Almond oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil) is sweet almond oil, which is obtained by cold pressing almonds. Recently, new extraction technologies such as supercritical fluid extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction and salt-assisted aqueous extraction have been used.
Definition
Almond oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the sweet almond tree (Prunus amygdalus dulcis). It is widely used in cosmetics for its emollient, nourishing, and soothing properties.
Chemical composition
Almond oil primarily contains:
Oleic acid (omega-9): 55–70%
Linoleic acid (omega-6): 20–30%
Palmitic acid: 4–9%
Stearic acid: 1–3%
Phytosterols (beta-sitosterol)
Tocopherols (vitamin E)
Squalene
Polyphenols and flavonoids (in trace amounts)
Physical characteristics
Appearance: clear liquid
Color: pale yellow to golden
Odor: mild, sweet, slightly nutty
Density: approximately 0.91 g/cm³
Smoke point: around 215 °C
Solubility: insoluble in water, soluble in oils and organic solvents
Extraction method
Cold pressing: preserves thermolabile nutrients (cosmetic and edible grade)
Solvent extraction: lower quality, typically used in industrial or refined oils
It can be refined or deodorized, but the virgin, unrefined version retains the highest level of active compounds.
Cosmetics
Used as an emollient and sclerosant, it produces a smoothing action on the skin. Emollients have the characteristic of improving the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties and protecting against inflammation. As a skin conditioning agent, it can improve skin tone and complexion in general without contraindications.
Other applications:
- face masks
- preventing stretch marks on the skin
- treating dry hair
- treating cracked skin
INCI functions
Safety and regulatory status
Generally well tolerated, including by sensitive or infant skin
Non-comedogenic (rating 2)
Possible cross-reactivity in people with nut allergies (rare but documented)
INCI name: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Regulated under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 as a safe ingredient
No mandatory allergen labeling unless combined with fragrances
Environmental considerations
Studies
Medical
Clinical studies have shown properties in counteracting some major diseases, reducing oxidative stress, glucose homeostasis, protection against cardiovascular risk, neuroprotection. It also reduces the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
It has no allergic contraindications.
Photochemical analysis revealed a number of compounds beneficial to health: Phenolic acids (hydrobenzoic acids), polyphenolic acids (ellagic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid), isoflavones, anthocyanins (cyanidin and delphinidin), bioflavonoids, flavanols (epicatechin and procyanidins), flavonol glycosides (kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside), triterpenes, tannins, all with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Unsaturated fatty acids were found to be 89.4 and 89.7 per cent, while the proportion of saturated fatty acids is 10.6 and 10.3 per cent for immature and mature seed oil, respectively (1).
Furthermore, an important amount of tocopherol and a good phytosterol content is present.
"Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil composition"
References________________________________________________________________
(1) Malisiova F, Hatziantoniou S, Dimas K, Kletstas D, Demetzos C. Liposomal formulations from phospholipids of Greek almond oil. Properties and biological activity. Z Naturforsch C J Biosci. 2004 May-Jun;59(5-6):330-4. doi: 10.1515/znc-2004-5-607.
Abstract. The seeds of the almond tree [(Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D. A. Webb. (syn. Prunus amygdalus)] were collected in two different periods of maturity and were studied for their lipid content. The total lipids (TL) were extracted by the Bligh-Dyer method and the lipid classes have been isolated by chromatographic techniques and were analyzed by HPTLC coupled with a flame ionization detector (HPTLC/FID) and GC-MS. The oils were found to be rich in neutral lipids (89.9% and 96.3% of total lipids) and low in polar lipids (10.1% and 3.7% of total lipids) for the immature and mature seed oils, respectively. The neutral lipid fraction consisted mainly of triacylglycerides whereas the polar lipids mainly consisted of phospholipids. GC-MS data showed that the main fatty acid for both oils was 9-octadecenoic acid (oleic acid). The unsaturated fatty acids were found as high as 89.4% and 89.7%, while the percentage of the saturated fatty acids was found 10.6% and 10.3% for the immature and mature seed oils, respectively. Liposomes were prepared from the isolated phospholipids using the thin lipid film methodology, and their physical properties were characterized. Cytotoxicity was found absent when assayed against normal and cancerous cell lines. These new formulations may have future applications for encapsulation and delivery of drugs and cosmetically active ingredients.
Riedler K, Hecker A, Bauer B, Tax C, Gmainer DG, Pignet AL, Kamolz LP, Lumenta DB. The Efficacy of Regeneration Oil and Almond Oil on Split-Thickness Skin Graft Donor Sites: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial. Clin Pract. 2023 May 25;13(3):648-655. doi: 10.3390/clinpract13030059.
