At Shop Naturally, we're big on products that can multi-task and products that are pure and natural. Almond oil ticks both of those boxes.

Almond oil as food

The Every Bit Organic Sweet Almond Oil is a food grade oil in our store. It is certified organic and comes packed in a glass amber jar. As it is easily destroyed by light, beware of any that isn't packaged in this way. It should be stored in a cool dark place and do not attempt to use past the expiry date. Check the smell of the oil. If it is rancid, do not eat it. Instead, you can pop it in the shower and use it as a substitute for baby oil to moisturiser your body while you're in the shower. It is rich in Vitamin E, which helps your body make red blood cells and also utilise the fat soluble Vitamin K more effectively.

It also contains monounsaturated fatty acids, or MUFAs. They have been linked to cardiovascular disease prevention as documented in a 2002 article from "The Journal of Nutrition". This study showed that MUFAs found in almond oil and also whole almonds effectively reduced the 'bad' LDL cholesterol and increased the 'good HDL cholesterol, which may reduce cardiovascular risk.

Cold pressed almond oil (like this one) are not suitable for cooking with heat. They are more suited to using in dips & salad dressings. It has a strong nutty flavour. When refined, this oil has a weaker flavour and is more stable under heat. We don't sell or promote refined oils, but if you choose to cook with almond oil, you should be on the lookout for a refined one.

Almond oil as natural skin care

While almond oil is found in the food category of our store, it can also be used on the body and is a core ingredient in many products in our natural skin care and natural makeup ranges. You will find many products that use it including the bestselling Ere Perez Almond Oil Mascara. While you can leave a bottle of food grade almond oil in the shower to use as a body moisturiser, putting it on your face will leave you a little oily, so we don't recommend this. Using this type of oil on the face still has its benefits, and for this, we have the La Mav Organic Sweet Almond Oil.

It comes in an airless pump that will not let in any light. Again, store in a cool & dark place (so it's not a good idea to leave it in a steamy bathroom every day) to keep the integrity of the oil in tact. As a skin care product, almond oil is suited to dry, irritated and dehydrated skin. It's rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals and helps to protect the skin barrier from drying out. It is for this reason that in the shower, for the body, I personally find the use of almond oil more effective than coconut oil if you have really dry skin. For every day use, coconut oil for body moisturising is fine, but almond oil just goes that one step extra.

If you're using this oil for your body, I would recommend purchasing the food grade oil above, which is around $19.95 for a 250ml bottle (please check the shop for current pricing). In comparison, the La Mav almond oil is $19.95 for 50ml, but is in the right packaging for skin care and the right consistency. You only need 2-3 drops applied to moist skin (after cleansing and toning) and one bottle will last you months.

UPDATE: we no longer have any available to buy in store because it's readily available now in supermarkets.