A distant relative of stone fruits like peaches, cherries and plums, the almond is well known for its goodness as an edible. But what happens when this all-natural nut becomes a carrier oil – and how can you appreciate its rich benefits?
In this blog, we’re sharing secrets about Sweet Almond Oil, including what’s inside the almond that makes this nutrient-rich oil one of the most cherished in beauty and self-care.
What is Sweet Almond Oil?
Soft, nutty, and deeply restorative, Sweet Almond Oil (also known as Almond Oil or Badam Oil) has a long-standing reputation for having it all – from physical care to calming the mind. Interestingly, the word “almond” is thought to share roots with the “amygdala”, the almond-shaped part of the brain linked to emotion. But why is Sweet Almond such a good carrier oil?
What is Sweet Almond Oil?
Originating from Europe and the Middle East, almonds have been cultivated since 4000 B.C. Apart from their obvious culinary flex, these popular nuts have been a part of medicinal and religious practices worldwide for centuries. For example, Ayurvedic medicine practitioners would use almonds to assist with cognitive, reproductive, muscle, and bone health.
The oil version is made by cold pressing the nuts of the almond tree to retain its beneficial nutrients, before being refined into an almost clear yet pale yellow liquid with a delicate aroma. It is widely known for its vitamin and essential fatty acid content and serves as a great base for diluting essential oils due to its light consistency and subtle scent.
Yet its goodness stretches way beyond being a carrier oil for other oils, with Sweet Almond highly valued for its high protein and antioxidant content, as well as its moisturising, cleansing and nourishing properties. This natural oil has the potential to regenerate the skin, promote a glowing complexion, and encourage healthy, strong hair. All this from the oil of a several centuries-old nut!
Sweet Almond Oil Health Benefits
When you want a carrier oil that’s truly versatile and as good for your hair as it is your face, Almond Oil ticks all the boxes. In fact, the benefits of using Sweet Almond Oil for hair and skin care are incredibly vast.
Why is Almond Oil good for health? It’s down to the many active compounds found deep within this natural nut:
- Vitamins A, B, E
- Omega 9 and 6 essential fatty acids – oleic and linoleic
- Saturated fatty acids – stearic and palmitic
- Omega 7 acid – palmitoleic
- Minerals like magnesium and calcium
Together, these ingredients contain many properties that do wonders for personal care – antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, emollient, restoring, antimicrobial and analgesic, to name a few.
In fact, a 2021 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that Sweet Almond Oil effectively supports skin barrier recovery and helps maintain healthy skin balance - reinforcing its reputation as a deeply restorative natural oil.
Another study even shows how certain Almond Oil constituents may stimulate hair-growth - although there are no strong human clinical trials yet to confirm this.
How Sweet Almond Oil benefits your health:
- Encouraging healing of minor wounds
- Soothing skin irritations such as eczema
- Hydrating and builds moisture in the skin and hair
- Protecting against UV damage
- Promoting youthful, smooth skin
- Reducing the appearance of blemishes, scars and stretch marks
- Cleansing the pores and works to prevent blackheads
- Reducing the appearance of dark circles
- Moisturising the hands, nails, and cuticles.
- Stimulating collagen production
- Helping to relieve muscular aches
- Acting as a soothing agent for skin rashes
- Working as a natural make-up remover
- Breaking down toxins and pollutants
- Conditioning the hair by restoring protective oils
- Soothing the scalp and nourishing the hair
- Working to repair damaged or dry hair
Benefits and Uses of Almond Oil on Skin and Hair
Sweet Almond Oil is known to soothe, nourish and restore the skin and hair. But what are the primary Almond Oil benefits and uses for personal care?
Sweet Almond Oil for Hair
If you’re wondering about the advantages of Almond Oil for hair, there are plenty! Here are some of the reasons to incorporate this natural nourisher into your hair care routine:
- Packed with essential fatty acids, nutrients and vitamins A, B and E, Sweet Almond Oil works to restore, condition and protect the scalp and hair.
- With high emollient properties, Sweet Almond Oil may build moisture retention in the hair shafts and follicles.
- Its natural cleansing properties have been seen to nourish and soothe the scalp while eliminating dandruff.
- Sweet Almond Oil contains stearic acid which can help condition individual hair strands.
- The rich vitamin E content in Sweet Almond Oil helps protect the hair from free radicals and UV damage.
- Its vitamin B content may promote overall growth of healthier, stronger hair.
Sweet Almond Oil for Skin
When it comes to benefits of almond oil for skin, few natural oils compare – and here’s why:
- Sweet Almond Oil is filled with essential fatty acids and antioxidants that are known to soften, rejuvenate and restore healthy, glowing skin.
- Its vitamin E and A content mean that Sweet Almond Oil may enhance skin texture and prevent oxidative stress.
- Almond Oil is particularly beneficial for soothing dry, chapped or irritated skin and soothing areas prone to dryness – like elbows, knees, and heels.
- The rich moisturising properties in Sweet Almond Oil make it an ideal support for hands, nails and cuticles.
- Its emollient properties help strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, reducing moisture loss, and improving overall resilience.
- Gentle and anti-inflammatory, Sweet Almond Oil can calm minor redness, itching, irritation and sun burn.
Sweet Almond Oil for Skin
- With a rich Omega 6 essential fatty acid content, Sweet Almond Oil has been seen to encourage healing while purging the skin of toxins.
- Applied safely and regularly, Sweet Almond Oil is also known to reduce the appearance of wound scars, blemishes, and stretch marks.
