Almond oil is suitable for all skin types
Almond oil is suitable for all skin types

Almond oil (INCI: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil)

The almond tree, from whose kernels the oil is extracted by cold pressing, is a medium-high tree or shrub with relatively weak root development and belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae). Originally native to Western and Central Asia, the almond is now mainly cultivated in the Mediterranean region (Spain, Italy) and California. The positive effect of almond oil (oleum amygdalae) has been known for thousands of years and already achieved health and cosmetic relevance in the ancient cultures of the Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Chinese.

Representation for a triglyceride in almond oil (green=linoleic acid; pink=oleic acid)
Darstellung für ein Triglycerid in Mandelöl (grün=Linolsäure; rosa=Ölsäure)

What exactly is in almond oil?

The oil is characterized as a multi-substance mixture by its valuable ingredients with a multifunctional effect, which Kneipp skin research greatly appreciates for cosmetics. Almond oil has a high content of (single and double) unsaturated fatty acids. These skin-related oils are very mild and anti-irritant, and for this very reason are very well tolerated by dry and sensitive skin. Specifically, almond oil consists of about one-third linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid) and two-thirds oleic acid (omega-9 fatty acid).¹

Linoleic acid, as an essential, doubly unsaturated fatty acid, is of central importance for the function of the epidermal barrier (skin barrier), as it is an important building block of the following skin-own sphingolipids: ceramide 1 [EOS], ceramide 4 [EOH] and ceramide 9 [EOP]. Ceramides are essential for an intact and above all resistant and stable skin barrier. Linoleic acid cannot be produced by the body itself, so a sufficient supply must be ensured to prevent dry, flaky and rough skin. Linoleic acid as an effective active ingredient can also be used for inflammatory skin conditions, as it has an anti-inflammatory effect via its metabolites in the skin. ²


The high proportion of oleic acid in almond oil documents a number of positive properties. For example, oleic acid is very important for maintaining the elasticity and hydration of the epidermal barrier. Furthermore, due to its properties, oleic acid provides a soft skin feel, creates good spreadability of the cosmetic formulation and thus improves the appearance of the skin ³.

Almond oil in research

Study results from Kneipp skin research show that the skin-related components of almond oil support and stabilize the structures of the skin barrier, thereby increasing the skin's resistance. When applied topically, the lipids are integrated directly into the skin barrier and thus ensure the important balance of fat and moisture. As a result, moisture is retained longer and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is reduced, which is found to be particularly soothing for rough, flaky and dry skin associated with itching.


Research also shows that almond oil protects the skin. The additional active substances vitamin E and phytosterols contained in almond oil also have antioxidant effects when applied topically. It has been shown that UV-induced structural damage to the skin is prevented and consequently the light-induced premature skin aging process is counteracted. ⁴

To the point

In summary, almond oil not only supports central specific effects on the skin through important skin-related components, but also counteracts light-induced skin aging through antioxidant effects. Cosmetic care products containing almond oil are very well tolerated, are suitable for all skin types and have a variety of positive effects, especially on dry and sensitive skin.

  1. Shi Z, Fu Q, Chen B, Xu S (1999): Analysis of physicochemical property and composition of fatty acid of almond oil. Se Pu 17: pp. 506-507.
  2. Schneider IM, Wohlrab W (1997): Fatty acids and epidermis. Dermatologist 48: pp. 303-310
  3. Ahmad Z (2010): The uses and properties of almond oil. Complement Ther Clin Pract 16: pp. 10-12.
  4. Sultana Y (2007): Effect of pre-treatment of almond oil on ultraviolet B-induced cutaneous photoaging in mice. J Cosmet Dermatol 6: pp. 14-19.

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