Sweet Almond Oil is a bright, virtually colorless and
odorless oil obtained by the pressing of the sweet
almonds. These, in contrast to bitter almonds, do not
contain amygdalin, a glucoside which releases
hydrocyanic acid on hydrolosis. Refined sweet almond oil
is a neutral and rather stable oil and therefore highly
appreciated in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry.
Origin
The
almond tree is believed to have originated in the
eastern Mediterranean countries, but is now particularly
cultivated in warm, sunny climates of Spain, Italy,
California and China. The almonds flower in January with
a profusion of frothy white blossom, which makes it a
very attractive tree in that time of the year. The
almonds are wrapped in a tough green husk, which at
harvest time opens to reveal the nut inside. Sweet
Almonds are used as a dessert nut, and as almond paste
or butter in confectionary products.
Properties
Refined sweet almond oil is widely used as an emollient
and carrier in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry,
because it is one of the more stable vegetable oils with
a neutral taste and odor. It has excellent cold weather
stability and allows clarity to be maintained in clear
products, such as bath oils, stored at low temperatures.
It has good occlusive properties, enabling it to act as
a moisturizing agent by preventing excessive loss of
moisture through the epidermis.
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