Sweet Almond Oil

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about sweet almond oil. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

1. General Description and Role

Verification: Supported. The CIR Expert Panel found plant-derived fatty acid oils, including sweet almond oil, safe as used in cosmetics.

Citations:

• • Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
    • What it shows: CIR safety assessment of plant oils.
  • Ahmad, Z. (2010). The uses and properties of almond oil. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 16(1), 10–12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20129403/
    • What it shows: Review of almond oil.

2. Composition and Production

Verification: Supported. Its fatty-acid profile is well documented.

Citations:

• • Ahmad, Z. (2010). The uses and properties of almond oil. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 16(1), 10–12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20129403/
    • What it shows: Describes composition.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Verification: Supported, with caveats. It is generally well tolerated, but a study of children with food allergies linked early skin exposure to almond-oil ointments with almond sensitization.

Citations:

• • Guillet, G., & Guillet, M. H. (2000). Percutaneous sensitization to almond oil in infancy and study of ointments in 27 children with food allergy. Allergie et Immunologie, 32(8), 309–311. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11244925/
    • What it shows: Study of almond sensitization in children.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Verification: Limited evidence. Oils are commonly used to soften hair and reduce the look of frizz; we found no controlled clinical studies of this oil on hair. ORY^® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff, scalp conditions, or hair loss.

Citations:

• • Ahmad, Z. (2010). The uses and properties of almond oil. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 16(1), 10–12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20129403/
    • What it shows: General review.

5. Benefits

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Reviews describe almond oil’s emollient properties and support oleic- and linoleic-rich oils for the skin barrier. Evidence for other benefits is mostly traditional.

Citations:

• • Ahmad, Z. (2010). The uses and properties of almond oil. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 16(1), 10–12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20129403/
    • What it shows: Review.
  • Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2018). Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070
    • What it shows: Review of plant oils.
  • Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
    • What it shows: Review of plant oils.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Verification: Supported. ORY^® labels sweet almond oil clearly so customers with nut allergies can avoid it.

Citations:

• • Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
    • What it shows: Reported uses.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
    • What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.

7. Pros

Verification: Supported. Well documented composition and long cosmetic use.

Citations:

• • Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
    • What it shows: Safety conclusion.

8. Cons

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

• • Tree-nut allergy. Avoid if allergic.
  • Children. Early skin exposure has been linked to sensitization.
  • Richer feel. Oily and acne-prone faces may prefer lighter oils.
  • Shelf life. About 12 months.

Citations:

• • Guillet, G., & Guillet, M. H. (2000). Percutaneous sensitization to almond oil in infancy and study of ointments in 27 children with food allergy. Allergie et Immunologie, 32(8), 309–311. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11244925/
    • What it shows: Sensitization.

9. Safety Notes

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

• • Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
  • Do not use if you have a tree-nut allergy.
  • Ask a healthcare provider before using on babies or young children.
  • Store away from heat and light, and discard if it smells rancid.
  • Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
  • For external use only. Avoid the eyes.
  • If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

• • Guillet, G., & Guillet, M. H. (2000). Percutaneous sensitization to almond oil in infancy and study of ointments in 27 children with food allergy. Allergie et Immunologie, 32(8), 309–311. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11244925/
    • What it shows: Sensitization.

10. Product-line notes

• • ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
  • ORY^® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
  • ORY^® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
  • ORY^® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

• • Ahmad, Z. (2010). The uses and properties of almond oil. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 16(1), 10–12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20129403/
  • Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
  • Guillet, G., & Guillet, M. H. (2000). Percutaneous sensitization to almond oil in infancy and study of ointments in 27 children with food allergy. Allergie et Immunologie, 32(8), 309–311. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11244925/
  • Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2018). Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070
  • Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1

Government and regulatory sources

• • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap