Sweet Almond Oil | 118 ml | Vitacost

Vitacost Sweet Almond Oil comes in a 118 ml bottle: a light-bodied plant carrier oil used to moisturise dry skin, soften the body and detangle hair ends. It suits anyone looking for a simple, unperfumed moisturiser, and anyone who needs a base oil for diluting concentrated essential oils before applying them to the skin. Its medium texture works on the face, the body and rough extremities, and it doubles as a massage oil and an oil-based makeup remover.

What is sweet almond oil?

Sweet Almond Oil is a fixed oil pressed from the seeds of the sweet almond tree, Prunus dulcis, a member of the rose family cultivated across the Mediterranean basin and similar climates. It is classified as a carrier oil, meaning a non-volatile fixed oil used either on its own or as a vehicle for diluting essential oils. Its composition is dominated by the monounsaturated Oleic acid alongside Linoleic acid, two fatty acids that give the oil its fluid texture and its ability to spread evenly across skin.

What sweet almond oil does for skin

• Moisture sealing: the oil forms a thin surface layer that slows water loss through the skin, keeping it supple for longer.
• Smoother texture: it fills the microscopic gaps between cells of the stratum corneum so the surface reads as even and soft.
• Relief for dryness and flaking: its emollient body eases tightness and flaking on dry areas such as elbows and heels.
• Skin suppleness: sweet almond oil is traditionally used for body and abdominal massage to support skin flexibility.
• Massage glide: its gradual absorption gives enough working time on the skin before it sinks in.
• Makeup removal: the oil dissolves oil-based makeup and water-resistant sunscreen on the like-dissolves-like principle.

Ingredient concentration

This product is a single-ingredient sweet almond oil, meaning the plant oil itself is the entire active, with no water base or emulsifiers. Its strength is therefore not expressed as a percentage the way it would be in a compounded serum, but by the purity of the oil and its extraction. When used as a carrier, essential oil drops are added at a low dilution ratio, with the sweet almond oil making up the bulk of the blend. The 118 ml bottle covers extended daily facial use, or less frequent full-body use.

Suitable skin types

• Dry, dull skin that needs an occlusive layer to hold moisture in.
• Normal skin looking for a light, fragrance-free night oil.
• Sensitive skin avoiding complex perfumed formulations.
• Rough body skin on elbows, knees and heels.
• Dry hair and split ends needing a lightweight oil.

Where it belongs in a routine

Sweet almond oil comes at the end of a skincare routine, after cleansing, toner and water-based serum, and immediately before sunscreen in the morning. The reason for that order is that oils seal whatever sits beneath them, so applying oil before a serum blocks its passage. In an evening routine it can be the final step on its own. When used as a makeup remover, however, it comes first of all, before the water-based cleanser, as the first stage of double cleansing.

How to use

For the face: warm two or three drops on the fingertips and press onto clean, slightly damp skin, avoiding the immediate eye area. For the body: pour a larger amount between the palms and massage in circular strokes right after showering, since damp skin holds the oil better. For hair: run a very small amount through the ends only, away from the scalp. For makeup removal: massage the oil over dry skin, emulsify with water, then follow with a gentle cleanser.

Product details

• Form: liquid carrier oil for topical use.
• Size: 118 ml.
• Botanical source: sweet almond seeds, Prunus dulcis.
• Brand: Vitacost, United States.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between sweet almond oil and an essential oil?

Sweet almond oil is a fixed, non-volatile oil pressed from the seed and can be applied to skin undiluted. An essential oil is a volatile aromatic concentrate obtained by distillation, and it must be diluted in a carrier such as sweet almond oil before skin contact.

Does sweet almond oil clog pores?

Sweet almond oil sits in the medium-weight range, lighter than coconut oil and heavier than grapeseed oil. Anyone with oily, breakout-prone skin should patch test a small area before applying it across the whole face.

Can sweet almond oil be used around the eyes?

Very small amounts are commonly used on the skin around the eye when removing makeup, while keeping the oil out of the eye itself. If it does enter the eye, rinse thoroughly with water and stop use if irritation continues.

Cautions

• Patch test on a small area of the forearm before first use, especially with a known nut allergy.
• For external use only, and avoid direct contact with the eyes.
• Use sunscreen in a daytime routine, as a plant oil offers no ultraviolet protection.
• Store in a cool place away from direct light, and discontinue use if redness or irritation appears.