Almond oil is a very common ingredient used in many face moisturizers, serums, and balms for its beneficial fatty acids.

It has been used for cosmetics and as a staple food item for thousands of years.

There are dozens of species of almonds, many of which are cultivated specifically for cosmetics.

Almond oil is a pressed extract of Prunus Amygdalus plant.

It has been used for skin care in many moisturizing and antimicrobial products for decades.

Almond oil is primarily composed of unsaturated fatty acids, which means it could be classified as a "dry oil."

It is a natural plant oil, but it is not often considered an essential oil because of its high viscosity. In terms of plant extracts, it is considered a carrier oil.

Almond oil contains many moisturizing and soothing fatty acids as well as anti-microbial compounds which have many uses in skin care.

Anywhere between 36.7%-79% of an almond's weight can be extracted as oil depending on the species of almond. (2)

The most significant active compound in almond oil by concentration is oleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid that forms tiny holes in the skin, which aids in ingredient absorption.

The second most common compound in the oil is linoleic acid, a soothing, anti-inflammatory fatty acid found in some barrier repair moisturizers.

Some saturated fatty acids like palmitic acid are present as well; these give almond oil its thick, almost silky feel.

There are also significant vitamin and mineral compounds in almond oil, mainly a-tocopherol (Vitamin E) which has known antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

The precise composition of almond oil varies drastically depending on factors like rainfall, sunlight, and temperature among other variables.(4)

There are many moisturizing and antioxidant benefits associated with almond oil in skin care due to its active compounds.

The oleic acid in almond oil makes nearly microscopic perforations in the skin for other ingredients to penetrate; this aids in the absorption of ingredients like retinoids.

Linoleic acid, also present in almond oil, is anti-inflammatory and hydrating. It is a beneficial compound for many face moisturizers.

As it contains a high concentration of antioxidant compounds like vitamin E, almond oil can be used in products that eliminate various kinds of bacteria.

There are no common side effects related to almond oil aside from an allergy to tree nuts.

If you're normally allergic to almonds, you probably also have a skin allergy to almond oils.

There is a chance that almond oil can clog your pores if you have particularly sensitive skin, so be sure to shop by your skin type to avoid acne!

The EWG safety rating of almond oil is "1," which means it is considered safe for use in skin care, with the only common concern being allergies.

Almond oil is a commonly used and recommended ingredient in many product types.

The benefits of almond oil that we covered above result in an ingredient useful in regimens for many skin concerns.

The most common uses are in moisturizers for its hydrating fatty acids and occlusive properties.

Occlusive oils are used in treatments like skin slugging.

Almond oil can be found in treatments for acne, dry skin, and hyperpigmentation concerns.

Because of its antioxidants, it could even be used in combination with other ingredients in anti-aging or skin lightening products.

While almond oil can be found in some acne products, it is not considered the best oil for treating acne because it can clog pores.

That being said, it is only slightly comedogenic, so it does not clog the pores of all skin types.

It contains many antimicrobial compounds such as vitamin E (a-tocopherol) which eliminate acne causing bacteria on the skin.

To make sure almond oil is safe for your skin as a part of your custom regimen, take our quiz and shop by your skin type!