Last Updated on September 25, 2022 by Lori Geurin
You’re likely aware of the health benefits of eating almonds. But have you ever tried using sweet almond oil on your skin or hair? It’s a fantastic oil with impressive benefits for your overall health, hair, skin, and nails. Keep reading to learn the 36 benefits of almond oil.
But first, some interesting facts.
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Sweet Almond Oil Facts
The scientific name for almond oil is Prunus dulcis. It is extracted from raw almonds native to Asia and the Middle East. And it has an amazingly nutty scent!
In the United States, many varieties of sweet almonds are grown in California. Sweet almond oil is rich in:
- zinc
- vitamin E
- monounsaturated fatty acids
- magnesium
- folic acid
- copper
- potassium
- a variety of other minerals.
Types of Almond Oil
There are two types of almond oil:
- Sweet almond oil
- Bitter almond oil
Sweet almond oil is safe to use in cooking, on hair and skin. But, bitter almond oil, extracted from bitter almonds, is toxic in small amounts because it contains cyanide.
So, let’s break it down…
Sweet almond oil: Good!
Bitter almond oil: Bad!
Now, on to the benefits…
36 Amazing Benefits Of Almond Oil
Benefits Of Almond Oil For Skin
- Reduces dark circles under the eyes when applied over time
- The vitamin E in almond oil helps prevent and reverse signs of aging, including crows feet and wrinkles
- Gives your skin a healthy glow
- Makes a gentle makeup remover
- Great for treating chapped lips
- Is a rich emollient moisturizer – especially great for the body, hands, elbows, feet, etc. Some people may find it a bit too oily for the face, though.
- Helps treat eczema and psoriasis
- Is a natural sunscreen, SPF 5
- Improves skin tone
- Can be used as a skin cleanser
- Due to its antibacterial qualities, and because it is rich in vitamin A, it makes a good acne treatment
- Helps fade scars
- It’s safe to use as a moisturizer on baby’s skin, as well as on rashes
Benefits Of Almond Oil For Hair
- Helps prevent split ends
- Massaging the oil into your scalp is a good dandruff treatment because is releases dead cells
- The vitamin E and essential fatty acids make it an excellent shine enhancer. Just apply a small amount at a time, starting at the ends of your hair.
- Improves the overall health and condition of your hair
- Protects hair from sun damage with an SPF 5
- Prevents hair loss when massaged into the scalp due to high levels of zinc. Just gently massage it into the scalp and leave it on for a few hours before washing it.
General Health Benefits Of Almond Oil
- Antioxidant-rich
- The linoleic and linolenic acids in almond oil can help decrease inflammation
- Fights free radicals
- Protects against colon cancer
- Helps prevent diabetes
- May lower your risk for heart disease
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels
- Aids digestion and treats constipation
- Natural ear infection and pain treatment. Put a couple of drops of sweet almond oil in a tablespoon of warm filtered water. Drop this into the ear, let it travel into the ear canal, and work its magic!
- The monounsaturated fats in almond oil speed up metabolism, which can help you lose weight
- Improves energy due to essential minerals and vitamins
- Strengthens nails
- Good for expectant mothers and babies because it is rich in folic acid, which reduces the risk of birth defects.
- Has analgesic properties. Massage into sore muscles to help relieve pain.
- Boosts memory and neurological function
- It’s a great carrier oil for essential oils.
This is my favorite sweet almond oil. Pure, organic, and affordable.
Cooking With Almond Oil
When selecting a quality almond oil for cooking, make sure you choose a high-quality, pure organic sweet almond oil. You can add it to protein shakes, drink 2 to 4 tablespoons, drizzle it on roasted veggies, or cook with it like any other oil. The smoke point is 430 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cautions About Almond Oil
Overall, sweet almond oil is safe, but it’s important to note some precautions. First, you should not consume or use almond oil if you have a nut allergy.
Also, you may want to avoid consuming alcohol and almond oil simultaneously, as a Texas Tech study showed adverse interactions.
