Almond Oil is a clear, pale yellow, odourless liquid, with a bland, nutty taste. It consists chiefly of Olein, with a small proportion of the Glyceride of Linolic Acid and other Glycerides. It is a fixed oil. It does not evaporate and does not have a smell. It is obtained by pressing a combination of sweet almonds and bitter almonds without heat. In addition to its oral and topical uses in herbal medicine, Almond Oil is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a carrier for injectable drugs that deteriorate in a water-based carrier. It is also used as massage oil and as an ingredient in cosmetics and soaps.
Almond Oil is used in skin care because it acts as an emollient (softening and soothing the skin), as a remedy for dry skin conditions, and as a relief for irritation, inflammation, and itching. These excellent emollient properties help the skin to balance its loss and absorption of moisture. Almond Oil is also used in the medical field to help treat various forms of dermatitis. It is used topically to moisturize dry skin, soothe chapped lips, and relieve itching due to dryness. Because it is not greasy, it is absorbed quickly. It is used as base or carrier oil in aromatherapy, and is during massages to provide glide and for its hydrating properties. It is a vegetable oil which is one of the most used carrier oils in aromatherapy massage, and this is understandable since it has a fine texture, is easily absorbed, and helps to leave the skin soft and satiny smooth yet it is non-greasy and easily absorbed.
References:
Drug Digest. http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/HerbsWho/0,3923,4073%7CAlmond+Oil,00.html
Botanical.Com. http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/almon026.html
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