Abstract. Background and objectives: Essential oils are a complementary treatment and can play an important role in scar care. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of a new essential oil (regeneration oil) with a control group on scar quality in healed split-thickness skin graft donor sites. Materials and methods: A single-center blinded randomized controlled study was performed on 30 patients with healed split-thickness skin graft donor site. The patients were randomly allocated into blended regeneration oil (n = 14) and pure almond oil (n = 16) groups. Application of the assigned oil occurred twice a day for 6 months. Scarring (Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale), itching (ITCH Assessment Scale) and scar discoloration (colorimetry) of the donor sites were assessed after 1, 3 and 6 months. Results: We found no statistically significant differences between the groups in any applied parameter. We observed comparable outcomes (scar quality, itchiness, colorit) in healed split-thickness skin graft donor sites for both oils. Conclusions: Regeneration oil and control oil presented comparable results regarding scar quality, itchiness and colorit in healed split-thickness skin graft donor sites after 6 months of application. Both oils are suitable for skin/scar care in split-thickness skin graft donor sites.
Roncero JM, Álvarez-Ortí M, Pardo-Giménez A, Rabadán A, Pardo JE. Influence of Pressure Extraction Systems on the Performance, Quality and Composition of Virgin Almond Oil and Defatted Flours. Foods. 2021 May 11;10(5):1049. doi: 10.3390/foods10051049. PMID: 34064705;
Abstract. Almond is the most cultivated nut throughout the world. The oil content of almonds in most varieties exceeds 50%, which encourages the oil extraction to be used in gastronomy or in the cosmetic industry. The preferred system to extract almond oil is by means of pressure, which leads to obtaining a virgin oil ready for consumption. In this work, almond oil has been obtained using two pressure systems: screw press (SP) and hydraulic press (HP). The performance of both methods, as well as their influence on quality and composition characteristics of the almond oils obtained are analyzed from both a physical-chemical and sensory point of view. From an industry perspective, the highest oil yield is obtained with the SP when it operates at temperatures of 100-150 °C. Regarding the quality and chemical composition, the oils obtained by HP showed better quality indices, as they are subjected to a less aggressive treatment without influence of temperature, but lower content in total sterols. Fatty acid pattern, characterized by the predominance of unsaturated fatty acids (>90%), was not affected by the pressing system. The different operational conditions tested did not greatly affect the performance or composition of the oils obtained, but sensory tests showed two clearly differentiated products, the oil obtained by HP and that obtained by SP, according to consumer preferences. The defatted almond flours obtained as a by-product of the oil extraction process are characterized by a high content in protein and fiber, and a higher content in fat when the flour is produced from the pressing cake of HP.
Gallier S, Singh H. Behavior of almond oil bodies during in vitro gastric and intestinal digestion. Food Funct. 2012 May;3(5):547-55. doi: 10.1039/c2fo10259e.
Abstract. An aqueous suspension of almond oil bodies (about 10% lipids) was prepared and subjected to in vitro gastric (with pepsin) and intestinal (with bile salts and pancreatin) digestion, simulating fasting conditions. The physicochemical and structural changes of the almond oil body emulsion were examined. The almond oil body emulsion behaved similarly to a protein-stabilized emulsion, with flocculation of the oil bodies occurring under gastric conditions. Proteins, peptides, and phospholipids covered the surface of the oil bodies throughout gastric digestion. Under intestinal conditions, bile salts displaced the interfacial peptides and phospholipids, and disrupted the flocs. Gastric pepsinolysis of almond proteins was a prerequisite for their digestion in the duodenum. The oil body membrane had a negative impact on the efficiency of gastric digestion, and long chain fatty acids, the main lipolytic products, accumulated at the surface of the oil bodies and therefore limited the activity of pancreatic lipase.
Kato K, Vo PHT, Furuyashiki T, Kamasaka H, Kuriki T. Co-ingestion of whole almonds and almond oil with carbohydrate suppresses postprandial glycaemia in mice in an insulin-dependent and insulin-independent manner. J Nutr Sci. 2019 Jul 31;8:e25. doi: 10.1017/jns.2019.22.
Abstract. Co-ingestion of almonds with carbohydrate prevents excessive increase in plasma glucose level (PGL), but information about the functional fraction is limited. Identifying the functional fraction is necessary to use almonds more efficiently in terms of controlling postprandial glycaemia after a high-carbohydrate meal. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of almond skin, oil, water-soluble fraction and water-insoluble fraction on both postprandial glycaemia and insulinaemia. The effect of almond skin was tested by comparing the effect of whole almonds with the effect of skinless almonds. Male ICR mice were administered dextrin and 4 g/kg body weight test samples. After the administration, 2-h postprandial changes in glycaemia and insulinaemia were measured. Oil was the only fraction being able to blunt postprandial glycaemia. Interestingly, when co-ingesting with dextrin, almond oil did not change the insulin level compared with the control but whole almonds or skinless almonds triggered a 4-fold increase in insulin level. The co-ingestion of whole almonds or skinless almonds similarly suppressed the PGL at 15 and 30 min (P < 0·05), which means almond skin has no effect on postprandial glycaemia. Neither soluble nor insoluble fractions lead to any significant changes in postprandial glycaemia and insulinaemia. In conclusion, oil is the main functional component accounting for the glycaemia-lowering effect without altering insulin level.
Almond oil 
