids on cardiovascular risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Nutr Metab. 2011;59(2-4):176-86

[12] L. J. Appel et al (2011). Effects of protein, monounsaturated fat, and carbohydrate intake on blood pressure and serum lipids: results of the OmniHeart randomized trial. JAMA. 2005 Nov 16;294(19):2455-64.

[13] M. Wien, D. Bleich, M. Raghuwanshi, S. Gould-Forgerite, J. Gomes, L. Monahan-Couch, K. Oda (2010). Almond consumption and cardiovascular risk factors in adults with prediabetes. J Am Coll Nutr. 2010 Jun;29(3):189-97.

[14] D. A. Hyson, B. O. Schneeman, P. A. Davis (2002). Almonds and Almond Oil Have Similar Effects on Plasma Lipids and LDL Oxidation in Healthy Men and Women. The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 132, Issue 4, April 2002, Pages 703–707.