Almond oil: Your skin needs it. Your heart needs it. Even your colon needs it!
Almond oil takes the mighty, nutrition-rich almond and transforms it into a powerful oil with incredible benefits.
Though there are two main kinds of almonds that create almond oil, the one used for most homeopathic and cosmetic purposes is sweet almond oil. Don’t let the name fool you, though: Sweet almond oil is a dynamic substance that’s anything but sweet.
In fact, it helps address bad cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, dry skin, damaged hair and more.
What is almond oil?
The almond, or Prunus dulcis (also known as Amygdalus communis L.), originated in southwest Asia and the Middle East, as far as the Indus River in Pakistan. Prunus dulcis and its synonyms officially refer to the tree from which the edible almond seeds are cultivated.
Although commonly grouped with other tree nuts like nutritious cashews, what you know as an almond is actually a “drupe,” a fruit with an outer hull encasing a shell with the seed inside.
Almond domestication started when, centuries ago, farmers began to identify and pick the sweet type of almond. Bitter almonds are occasionally used in oil form, but it’s widely understood that bitter almond is toxic in even some small doses as it contains cyanide.
In the U.S., all commercially grown and distributed almonds are sweet almonds.
Interestingly, there are some uses of bitter almond oil that may be undertaken with a doctor’s supervision. When the cyanide has been extracted from bitter almond oil, it has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-itch, antifungal and antispasmodic properties.
As with most foods, almonds have varieties within their general categories. While the typical sweet almond varieties available in the U.S. are grown in California, popularity is growing for Marcona almonds, a special product harvested exclusively in Spain.
For cooking purposes, Marcona almonds are even sweeter than standard almonds, plumper and have a “wet” texture. When oil is extracted, the different varieties of sweet almond oil can be subtly noticed, but all sweet almonds have basically the same nutritional value.
Refined vs. unrefined almond oil
The difference between refined almond oil and unrefined almond oil lies in their processing methods, nutritional content, flavor and best uses.
As far as processing goes, refined almond oil is extracted using high heat and chemical solvents, then further processed to remove impurities. This results in a neutral color, flavor and odor.
Some nutrients, antioxidants and beneficial compounds (like vitamin E) may be lost during processing. As a result, it has a light or neutral taste and little to no almond aroma.
Unrefined almond oil is cold-pressed from raw almonds without the use of heat or chemicals, preserving more of the natural nutrients and aroma. Since it retains more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than the refined version, the unrefined kind is a healthier option. It also has a rich, nutty flavor and a natural almond scent.
Refined almond oil has a high smoke point of about 420 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for high-heat cooking, frying, baking and sautéing, particularly when a neutral oil is needed.
Unrefined almond oil has a lower smoke point of around 225 F, best used for salad dressings, dips, drizzling over foods or low-heat cooking. It’s also preferred for skin care and hair care due to its higher nutrient content.
If you want more health benefits and a richer taste, unrefined almond oil is the better choice. If you need an oil for high-heat cooking, refined almond oil is the better option.
Nutrition facts
A one-tablespoon serving (about 13.6 grams) of almond oil contains approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 13.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.1 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.4 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.5 g
- Vitamin E: 5.3 mg (35% DV*)
It also contains some choline and vitamin K.
*Daily Value: Percentages are based on a diet of 2,000 calories a day.
Health benefits
1. Helps regulate cholesterol
One of the most widely known benefits of almond oil is its ability to help regulate cholesterol. Regular consumption of almond oil raises HDL cholesterol (known as “good” cholesterol), lowers LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and generally lowers overall cholesterol levels naturally.
Between the high unsaturated fat content (which is already really good for your cholesterol levels) and vitamin E, almond oil allows oxygen and nutrients to flow freely through your blood, meaning that your heart will thank you for gifting it with almond oil.
2. May reduce risk of heart disease
Not only can you expect better cholesterol levels with almond oil as a regular part of your diet, but you can also look forward to a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a 2014 study published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences.
Heart disease, like high cholesterol and many other conditions, is often caused by chronic inflammation. Real foods with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties like almond oil, therefore, generally reduce your risk for many common health conditions.
3. Helps keep your colon and rectum healthy
Almond oil is extremely effective in helping keep you healthy in the colon and rectum regions. For example, studies have indicated that consuming almonds reduces your risk of colon cancer.
Almond oil injection was also the first method of treatment to cure rectal prolapse in children.
In another study, patients with idiopathic pruritus ani (an unexplained itching of the anal region that can’t be cured by medication) were given almond oil injections. Almost 93 percent of participants were permanently healed after the first treatment, and the additional patients that went through a brief remission and then had the condition recur were cured after their second treatments.
Almond oil can also be used as a natural laxative. To ingest almond oil, simply drink two to four tablespoons of it, preferably from a warm tablespoon, as it absorbs more quickly into your system if its temperature is closer to your natural body temperature.
4. Can treat earaches
Earaches are a common problem, especially among children, and the causes vary. There are many homeopathic options for relieving ear pain and treating ear infections.
One such natural ear infection remedy is sweet almond oil, known for its quick relief of ear pain.
It’s used to soften earwax and relieve blockage in the ventilation tubes within the ear. In fact, sweet almond oil, unlike many other earwax softeners, has been proven to be safe for the ear.
Simply warm a tablespoon in hot water, put two to three drops of almond oil in the spoon and drop it into the affected ear, allowing the warm oil to go down the ear canal.
5. Can be friendly for weight loss and maintenance
While direct studies on almond oil’s effects on weight loss in humans are limited, research on nut consumption, including almonds, provides insights into potential benefits for weight management.
