Description-
Almond is a deciduous tree which is edible and wide cultivated seed tree. It is scientifically known as Prunus amygdus. It grows up to 4-10m in height with a trunk up to 30cm in diameter. Almond tree is native to Middle East, Indian subcontinent and North Africa. It is known as badam in many Asian countries such as Afghanistan, India, Iran and others. Almond fruit is a drupe which consists of an outer hull and a hard shell with the seed. Young twigs are green initially, leaves with serrated margins & petiole and flowers are white to pale pink in colour.
Extraction-
Almond oil is derived from dried almond seeds through cold pressing method.
Composition –
It is rich in oleic acid 62% and linoleic acid 29% and others saturated fatty acid 9%. Its vitamins are Vitamin E, A & D and having minerals Ca, K & Mg as well.
Properties-
Almond oil is pale yellow and clear in color. It is delicious sweet in taste and medium light with quick absorption rate to skin. It is fine in texture.
Blending-
Almond oil is nicely mixes with other oils and absorbed the skin like calendula oil, macadamia nut oil, wheat germ oil etc.
Uses-
- Almond oil has great application for skin care and cosmetic products.
- It helps in repairing, rejuvenating and revitalize damaged skin.
- It is used for the treatment of acne. As it contain fatty acid that dissolves sebum which cause acne.
- Almond oil is used as wood conditioner.
- It is used to cleanse the makeup.
- Almond oil is used to make healthy and flirty eyelashes.
- Almond oil has emollient properties because it easily penetrate into skin, so used for skin care as it nourishes skin and make smooth and soft.
- It is used in aromatherapy because of its nutritional value.
- It is used in spas for its non greasy and fragrance less nature.
- It is used to remove dark circles due to its antioxidant property.
- It delays aging process, it reduces wrinkles, moisturize deeper skin.
- It is used for massaging with almond oil as it adds shine to hair.
- It prevents chapped lips and body rashes so used in lip balm.
- It is used to relieve dry and itching skin, soothes skin irritation and inflammation.
- It is used to improves complexion and retain glow.
- It is used to strengthen hair, make long and strong hair.
- Almond oil is used to protect skin from sun as it helps to reverse the damages by sun exposure.
- It is used in facial moisturizer because it repairs rough, dry and flaky skins.
- It is used to remove stretch marks because it tightens skin and improve blood circulation.
- It prevents moisture from evaporation so used as Base Oil.
- It is used to enhance immune and also aids in digestion.
Safety and Precaution-
- Do not use almond oil while pregnant & breast feeding women.
- Avoid use of almond oil of if someone has diabetes as it may lower blood sugar level.
Specification of Almond Oil:
Botanical Name Prunus amygdalus
Appearance Clear liquid
Colour Pale yellow bright & clear oily liquid
Odour Characteristic
Specific Gravity at 20 °C 0.910 – 0.915
Refractive Index 1.470 – 1.475
Foreign Kernel oil
Shake vigorously 2 ml with 1 ml fuming Nitric acid and 1 ml
Water for 5 minutes. The mixture is not more than slightly colored.
Cotton seed Oil As per standard
Sesame oil As per standard
Mineral oil & foreign fatty oil
1 vol. Of mixed fatty acids obtained in the test for mineral.
Oil and foreign fatty oil when mixed with 1 vol. Of alcohol.
Yields. A clear solution which at 15° does not. Deposit any fatty.
Acid and become turbid on further addition of 1 vol. Of alcohol.
Free Fatty Acid
The free fatty acid in 10 g require for neutralization not more than 5 ml of 0.01N NaOH.
Iodine Value 95 – 105
Saponification Value 190 – 200
Peroxide Value Max. 5 .0
Storage In well-fitted container, in a cool and dark place.
