Products
Almond oil is found in many medicines, skin care products, personal care products and cosmetics. Pure almond oil is available in pharmacies and drugstores.
Properties
Almond oil is a fatty oil obtained by cold pressing from the ripe seeds of the almond tree var. and var. of the rose family. Sweet and/or bitter almonds may be used as the starting material. The European pharmacopoeia distinguishes two qualities:
- Native almond oil (Amygdalae oleum virginale) is a yellow, clear liquid. It is not used in practice for medicinal purposes.
- Refined almond oil (Amygdalae oleum raffinatum) is a pale yellow, clear liquid obtained by refining virgin oil. It may contain an antioxidant and is of higher quality.
Almond oil contains a high percentage of oleic acid (up to 86%), as well as linoleic and palmitic acid. It is viscous, has a nutty taste, is sparingly soluble in ethanol 96%, soluble in chloroform and solidifies at about -18°C.
Effects
Almond oil (ATC D02A) conditions the skin, keeping it supple and moisturized. It is considered well tolerated, non-irritating and non-comedogenic.
Indications for use
Almond oil and corresponding preparations are used medicinally mainly externally as skin care products for the prevention and treatment of dry skin and corresponding secondary complaints. They are commonly used in infants and young children (also mixed with jojoba oil) and in the elderly. Almond oil is a well-known massage oil and is further used against stretch marks, as a solvent for oily injections and in aromatherapy.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
Almond oil quickly becomes rancid and is sensitive to light. For example, in a 2005 test, the Cantonal Therapeutic Products Control Zurich found that 2/3 of 74 samples tested from pharmacies and drugstores were not compliant with pharmacopoeial regulations. In almost all cases, the peroxide value, a measure of the condition of the oil, was too high. Improper and too long storage in repeatedly opened and too large standing vessels was probably responsible. Almond oil is probably also stored too long and incorrectly in many households. Almond oil should be stored well closed, in a container as completely filled as possible, protected from light. Individual containers pre-filled under nitrogen are also available in stores today.
