Differences Between Almond Oil And Sweet Almond Oil Soap

Both bitter and sweet almond oils are used in soap.

Bitter and sweet almonds are produced by different varieties of almond trees. Sweet almonds are used in a variety of culinary applications. The bitter almond has toxic properties when ingested and is approved in most countries for external use only. While oils are extracted from both, sweet almond oil is used most often in skin care products for the moisturizing properties while the bitter almond oil is used specifically for its strong almond scent.

Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond trees form pink blossoms.

There are two almond tree varieties with the most discriminating feature being that of blossom color. The sweet almond is produced on trees that produce a pink blossom. The sweet almond differs from its bitter cousin and does not contain amygdalin, which, when ingested in certain amounts, can be toxic.

Oil from the sweet almond is prized for its emollient properties, which makes it a highly desired ingredient in soap and other skin care products intended to hydrate the skin. It is the unsaturated triglycerides in the oil that enable the moisturizing properties. When refined using any other processes other than cold pressing, sweet almond oil tends to lose its classic almond scent.

Bitter Almond Oil

Bitter almond trees form white blossoms.

The bitter almond is grown on almond trees that produce a white blossom. This variety of almond is not used in food products but is safe when used in products meant for external use. The oil of the bitter almond is often referred to as an essential oil instead of a fixed oil like the oil produced by the sweet almond. While it has many uses, its main use in soap and skin care products is that of imparting scent. The bitter almond has, in general, a stronger scent that is not as easily lost when refined for cosmetic use.

Almond Oil in Soap

The oils of both sweet and bitter almond have uses in soap.

Soaps that contain almond oil can contain one or both almond oils depending on the soap's purpose and formulation. Typically, sweet almond oil is used as a main ingredient due to its emollient properties. If a soap maker wishes to prepare an almond-based soap that possesses a more intense almond scent, bitter almond oil may be added to enhance the classic almond scent. Bitter almond oil may also be an ingredient in soaps just for its scent. In this situation, soap makers may choose other ingredients as emollient properties in the soap.

Tags: sweet almond, bitter almond, almond scent, almond trees, almond used, care products, emollient properties