A one-year follow-up study within the PREDIMED-Plus trial assessed the relationship between nut consumption and features of metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and older adults with overweight or obesity. The study found that increased nut consumption was associated with significant reductions in waist circumference, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, body weight and body mass index.
These findings suggest that incorporating nuts, such as almonds, into one’s diet may support weight loss and maintenance efforts when paired with a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
6. May help control blood sugar
Direct studies on almond oil’s effects on blood sugar control in humans are limited, but research on almond consumption provides insights into potential benefits for blood sugar regulation.
For instance, a study found that young adults at risk of developing diabetes who consumed 56 grams of almonds daily for 12 weeks experienced significant decreases in HbA1c levels, indicating improved blood sugar control.
Beauty benefits for skin and hair
1. Benefits sensitive skin, even baby skin
One of the most well-known benefits of almond oil is its ability to keep your skin looking great. As a mild, hypoallergenic oil, it’s safe for sensitive skin, including baby skin.
Absorption is best when the oil is warmed to body temperature before application.
Almond oil has a light texture and easily absorbs into skin. It can be used to gently dislodge debris from deep within skin pores and follicles and also may help prevent future acne.
You can even create a natural facial scrub using fine sugar mixed with sweet almond oil, safe for even those with sensitive skin.
For dark circles under your eyes, apply a few warm drops beneath your bottom eyelid before bed. Applied all over the face, almond oil can also delay general signs of aging as it renews the cells of your facial skin.
Another popular way to use sweet almond oil is to dilute essential oils from their purest form to make them safer for direct skin application. When used this way, almond oil is considered a carrier oil, carrying the essential oil onto the skin.
It makes a good carrier because of its mild smell and doesn’t easily evaporate.
While almond oil is light enough to use directly on the skin, it’s not generally recommended as an overall facial moisturizer because it can cause unwanted oiliness on the face.
2. Protects skins against UV damage
Probably due in large part to its antioxidative properties, sweet almond oil is known for protecting skin against UV radiation damage and keeping skin soft and supple.
A 2021 study examined whether oral almond consumption could enhance resistance to UVB radiation in healthy Asian women. Over 12 weeks, participants consuming almonds showed increased minimal erythema dose, indicating improved UVB resistance.
The researchers suggested that the antioxidant compounds in almonds, including phenolic and polyphenolic compounds, contributed to this protective effect.
3. Alleviates psoriasis and eczema
Its uses in treating dry skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema, were taught as part of ancient Chinese, Ayurvedic and Greco-Persian schools of medicine.
Research has revealed that a hand cream with sweet almond oil helped relieve hand dermatitis, including burning, stinging, red and itchy skin. A separate study also showed that almond oil is a safe remedy, helping relieve the inflammation, itchiness and redness of psoriasis or eczema.
4. Assists with wound healing
Injury or surgery can often cause scarring on the skin, and both Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners commonly use almond oil to help reduce the appearance of scars as well as soothe the skin.
5. Helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks
Research has shown that almond oil can help prevent stretch marks in pregnant people and even reduce the itching that occurs as the skin heals. Each day, participants simply applied almond oil directly to the skin each day.
For your own DIY stretch mark remedy, massage almond oil on the stretch mark region each day, such as after a shower (when the skin is warm and ready to absorb the almond oil).
6. Works as a beauty agent
Other skin and beauty ideas for almond oil are to use it as a makeup remover, to treat chapped lips and to reduce undesired layers of tan. It’s also generally healthy for skin.
A randomized, controlled trial investigated the effects of almond consumption on skin health in postmenopausal women. Participants consumed almonds daily for 24 weeks, resulting in significant improvements in wrinkle severity and skin pigmentation.
The study attributed these benefits to the antioxidants present in almonds, such as vitamin E and polyphenols, which are also found in almond oil.
7. Can improve hair, including eliminating dandruff and frizz
Almond oil can help improve your hair’s appearance and health regardless of your hair type. Its hypoallergenic, anti-inflammatory properties help repair existing damage to the hair while its saturated fat adds moisture and elasticity.
Here are some almond oil uses for the hair:
- Work it through your hair as a substitute for leave-in conditioner. Alternatively, you can add it to your DIY shampoo to add shine to your hair.
- For a dandruff remedy, rub into the scalp to help an irritated scalp.
- For frizzy hair, add a little bit to your hair ends and rub to both hydrate and de-frizz.
Some research has even found that almond oil could help stop or reverse hair loss.
Risks and side effects
While sweet almond oil is generally safe, there are a few cautions to consider when introducing it into your diet and lifestyle.
First off, anyone with a nut allergy should avoid consuming almond oil or other almond products (along with walnut oil and other nut products).
A research study on animals from Texas Tech University also suggested a negative interaction between almond oil and alcohol.
If you have pancreatitis, you may also want to avoid consuming almond products.
As mentioned above, the brother of sweet almond oil, bitter almond oil, should never be used without direct supervision and direction of a doctor. And don’t forget to consult your primary care physician before using almond oil, especially if you are on medication, as it has the potential to interact with certain medicines, such as cholesterol-lowering or diabetes treatments.
Conclusion
- Almond oil, derived from sweet almonds, offers a range of health and beauty benefits.
- Regular consumption of almond oil can raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. It also can reduce overall cholesterol levels, promoting better heart health.
- Its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties may decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases as well.
- Almond oil can act as a natural laxative, aiding in relieving constipation.
- It is also effective in softening earwax and relieving ear pain.
- Almond oil serves as a natural emollient, providing hydration and improving skin elasticity, making it suitable for various skin types.
- It helps protect the skin against UV radiation damage as well.
- The oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can soothe conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
- Almond oil nourishes and strengthens hair, addressing issues like dryness and damage.
- Incorporating almond oil into your diet and skin care routine can harness these benefits, but it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes.
