Sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil is the fixed oil pressed from the kernels of the sweet almond, Prunus dulcis. It is usually cold-pressed and then sold either virgin or refined to a pale, nearly odorless oil. Brands buy it mainly as a base and carrier oil for cosmetics, massage oils and soaps, and in smaller amounts for foods. It is different from bitter almond oil, which is a flavor oil made from bitter almond kernels and is not interchangeable with it.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Refined, bleached and deodorized oil with little color or odor, the usual cosmetic grade.
Oil pressed without heat and filtered, with a light almond aroma and pale yellow color.
Virgin or refined oil from certified organic almonds.
Refined almond oil made to a pharmacopeial monograph for pharmaceutical and topical products.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store sealed in a cool, dark place, preferably full containers or under nitrogen once opened, since the oil is high in oleic and linoleic acids and slowly turns rancid. Shelf life follows the supplier specification, with peroxide value retested on aged stock.
Record grade, origin and organic status for each lot. Sterol and fatty acid results are worth keeping on file to compare lots and suppliers.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's Fixed Oil Products monograph lists almond oil, also called sweet almond oil, from the seed of Prunus dulcis.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)FDA's food allergen guidance (Edition 5) lists almond (Prunus dulcis) among the tree nuts FDA considers major food allergens.
Source: fda.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA's food allergen guidance (Edition 5) states that highly refined oils are specifically exempt from the definition of major food allergen.
Source: fda.gov (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Distributor · Blue Bell, PA
Pennsylvania distributor of oleochemicals and personal care ingredients, including castor products, fatty alcohols, esters, glycerin and natural oils and butters.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include refined, virgin cold-pressed, organic and pharmacopeial grade. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect fatty acid profile, sterol profile, acid value and peroxide value, color and odor and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store sealed in a cool, dark place, preferably full containers or under nitrogen once opened, since the oil is high in oleic and linoleic acids and slowly turns rancid. Shelf life follows the supplier specification, with peroxide value retested on aged stock.
Health Canada's Fixed Oil Products monograph lists almond oil, also called sweet almond oil, from the seed of Prunus dulcis. FDA's food allergen guidance (Edition 5) lists almond (Prunus dulcis) among the tree nuts FDA considers major food allergens. FDA's food allergen guidance (Edition 5) states that highly refined oils are specifically exempt from the definition of major food allergen.
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