Almond oil, particularly oil that is derived from sweet almonds, is beneficial in many ways. It is a natural moisturizer that can be used topically to treat dry and flaky skin, and because it is easily absorbed by the top layer of the skin, it’s often used as lubricating massage oil. When rubbed into the scalp, almond oil not only nourishes hair, it also helps to make it thicker and stronger. Almond oil has a mildly sweet, non-irritating and calming odor, so it is often used in aromatherapy. There also are internal benefits of almond oil, such as aiding in digestion, boosting the immune system and acting as a gentle laxative.

In addition to these benefits of almond oil, rubbing almond oil directly onto the skin has been shown to provide relief from mild muscular pain. Almond oil is similar to olive oil in its makeup of essential fatty acids, monounsaturated fats and omega-3. This makes almond oil also beneficial as a healthy substitute in salad dressings and recipes that require oil, such as stir-fry dishes.

Despite its wide array of beneficial uses, the popularity of almond oil is most evident in the number of almond oil products available for dry skin and brittle or weakened hair. Almond oil has been used in medicine since ancient times for the treatment of chronic dry skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Two plant-derived compounds in almond oil, oleic acid and ursolic acid, are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and a restorative healing effect on the outer layer of skin. Almond oil is rich in the skin-nourishing vitamins A and E, as well as in vitamins B1, B2 and B6, so it is prominent in many soaps and beauty products, particularly moisturizers.

Although almond oil is a heavy oil, it is a natural emollient that is not very greasy and is quickly absorbed. This rapid absorption is key in helping to repair dry, cracked or flaky skin and in smoothing patches of hardened skin, particularly on the elbows, heels and knees. When used regularly as a moisturizer, it makes skin soft and supple, and it has been found to be a soothing agent for various skin inflammations.

Almond oil has natural antimicrobial properties, the benefits of almond oil for the skin extend to treating minor wounds, sunburn and infections and in preventing the spread of bacterial infections that are most commonly associated with acne. Another one of the benefits of almond oil, with its lubricating and rejuvenating properties, is in treating dark circles under eyes. Gently rubbing a drop of almond oil under each eye at night will rehydrate the delicate skin and reduce puffiness.

The benefits of almond oil for the hair are almost as numerous as those for the skin. Besides helping dry and brittle hair to become thicker and stronger with its moisturizing properties, almond oil nourishes hair cuticles and adds a healthy sheen to even the dullest hair. Despite being a heavy oil, almond oil is a good cleansing agent for hair. With its moisturizing and antimicrobial properties, it aids in creating healthy hair and a healthy scalp. The regular use of almond oil as a scalp lubricant has even been found to facilitate hair growth.

Though the benefits of almond are many, its use comes with a few words of caution. Almonds are nuts, so people who have nut allergies should avoid using all almond oil products topically and especially internally. This is true for both medicinal and culinary uses of almond oil.

There are two types of almonds: sweet and bitter. Sweet almond oil is safe to consume for people are not allergic to them, but bitter almond is toxic and should almost never be ingested. Almond oil, because it is essentially a food, can go bad. Most almond oil products should be stored in a cool, dark environment, and some types of almond oil need to be refrigerated after being opened.