Sweet Almond Oil Oil for Face
Do you want a delicate, multi-purpose carrier oil for your daily skincare routine? The benefits of Sweet Almond Oil on the face are multiple:
- Because Sweet Almond Oil is rich in vitamins and minerals, it is known to reduce the appearance of dark circles, blemishes and fine lines.
- Rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, Sweet Almond Oil may help protect the skin barrier from UV damage.
- As a natural cleansing agent, Sweet Almond Oil is known to soothe acne and cleanse the pores to prevent blackheads and future breakouts.
- Almond Oil can also break down make-up, toxins, and pollutants from the skin’s surface.
- Its regenerative properties are known to enhance collagen production, even skin tone and balance skin complexion.
- Sweet Almond Oil is non-comedogenic, making it a popular option for all skin types to tighten, tone and cleanse the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
Organic vs. Regular Sweet Almond Oil
When it comes to skin and hair care, the benefits of Organic Almond Oil and the regular version are virtually the same - each nourishes, softens, and protects beautifully. The main difference lies in how they’re sourced and processed:
- Organic Sweet Almond Oil is produced without synthetic pesticides or chemicals, making it a great choice for those who prefer ingredients from cleaner, more sustainable farming practices.
- Regular Sweet Almond Oil is still 100% pure, natural, and nutrient-rich, offering the same versatility and results across both skin and hair — without the added organic certification.
How to Use Sweet Almond Oil for Skin and Hair
Using as a carrier oil for Essential Oils: Sweet Almond Carrier Oil makes a great base for diluting essential oils - see our guidelines below for the recommended amounts. You can also add it to your favourite skincare products, such as skin serums and moisturisers, to boost their existing benefits.
Directly on the Skin: Apply directly onto the skin to receive the many benefits of Sweet Almond Oil on skin.
Massage: Dilute a few drops of your favourite Essential Oil in Sweet Almond Oil to create a soothing and hydrating massage oil for the body. AWO recommends Orange Sweet Essential Oil for an uplifting massage or Chamomile Roman Essential Oil for a more calming experience.
Hair Mask: Apply Sweet Almond Oil to the scalp to create a nourishing hair mask.
Safe Topical Dilution Guidelines
Safe Use of Sweet Almond Oil and What to Look Out For
When used topically, Sweet Almond Oil is generally safe. Here are some points to consider before using Almond Oil in your personal care routine:
- When using Sweet Almond Oil for the first time, we recommend performing a skin patch test on a small area to check for a potential reaction. Those with sensitive skin should perform the test over at least 48 hours to give the body ample time to respond.
- Because it is derived from the kernels of the almond tree, you should avoid using Sweet Almond Oil if you have a nut (or tree nut) allergy.
- Practice extra precautions when using Sweet Almond Oil if you suffer from eczema - this may increase the risk of an allergic reaction.
- As a carrier oil, we do not recommend ingesting or using Sweet Almond Oil for culinary use. AWO products are for therapeutic and aromatherapy purposes only, and although many are food grade, they are not intended for consumption.
- If you are pregnant, we recommend speaking with your GP or healthcare practitioner to discuss implementing Almond Oil into your skincare routine.
- When storing Sweet Almond Oil, ensure it is kept away from direct sunlight in a cool space at room temperature to optimise its shelf life, and out of reach of children or pets.
Where to Buy Carrier Oils?
While carrier oils are generally available to purchase at health, wellness and retail stores, it is important to keep in mind that the quality and purity of these carrier oils will vary. This is why we recommend finding a reputable supplier.
Here at AWO, we have a wide selection of carrier oils and organic carrier oils that are sold at reasonable prices. Because our stock is purchased in bulk quantities, our costs are significantly less - allowing us to offer high-quality products at affordable prices. We are also based right here in Australia!
FAQs
Is Sweet Almond Oil good for all skin types?
Yes. Sweet Almond Oil is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and rich in vitamins that help balance moisture levels. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin while still providing deep nourishment for dry, combination, and mature skin types.
Yes. Sweet Almond Oil is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and rich in vitamins that help balance moisture levels. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin while still providing deep nourishment for dry, combination, and mature skin types.
Are Sweet Almond Oil and Almond Oil the same thing?
Usually, yes – but always apply caution when buying yours. Sweet Almond Oil comes from edible almonds and is used in skincare, hair care, and aromatherapy – this type is also widely referred to as Almond Oil. You can also find Bitter Almond Oil available for resale, which is typically used as a fragrance and not recommended for topical use. Always read the product label which will state clearly if your oil is 100% pure and natural Almond Oil Sweet.
Usually, yes – but always apply caution when buying yours. Sweet Almond Oil comes from edible almonds and is used in skincare, hair care, and aromatherapy – this type is also widely referred to as Almond Oil. You can also find Bitter Almond Oil available for resale, which is typically used as a fragrance and not recommended for topical use. Always read the product label which will state clearly if your oil is 100% pure and natural Almond Oil Sweet.
What is Almond Oil used for?
Almond Oil is loved for its versatility and benefits - it softens skin, smooths hair, and provides lasting hydration. Whether used as a body moisturiser, scalp treatment, or massage oil, it’s a simple natural way to keep skin and hair looking healthy and radiant.
Almond Oil is loved for its versatility and benefits - it softens skin, smooths hair, and provides lasting hydration. Whether used as a body moisturiser, scalp treatment, or massage oil, it’s a simple natural way to keep skin and hair looking healthy and radiant.