How to Use Almond Oil for Your Face

Posted by Noelle Montes on Wednesday, May 8, 2024

If there was ever a jack-of-all-trades in skin care form, almond oil just might be it. Almond oil's gentle nature and sweeping list of minerals and vitamins offer solutions for nearly every common skin concern. 

"Sweet almond oil is rich in vitamin E, monounsaturated fatty acids, proteins, potassium, and zinc," explained dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. "It encompasses a great combination of properties: moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant."

To find out more about the benefits of using almond oil, we tapped Dr. King and Manhattan-based dermatologist Dr. Morgan Rabach for the lowdown on this seemingly magical ingredient and how to integrate it into your skin care routine.

Meet the expert

  • Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist and a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
  • Dr. Morgan Rabach is a board-certified dermatologist at LM Medical NYC. She is also the co-founder of Bonbare.

Keep scrolling to learn everything there is to know about using almond oil for your face.

What Is Almond Oil?

As its name would suggest, sweet almond oil is extracted from raw almonds. Almond trees are native to warmer climates, historically the Northern African region, but the majority of today's almonds are exported from across the Mediterranean. The minerals and vitamins these little nuts contain are beneficial for the whole body.

Benefits of Almond Oil for Skin

  • Moisturizes: Thanks to its emollient properties and high percentages of vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper, "[almond oil] helps restore the outer layer of skin, prevents water loss, and rehabs dry, flaking skin," said Dr. Rabach.
  • Protects and heals from sun damage: "Regular use of vitamin E, with its antioxidant properties, will help protect the skin from free radical damage from UV rays and pollution," explained Dr. King. However, Dr. Rabach added that vitamin E isn't a cure-all for past sun choices. "It can certainly help, but it probably can't reverse all damage," noted Dr. Rabach.
  • Improves texture: According to Dr. Rabach, the oil may also help with texture, scars, and striae.
  • May slow signs of aging: Almond oil also contains some vitamin A, known as retinol. "This can help even out skin tone and texture and prevent wrinkles," said Dr. Rabach. It's a natural solution to a fresh, brightened complexion and improves the skin's overall appearance and luminosity. Dr. Rabach added, "[Vitamin E] may help with the signs of aging by reducing oxidative stress and environmental damage, like pollutants, sunlight, and blue light from screens."

To watch it work its magic, apply almond oil all over your face and body, paying special attention to callused feet, dry cuticles, and flaky areas, advised Dr. Rabach.

Who It's For

"Irritated and sensitive skin will benefit most from almond oil," said King. "Its anti-inflammatory fatty acids and vitamins A and E can be soothing to inflamed skin and may help to rejuvenate damaged skin as well." 

Almond oil is mild and hypoallergenic, meaning it's safe to use directly and on sensitive skin, noted Dr. King. However, almond oil may not be ideal for all skin types. 

"If you are very oily and acne-prone, there may be other oils that will work better for you," advised Dr. King. 

Also, nut allergies still hold court here with topical applications, so if you're sensitive to almonds or nuts, it's probably best to skip almond oil and stick to another moisturizing oil, like rosehip or safflower seed.

Our Favorite Almond Oil Products

Say Goodnight Cleansing Balm

GoodJanes Say Goodnight Cleansing Balm, $49.00

Shop

"I like to use moisturizers and moisturizing cleansers that contain almond oil," said Dr. King, who reaches for GoodJanes Say Goodnight Cleansing Balm to remove makeup and gently cleanse the skin without worrying about a drying side effect.

A serum container of Allpa Botanicals Almond Face Oil

Allpa Botanicals Almond Face Oil, $37.00

Shop

Dr. Rabach recommended using sweet almond oil in pure form, like Allpa Botanical's organic, cold-pressed formulation, and patting a few drops over moisturizer at night for extra hydration. 

"It takes a while for almond oil to sink into skin, so using the direct product works well," Dr. Rabach said.

A bottle of L'Occtaine Almond Shower Oil

L'Occitane Cleansing and Softening Shower Oil with Almond Oil, $29.00

Shop

For an all-over-your-body softness, L'Occitane Cleansing and Softening Shower Oil with Almond Oil is Dr. Rabach's tried-and-true favorite for daily use.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can applying almond oil to skin get rid of stretch marks?

    Dr. Rabach cautioned that reducing the appearance of stretch marks with almond oil skews more anecdotal wives' tales than scientific facts; however, there may still be some topical benefits for pregnant women due to the oil's moisturizing properties.

  • Does almond oil clog your pores?

    No, almond oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

  • Is it OK to leave almond oil on your skin overnight?

    Yes. Again, because almond oil is non-comedogenic, it won't clog your pores and can be used to effectively moisturize skin overnight.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qrrSrbClnV6YvK57wZ6YrqypZK6tuc6nm2anmaF6o7HNnp2irKM%3D