And as I mentioned above, bitter almond oil is toxic and shouldn’t be used. Finally, talk to your doctor if you’re taking medications, such as diabetes or cholesterol medicines, as these could interact with almond oil.
Summary – The Benefits Of Almond Oil
As you can see, almond oil has many benefits for your skin, hair, and health. This antioxidant-rich oil can help decrease inflammation, improve energy and even boost your memory.
It’s nourishing for your skin and great at minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.
Have you ever used almond oil? What benefits have you noticed?
Share your thoughts below – I love hearing from you!
If you enjoyed this, you’ll want to check out:
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- Pink Himalayan Salt Benefits That Boost Your Health
- 7 Proven Health Benefits Of Garlic
- Anti-Aging Skincare Review: MD Complete
- 5 Things To Do When You Say Something You Regret
I absolutely love using almond oil, but for whatever reason have never used it in my hair. Will be trying!!
Oh, this is great, Kaity – Thanks!
I love Almond oil! It has great benefits and it’s like a miracle for me.
It’s great to hear from so many people who love almond oil as much as I do. Thanks a bunch!
Excellent post. I have been getting into EOs lately especially due to my eczema. Didn’t realize that almond oil would be beneficial, but after reading this article, I am definitely going to add it to my collection.
Thrifting Diva
http://www.thriftingdiva.com
Thanks so much! I’d love to hear how it works for you. It has helped many people treat their eczema.
I think I need to get myself some almond oil. I see it has quite a few uses! This is great!
Yep, it’s a pretty awesome oil! Thanks, Amber!
I loveeeee almond oil! I’m surprised by some of the things on this list, I never would have thought!
Oh, wonderful! Thanks!
I have been using Almond Oil for various things for decades, and I totally agree with you. I love the smell so much, too!
That’s great – Thanks!
I have never even heard of almond oil but it makes sense that it is healthy. I love how it can be used in so many ways.
Yes, it’s impressive stuff – Thanks, Carolyn!
I knew almonds had a lot of benefits, but I had no idea there were so many! I do love it for my hair!
This is great to hear! I love it for my hair too…makes it so soft.
I have never seen almond oil at the store. I will have to keep my eyes open when shopping.
Come to think of it, I always buy mine off of Amazon.com, so I don’t recall seeing it at the store either. I’d think it would be with the other oils though.
Wow, all of these are new to me. I had no idea, so I guess I need to start using almond oil for just about everything!
I think this is a fantastic idea! 🙂
I’ve never cooked with almond oil. Though I have used it on my skin. It’s a really nice oil. Great breakdown of all the fabulous uses.
Thanks, Erica!
I use almond oil all the time, but I have never ingested it. I use it solely for beauty applications.
That’s great, Terri – Thanks for sharing this!
I never knew that much about Almond Oil and all it’s health benefits. Such an informative post, thanks for sharing. I love the sweet smell it has too.
Thanks so much! The scent is pretty nice, isn’t it.
I can’t say that I have used almond oil but I have been hearing a lot about it lately. It seems like it is a good alternative to coconut oil, especially if you have some sensitivity to using it on your skin.
I’ve heard this too. I have to say, it’s incredibly soothing to your skin.
I’ve never seen almond oil before but that’s amazing that there are so many benefits to using it! I’ll have to look out for some
Yes, it’s a wonderful oil! Let me know what you think when you try it.
I use almond oil to make my essential oil rollers and I love it. Its has some great skin benefits.
Oooh, I love my essential oil rollers too! Thanks for sharing this -it’s such a great tip!
almonds are great and there are so many benefits to them. I wish we could use/eat them but my oldest is allergic to all kinds of nuts. It makes me sad she can’t enjoy them so we try not keep them in the house. Thanks for all the info!
So sorry your daughter is allergic to nuts. I can see why you wouldn’t want to keep the around. Thanks for sharing!
I love almond oil! I have used it before when making soaps. I also use it on my skin and scalp and it is great! I really like the soft sweet smell it has too.
It’s great that you’ve found so many uses for it – I love the smell too!