Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus)

Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus)
Buy Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus amygdalus dulcis)

Sweet almond oil is a premium, plant-derived oil extracted from the kernels of Prunus amygdalus dulcis, a small deciduous tree in the Rosaceae family native to Western Asia and now widely cultivated across the Mediterranean, North America, and other temperate regions1345. The oil is highly valued in food, cosmetic, and wellness industries for its gentle, nourishing properties and impressive nutritional profile.

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Appearance: Clear, pale yellow to straw-gold oily liquid

• Odor: Odorless or mild, characteristic, and nutty

• Texture: Lightweight, non-greasy, fast-absorbing

• Saponification Value: 190–200

• Iodine Value: 93–110

• Specific Gravity: ~0.91–0.93

• Solidification Point: Below -20°C

Extraction

Sweet almond oil is primarily obtained by cold pressing or expeller pressing the cleaned and dried almond kernels. This traditional mechanical extraction method preserves the oil’s nutritional value, flavor, and purity. Refined almond oil, produced using high heat or solvents, is more heat-tolerant but may lack some nutrients present in unrefined oil15.

Chemical Composition

• Fatty Acids:

  • Oleic acid (Omega-9): 62–86%

  • Linoleic acid (Omega-6): 7–30%

  • Palmitic acid: 4–9%

  • Stearic acid: up to 3%

• Phytosterols:

  • Beta-sitosterol (73–87%), campesterol, stigmasterol

• Vitamins:

  • Rich in vitamin E (tocopherol), and contains vitamins A, B-complex, and D

• Minerals:

  • Magnesium, phosphorus, copper, calcium, potassium, zinc

• Other Components:

  • Amino acids (arginine, lysine, tyrosine), polyphenols, triterpenic alcohols

Uses and Benefits

Cosmetic and Topical Applications:

• Excellent emollient and moisturizer for all skin types, especially dry, sensitive, or mature skin345.

• Soothes and softens skin, helps relieve eczema, dermatitis, and chapped skin.

• Non-greasy, fast-absorbing—ideal for massage oils and as a base for DIY beauty recipes.

• Used in creams, lotions, serums, and hair care for its nourishing and hydrating effects.

• Rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, helps improve skin tone, elasticity, and combat signs of aging134.

Medicinal Uses:

• Traditionally used as a mild laxative and as a carrier oil for medicinal injections.

• Its anti-inflammatory and sclerosant properties support skin healing and complexion improvement1.

Food and Culinary Uses:

• Used as a flavoring agent in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as in bakery products like cakes and puddings5.

• Food-grade sweet almond oil is safe for culinary use and adds a mild, nutty flavor to dishes.

Summary Table

Sweet almond oil is a versatile, gentle, and nutrient-rich oil ideal for skincare, haircare, massage, and culinary applications. Its high content of oleic acid, vitamin E, and phytosterols makes it a top choice for those seeking natural hydration, nourishment, and skin barrier support