Does Sweet Almond Oil Clog Pores? – 11 Reasons Why It May Be Good For Your Face

What Is Sweet Almond Oil?

Almond oil is a natural oil derived from almond nuts. After the nut’s skin is removed, the nuts are crushed and pressed to release the oil.

There are actually two types of almond oil: sweet and bitter.

Sweet Almond Oil Vs. Bitter Almond Oil

There are two types of almond oil and they differ quite a lot¹:

Sweet Almond Oil is an edible oil which can be used in cooking, baking or as a skincare product.

It is carrier oil that is slow to absorb (meaning you can blend it with fast-evaporating essential oils for the most skin benefits).

It’s safe to eat or apply to your face. While this article focuses on sweet almond oil specifically, there are many beauty products made with bitter almond oil, too.

Bitter Almond Oil is a fast-absorbing essential oil which is not safe to eat. It is a common ingredient in soaps and massage oils because of its pleasant nutty scent.

You may see it listed under its chemical name: Prunus Amygdalus Amara Kernel Oil.

Fatty Acid Composition

• Oleic acid – more than 60%
• Linoleic acid – over 10%
• Palmetic acid – about 5%

Sweet Almond Oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, which is excellent for skin hydration and anti-aging. It is also naturally anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory.

It is high in oleic acid, which is ideal for elevating skin irritations, treating chapped lips and hydrating dry skin.

Being rich in Vitamin E, it is also a natural alternative to expensive anti-aging products to prevent wrinkles and protect the skin’s natural barrier.

However, oleic acid is not recommended for those with acne prone skin, or those dealing with current breakouts. Oleic acid can make breakouts worse.

If you struggle with acne or are worried about clogging pores, reach for jojoba oil (high in linoleic acid) or non-comedogenic oil instead.

Keep reading for suggested oils for acne prone skin.

What Are The Beauty Benefits Of Sweet Almond Oil?

This oil is a traditional remedy used by the Greeks and Persians to soothe irritated skin, nourish dry skin and fade scars.

Skin benefits of sweet almond oil include²:

• Anti-inflammatory properties – it reduces irritation for inflamed skin.
• Non-irritating – great for sensitive skin.
• Smooth out uneven skin tones – helps reduce redness.
• Natural remedy for itchiness – especially that related to eczema. Studies show it helps to treat hands dermatitis³.
• Sun protection – naturally protects against sun’s UV rays.
• Fades dark spots – treats hyperpigmentation.
• Intense moisturizing – high in fatty acids which make skin appear plump and repairs skin’s moisture barrier.
• High in vitamin E – effective against premature aging, prevents “smile wrinkles” around the eyes.
• Deeply hydrates skin – prevents dryness and soothe irritated skin.
• Improves skin around the eyes – reduces puffiness, treats dark circles and is an excellent gentle moisturizer.
• Slow absorbing – great for blending with other oils.
• Works miracles for hair – it’s one of the best oils to treat bleached hair and make them soft again.
• Boosts eyelashes growth – sweet almond oil is one of the best oils that can help you achieve thicker and longer eyelashes.

Is Sweet Almond Oil Good For Your Face?

Yes! It is an excellent moisturizer for your face. It is full of nutrients, fatty acids, helps keep skin supple, and is anti-inflammatory (reduces redness) and non-irritating for sensitive skin types.

However, it does have the potential to clog pores, especially if you already are dealing with excess oil production or acne-prone skin.

If you are concerned about clogged pores or consider yourself one of the oily skin types, choose moisturizers or oils that are non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores), like hemp oil or grape seed oil.

What Is The Comedogenic Rating Of Sweet Almond Oil?

Ahh, the popular questions: “Is sweet almond oil comedogenic? Will almond oil clog pores?”.

Yes, almond oil is somewhat comedogenic, meaning it can potentially clog your pores.

Almond oil has a comedogenic rating of 2 on the comedogenic scale. This means it can potentially lead to clogged pores.

Comedogenic Scale

Here is a quick look at the comedogenic scale

0 – completely non-comedogenic oils here. These will not clog pores.

1 – highly unlikely to clog pores

2 – possibly lead to clogged pores, but usually offer more moisturizing properties, too

3 – potentially can clog pores, getting into comedogenic oils now, but they also provide more moisturization, too.

4 – likely to clog pores (use these oils sparingly).

5 – comedogenic oils, these are pore-clogging and are best for other beauty treatments, like hair or body oils.

