Almond Oil For Skin: 5 Uses, Benefits & More, From Experts

Every so often there comes a trendy natural oil that piques the beauty community's interest. Coconut oil was in the spotlight for a long time; argan and jojoba, too. Almond oil, with its silky slip and skin-nurturing properties, is poised to be another favorite. 

The name speaks for itself: Almond oil comes from almonds. Historically, this nutrient-dense oil has been used by Ancient Chinese, Ayurvedic, Greek, and Persian schools of medicine to treat dry skin1. 

"Structurally, almond oil is practically made for dry skin. It contains a high level of fatty acids that can improve the barrier function of skin, and it also contains vitamins D and E so it works as an anti-inflammatory, calming ingredient," says board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D.

However, there are two different kinds of almond oil out there. Below, the difference between bitter and sweet almond oil. 

Sweet almond oil

"Sweet almond oil is a fixed oil and is the one used as an emollient in skin care products," says clean cosmetic chemist and founder of KKT Consultants Krupa Koestline. You can say sweet almond oil is a carrier oil, aka a base you might mix essential oils into when making your own solution. 

Bitter almond oil

"As a lightweight moisturizer, almond oil acts as an emollient to help fill in the cracks and crevices of rough skin and an occlusive agent that seals water into the skin," says board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, M.D., FAAD. 

"It helps restore and maintain skin barrier function, and the high linoleic acid content is great for dry, sensitive, eczema-prone skin," Koestline explains. However, the ability to support the skin barrier is a benefit worth noting for everyone, regardless of skin type. 

"Antioxidants in almond oil, like vitamin E, help protect skin from the effects of free oxygen radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules that can damage cellular structures," Camp explains. 

You'll often find almond oil in products designed for sensitive, reactive skin types, and that's not for the lovely scent alone. 

"Almond oil can reduce skin irritation," Camp notes. "This may be helpful in conditions like eczema or psoriasis because it may improve symptoms like itch, swelling, or redness," he adds. 

"Another major benefit is that it was shown to improve some UV damage from sun exposure! Although it's not a replacement for sunscreen, it's a moisturizer that has more benefits than just moisturizing," says Nazarian. 

Thanks to the oil's vitamin E content, it may be beneficial for preventing and treating scar tissue. The vitamin, when used topically, has been shown to reduce the appearance of scars, including those due to acne, stretch, or surgery. 

"The comedogenic potential of almond oil is low; it rates a two on a scale of five. This means it is less likely to clog pores and contribute to the formation of acne," Camp notes. However, you should patch test a small area of your skin if you're prone to breakouts. 

While almond oil is generally well tolerated, you should be mindful of allergic reactions. "Almond oil should not be used by people with allergies to almonds or tree nuts because of the potential of an allergic reaction," Camp explains.

Almond oil is highly beneficial for increasing skin hydration and protecting the skin from free radicals. Experts say this ingredient is safe for sensitive skin and may even ease dryness and irritation from eczema.