Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Also known as Sweet Almond Oil, Almond Oil, Sweet Almond Seed Oil
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Sweet almond oil (Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil) is the cold-pressed fixed oil from the ripe seed kernels of the sweet almond tree (Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis, Rosaceae). Lipid profile is predominantly oleic acid (~65-70%), linoleic acid (~25-30%), and minor saturated fatty acids (palmitic, stearic). CIR Expert Panel first assessed it safe in 1983 (JACT 2(5):85-99), reaffirmed in 2005, and it was included in the 2017 plant-derived fatty acids mega-review (IJT 36(Suppl. 3):51-129). A 2022 review (PMID 34957578) confirms efficacy for dry skin, atopic dermatitis, and stratum corneum barrier support. Clinical studies with undiluted oil and products up to 25% found the oil practically nonirritating and nonsensitizing.
Emollient and skin-conditioning: softens and smooths skin, improves moisture retention
High oleic acid content supports skin barrier function and provides a skin-feel biomimetic to surface lipids
CIR-assessed safe across three decades (1983, 2005, 2017) in present practices of use and concentration
Long history of use in dermatology, massage, and traditional medicine; well-tolerated on sensitive skin
Evidence for efficacy in dry skin and atopic dermatitis
- · No concentration of use reported in 2022 FDA VCRP survey data (previous 2002 data showed use up to 27% in leave-on products and 2% in rinse-off products)
Nut-derived oil: individuals with tree nut allergy (specifically almond allergy) may react to topical exposure, particularly to unrefined or cold-pressed oils retaining residual almond proteins. Risk is rare but documented. Refined oils have substantially reduced protein content.
CIR Quick Reference Table (September 2022) — Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil row: Finding=S, Citation=JACT 2(5):85-99, 1983; I…
“Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil S JACT 2(5):85‐99, 1983 ;IJT 24(Suppl. 1):1‐102, 2005;IJT 36(Suppl. 3):51‐129, 2017 Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet A”— QuickReferenceTable_AllConclusionTypes.pdf, p. 481