Comedogenic Rating For Popular Oils

Non-comedogenic oils rates as 0 (try these if you’re dealing with blemishes, breakouts or have acne-prone skin)⁴:

• Castor oil
• Pumpkin oil
• Hemp seed oil
• Grape seed oil
• Blackberry seed oil
• Blueberry seed oil
• Safflower oil

Rated as 1 (highly unlikely to clog pores):

• Rose hip oil
• Sea buckthorn oil

Rated as 2 (can potentially clog your pores):

• Jojoba oil
• Olive oil
• Almond oil (See! There it is, a number 2 on the comedogenic scale, some sources rate it as 2-3).

Rated as 3 (likely to lead to clogged pores when used daily and not washed off after):

• Cotton seed oil
• Evening Primrose oil

Rated as 4 (will clog pores and should be used sparingly):

• Coconut oil
• Cocoa butter
• Marula oil

Rated as 5 (comedogenic oils, high chance of clogging pores – not ideal for face):

• Wheat germ oil
• Soybean oil

Does Sweet Almond Oil Clog Face Pores?

With a comedogenic rating of 2, almond oil could potentially clog your pores, especially if you’re already dealing with oily skin.

If you have dry skin, though, or are in the category of mature skin types, then almond oil is a great choice, and you may be willing to risk a few pimples for long-term anti-aging benefits.

However, the biggest culprit for clogged pores or breakouts is not healthy oils, but rather dead skin cells and dirt. You can combat these by washing your face to remove makeup and dirt, and then gently exfoliating, before applying any type of oil to your face.

Be aware of your skin type and choose a facial oil that is best suited for your skin. I’ve listed some great non-comedogenic oils that are rated 0, which are best for acne prone skin and will not lead to clogged pores.

Is Sweet Almond Oil Bad For Acne?

Yes, sweet almond oil is bad for acne, because it has a high concentration of oleic acid, which is related to the promotion of acne-causing bacteria.

If you are already dealing with excess sebum production or acne breakouts, don’t use almond oil for treating acne⁵. Try another, non-greasy oil like tea tree oil or grape seed oil to address acne, instead.

Is Sweet Almond Oil Good For Oily Skin Types?

Sweet almond oil is very moisturizing, so if you are already dealing with oily skin, it could potentially lead to pimples and acne breakouts.

On the other hand, if you have combination skin, this oil has been known to be effective at evening out uneven skin tones. Just be aware it can end up clogging pores, so use carefully around the T-zone.

If you are unsure about using almond oil with your skin type, try applying a small amount to an inconspicuous area (behind the ear, back of the neck or under your jawline – these are all good locations) for 1 – 2 weeks, just to see how your skin reacts.

Use almond oil for at least 8 – 12 days, as a single application won’t be enough to show if it is clogging pores or causing acne.

Does Almond Oil Help To Fade Scars & Stretch Marks?

Yes, almond oil has been used for centuries as a treatment for scars and fading blemishes. This is because it is high in fatty acids and vitamin E.

Does Almond Oil Make Skin Darker?

No, almond oil does not make skin appear darker. It is often an ingredient in self-tanning oils, but because of its moisturizing benefits, not because it makes skin darker.

Actually, almond oil’s vitamin E works to protect against the sun’s powerful UV rays, and reduces the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation – so it can be argued that it makes skin lighter, not darker.

Does Sweet Almond Oil Have Any Side Effects?

The main side effect of almond oil is that it could lead to breakouts and make acne worse. It is slightly comedogenic, so it is slightly clogging to facial pores.

If you have a nut allergy – do not use almond oil. It is derived from nuts.

Types Of Skin Sweet Almond Oil Is Recommended For

Many readers want to know: “Will sweet almond oil clog pores?”. The answer is: it depends on skin types.

It is bad choice for oily or acne prone skin types. On the other hand, sweet almond oil is recommended for dry skin and as an anti-aging facial oil.

How To Use Sweet Almond Oil In Safe Way

Before applying almond oil: always start by washing your face to remove makeup, then use a gentle cleanser to wash away any remaining dirt, oil and dead skin cells. Follow up with a toner to prep the skin for moisturizer.

How to apply almond oil: use a dime-sized amount in the palm of your hands and gently massage into your skin using circular motions – don’t tug or use much force to rub it in.

Take special care to apply around the eyes, as the benefits of almond oil (high in vitamin E and fatty acids that reduce wrinkles) will be most evident around the eyes.

Ways to use almond oil: You can use almond oil as a carrier oil for other beauty products, such as pure tea tree oil, serums or a homemade facial oil blend.

You can use the oil as your daily moisturizer and apply sunscreen and makeup overtop, or use only as a hydrating oil.

If using only as a hydrating oil (most recommended if you have acne prone skin or are worried will almond oil clog pores), apply a layer of oil to your face, leave for 30 – 50 minutes and wash off with a gentle cleanser and warm water.