Biochemical Composition of Sweet Almond Vegetable Oil

The almond tree is a fruit-bearing tree whose flowers are the first to appear at the end of winter, despite the morning frosts. This fruit tree is primarily cultivated in the southern regions, from the Alpes-Maritimes to the western Pyrenees, including Corsica..

This refers to a vegetable oil obtained from the cold pressing of the seeds from the fruits of the almond tree. To produce 1 L of sweet almond oil, approximately 2 to 3 kg of almonds are required. It is almost odourless and its texture is fluid with a greasy touch. It is generally pale yellow in colour, but it can be slightly darker, depending on the production conditions.

In cosmetics, its I.N.C.I. name is "Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil". This vegetable oil is the ultimate ally for dry skin. It nourishes, soothes and softens the skin. Thanks to its Vitamin E content, it has antioxidant properties that strengthen the skin's barrier function, making it more resilient.

To reap all the benefits of sweet almond oil, it must be 100% natural and derived from organic farming. This vegetable oil is naturally rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins. It contains numerous active ingredients with properties beneficial for the skin and hair.

• Vitamin E

  Tocopherol is apowerful natural antioxidant. It protects the skin and hair from the assaults of free radicals, which arereactive oxygen speciesproduced naturally by the body but produced in excess when cells are faced with astress. The sources of stress are numerous, the main ones being UV exposure, pollution, smoking, a diet too rich in fats and/or sugars. Free radicals are particularly unstable molecules due to theirsingle electron. They tend to react with other molecules to form apair of electrons, and then causedamage to cells, DNA and body proteins. They are notably involved in lipid peroxidation, a degradation reaction of the constituents of cell membranes. Ageing is thus accelerated and wrinkles appear on the skin surface. Sweet almond oil can thus help to prevent skin ageing and fight against the appearance and/or accentuation of wrinkles.

• Fatty Acids

  The vegetable oil of sweet almond primarily containsoleic acid or omega 9, a monounsaturated fatty acid (62 to 86%). Oleic acid is a lipid that is part of the composition of sebum, a substance naturally secreted by the body to counteract the dryness of the skin and hair. It stimulates the production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Thus, sweet almond vegetable oil isrelipidating, it is recommended for the care ofdry and dehydrated skin and hair.

• Vitamin A

  This compound isphoto-protective. When applied topically, vitamin A contributes to the protection of DNA against the harmful effects of the sun's UVB rays. Furthermore, it has the ability to stimulate thesynthesis ofmelanin, a skin pigment responsible for the brown colour of the skin and therefore fortanning.

  Note: Caution! Sweet almond oil does not replace a broad-spectrum sunscreenand should rather be used in addition to it.

Caution! To preserve each component of sweet almond oil, it must be stored in a dry place, shielded from heat and light.