Are there any potential risks associated with the use of sweet almond oil?

The almond tree is a fruit tree whose early flowering marks the end of winter, sometimes as early as February, despite the still-present frosts. It is mainly cultivated in regions with a mild climate, notably in southern France, from the Alpes-Maritimes to the western Pyrenees, as well as in Corsica. The fruits of the almond tree contain a lipid-rich kernel, from which the sweet almond oil. Sweet almond vegetable oil is obtained by cold pressing of the almonds, a process that best preserves its constituents.

Almost odourless, sweet almond vegetable oil has a fluid texture with a slightly greasy feel and is typically pale yellow in colour, though it may vary slightly according to production conditions. In cosmetics, it is listed under the INCI name Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil. The sweet almond oil is chiefly prized for its nourishing and emollient properties, and is used both on the skin and the scalp and the hair.

The cosmetic use of sweet almond vegetable oil poses no health risk and has no contraindications.

This plant oil is generally very well tolerated, even by sensitive skin. Its richness in fatty acids and its lipid profile, which closely resemble that of the hydrolipidic film partly explain this excellent cutaneous tolerance, and sweet almond oil is, in fact, widely used to soothe and nourish the skin.

The only caveat, however, concerns its comparatively thick and oily texture, which gives it a comedogenicity rating of 2. The sweet almond oil is therefore considered to be moderately comedogenic. In oily or acne-prone skin types, applying it neat to the face can thus promote the clogging of the pores. For these skin types, it is preferable to opt for lighter vegetable oils, such as hazelnut oil or jojoba oil. Another option is to add a few drops of sweet almond oil to a moisturiser, or to blend it with a lighter oil—for example, in a 50/50 ratio—to limit its occlusive effect.

With regard to its tolerability, no cases of irritation associated with sweet almond oil have been reported in the scientific literature.

It is also suitable for pregnant women, who can in particular use it to nourish the skin and help prevent the onset of stretch marks, as well as for young children, whose skin is thinner and more reactive. It should be noted, however, that, like most vegetable oils rich in unsaturated fatty acids, sweet almond oil is susceptible to oxidation. Over time, it may become rancid, which impairs its cosmetic and organoleptic properties. To minimise this phenomenon, it is recommended to store it in a tinted glass bottle, protected from heat and light, and to reseal the bottle carefully after each use.

Finally, even though sweet almond oil is celebrated for its gentleness, we recommend, as with any cosmetic active ingredient, that you carry out a patch test beforehand. This consists of applying a small amount of product to the crease of the inner elbow and waiting 24 hours to ensure there is no reaction before broader application.

Note : Sweet almond oil is extracted from tree-nut seeds and may contain traces of allergens. Individuals with tree-nut allergies should therefore remain vigilant. A food allergy does not necessarily lead to a skin allergy, but as a precaution it is best to seek advice from a doctor or an allergist before using it.

• Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sweet Almond Oil and Almond Meal. International Journal of Toxicology (1983).

• HOSSEINI N. & al. Improved itchy quality of life following topical application of sweet almond oil in patients with uremic pruritus: A randomized, controlled trial. Jundishapur Journal of Chronic Disease Care (2018).

• KAO S. H. Comparing the effect of foot massage with grape seed oil and sweet almond oil on physiological leg edema in primigravidae: A randomized clinical trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2020).