Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOverviewHow It’s MadeUsesBenefitsShould You Cook with Almond Oil?RisksBuying and Storage

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Overview

How It’s Made

Uses

Benefits

Should You Cook with Almond Oil?

Risks

Buying and Storage

Almond oil has several potential benefits for skin and hair health. Almond oil is a potent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients found inalmondsthat are vital for skin health.

There are two types of almond oil: bitter almond and sweet almond. Each type has different properties and can be used in different ways.

This article will go over the possible benefits of using almond oil. You’ll learn about the different types of almond oil and how they are used, as well as the potential side effects of using almond oil on your skin and hair.

An illustration of a person applying lotion to their skin.

Antioxidants for Skin Health

What Is Almond Oil?

There are two types of almond oils: bitter and sweet. Each type has different benefits and uses.

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Almond Oil Uses

Thanks to its antioxidant andanti-inflammatory properties, almond oil has many uses. Some people add almond oil to smoothies, while others use it topically as part of their daily skin routine.

Sweet almond oil is available in stores and online as pure oil. You can also find it as an ingredient in many cosmetic and hair care products, including:

Some people claim that sweet almond oil has hair benefits, including:

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Benefits of Using Almond Oil

Almond oil has many potential benefits for the skin, such as reducing the appearance ofscarringandwrinkles. It may also have hair health benefits.

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Almond Oil for Treating Skin Conditions

Almond oil is anemollientthat provides hydration, which can helpmoisturizeandsmooth skin. These qualities make almond oil a popular ingredient for skincare products.

Almond oil is generally safe forsensitive skinbecause it is non-irritating and lightweight. Some people find that almond oil helps them managechronic skin conditionssuch as:

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How to Use Almond Oil for Skin

Research has shown that usinghand creammade with sweet almond oil can offer relief fromhand dermatitis. In one study, people who used the cream found that it relieved symptoms like burning, stinging, redness, and itchy skin.

Some people use almond oil as adaily face moisturizerbecause they believe it improves their complexion and skin tone. Many companies that make almond oil products for skin and hair say that it’s fine to use them overnight.That said, whether you decide to use almond oil overnight will depend on how your skin and hair react to the oil.

Will Almond Oil Make Acne Worse?

However, some people with acne find that putting oil on their faces actually makes them more likely to get pimples. If you’ve found that otheroils have made your acne worse, you may not find almond oil beneficial.

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Almond Oil to Reduce Scarring

Wound healingafter injury or surgery can cause scarring.Ayurvedicand ancient Chinese medicine practitioners use almond oil to reduce the appearance of scars and soothe the skin. Some people use almond oil foracne scars.

Can Almond Oil Prevent Scars?Researchers have noted the anti-inflammatory properties of almond oil, which could help reduce the appearance ofpost-surgical scarring. However, there is no conclusive data on using almond oil to prevent scars (most of the evidence has been anecdotal).

Can Almond Oil Prevent Scars?

Researchers have noted the anti-inflammatory properties of almond oil, which could help reduce the appearance ofpost-surgical scarring. However, there is no conclusive data on using almond oil to prevent scars (most of the evidence has been anecdotal).

Almond Oil to Eliminate Stretch Marks

When your body experiences rapid growth during puberty or pregnancy, the stretching can cause theskin’s collagen and elastinto break. As the skin heals,stretch marksform.

If you already have stretch marks, regularly massaging almond oil on your skin may help fade their appearance while also toning and softening your skin.

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Almond Oil to Reduce UV Damage

Getting a lot of exposure tothe sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rayscan cause premature skin aging. UV rays can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots on the skin.

Almond oil is an effective barrier, protecting the skin from harmful UV rays. In addition, the vitamin E contained in the oil has antioxidant properties that prevent cell damage from UV rays.

A small clinical study showed that almond oil sunscreen has anSPF of 15and is comparable to other commercial SPF 15 sunscreens.

While it wasn’t done on humans, one study on mice found that almond oil effectively prevented skin damage from the sun when applied topically.

Is Almond Oil Good for Aging Skin?Almond oil may improve skin moisture, but it isn’t likely to deliver skin-tightening results.

Is Almond Oil Good for Aging Skin?

Almond oil may improve skin moisture, but it isn’t likely to deliver skin-tightening results.

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Almond Oil for Healthy Hair

No matter your hair type, almond oil has advantages for improving hair’s appearance and health. When added to shampoo, almond oil can give the hair a natural-appearing shine, which makes it look healthy and radiant.

At a cellular level, almond oil may help smooth hair and repair damage. It can also add moisture and elasticity to hair because it’s rich in fatty acids.

Almond oil may also have other hair and scalp benefits, including:

To use almond oil on your hair, apply it to the scalp and gently massage from the roots to the tip. Leave on for 20 or more minutes (or overnight if desired).

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Although there is limited research on the health benefits of almond oil, we know almond oil has anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties.Almond oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to lower LDL-(bad) cholesterol and raise HDL-(good) cholesterol.

Studies also suggest that oils rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, like almond oil, may help with blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.

Almond oil is best used for low-heat baking, in salad dressings, and as a finishing oil to add a mild, nutty flavor. It is not recommended for high-heat cooking because it can break down and lose its delicate flavor and nutritional value.

Risks of Using Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil is generally safe for anyone to use on their hair and skin.However, some people may want to avoid it.

Almond oil’s hair benefits could include eyelashes and eyebrows; however, always make sure that any product you use near your eyes is safe and free of contaminants.

Home remedies and recipes, especially those shared on social media, do not always come from reputable sources.

Can I Use Almond Oil If I’m Allergic to Nuts?Do not use almond oil if you have a nut allergy.Almond oil contains nutallergensand may cause an allergic reaction if you eat it or put it on your skin.

Can I Use Almond Oil If I’m Allergic to Nuts?

Do not use almond oil if you have a nut allergy.Almond oil contains nutallergensand may cause an allergic reaction if you eat it or put it on your skin.

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Choosing and Storing Almond Oil

You can buy almond oil on its own or look for products like shampoo, body wash, facial cleansers, and lip balms that have almond oil in them. Which option you choose is up to you but it may help to think about these points when deciding:

Once you know what kind of almond oil product you want, there are plenty of options available. Most health food and specialty stores carry almond oil, and you can find cosmetics and personal care products with almond oil as an ingredient at most pharmacies and big box stores.

You can also buy almond oil and products online; however, just make sure that you’re buying from a reputable source.

Almond Oil Storage Tips

If you get pure almond oil, keep in mind that like other oils it has a shelf life and needs to be stored carefully.

To prevent almond oil from going rancid (or at least slowing the process), keep it stored in a cool, dark place that’s away from heat (for example, a kitchen cabinet that isn’t too close to your stove).

Do You Need to Refrigerate Almond Oil?You don’t necessarily need to refrigerate almond oil. Most oils, like olive oil and avocado oil, can be stored at room temperature. However, if your kitchen tends to get (and stay) warm, it might be better to store your almond oil in the fridge.

Do You Need to Refrigerate Almond Oil?

You don’t necessarily need to refrigerate almond oil. Most oils, like olive oil and avocado oil, can be stored at room temperature. However, if your kitchen tends to get (and stay) warm, it might be better to store your almond oil in the fridge.

Summary

Sweet almond oil contains many nutrients that are good for the skin, including vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants. Using almond oil may help soothe and hydrate your skin and hair.

Some people also use almond oil to reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and wrinkles and to treat skin conditions. However, there are only a few small studies that support these benefits, and more research is needed.

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21 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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