We meet Michele and Andrea in Sicily, on their organically farmed almond plantations. Here, magnificent almond trees thrive on rich, fertile soil, bathed in sunshine. From their fruit – the sweet almond, which is particularly rich in oleic acid (omega-9) – a precious oil is extracted that offers numerous benefits for the skin and hair: organic sweet almond oil. Here is a portrait of our encounter with producers deeply rooted in the land, who cultivate and refine sweet almonds with great expertise.



In the almond groves, with Michele and Andrea


Michele is a farmer who grows almond trees, Prunus dulcis, using organic farming methods on his plantations in Sicily, a region renowned for producing the finest almonds. He works with Andrea, a producer of sweet almond oil and almond protein, as nothing is wasted from this fruit with its many benefits, both nutritional and for skin and hair care.


The sweet almond production cycle begins in September at the time of pollination. During the winter, Michele works on fertilising the soil and then pruning the almond trees immediately afterwards. Flowering begins in March–April. During this period, the fields take on a soft pink hue, typical of almond orchard landscapes. This flowering will then give rise to the fruit – the almond – which is harvested in August.


“I love everything about almonds, from the tree right through to the finished product, so discovering all these stages and having the opportunity to be part of this process is wonderful for me” Andréa Paloti, producer of organic sweet almond oil


Organic Sweet Almond Oil from Sicily: exceptional quality

A virgin oil, first cold-pressed

Harvested mechanically, the almonds are kept in their shells throughout the season to preserve their freshness. They are then shelled, blanched or toasted as required. The almonds undergo partial degreasing through slow, cold pressing. This allows the best compounds of the fruit to be extracted – particularly the nutrients and minerals – resulting in an organic virgin sweet almond oil with unique organoleptic qualities and exceptional purity. To produce 1 kg of oil, approximately 2 kg of blanched almonds are required. Time-honoured expertise and a sustainable partnership.

As Andrea explains, the properties of sweet almond oil begin with a high-quality almond and depend on the process by which the oil is extracted. Throughout the production process, the oil remains below 50°. Pressing the almonds produces, on the one hand, organic sweet almond oil and, on the other, a protein-rich paste: organic almond protein powder. This organic almond protein powder can be used to make cakes, smoothies and other protein drinks. To quote Andrea Paloti:

“Our policy is one of zero waste; we use 100 per cent of the almonds in production – there is no waste”

Sweet Almond Oil: a unique composition

Once filtered, the sweet almond vegetable oil takes on a beautiful, clear yellow colour. It is an extra-virgin oil with very low acidity. This oil has a characteristic sweet scent with notes of almond and hazelnut. It has a rich, creamy texture that feels very comforting.



Organic sweet almond vegetable oil is rich in:


  • Oleic acid (between 68 and 72 per cent): The term ‘oleic acid’ derives from the Latin oleum, meaning ‘oil’. This lipid belongs to the omega-9. It is the most abundant long-chain monounsaturated fatty acid in our bodies. Highly nourishing for the skin, it makes it more supple and softer, as well as more radiant.

  • Linoleic acid (approximately 20 per cent): linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid belonging to the omega-6 family. This fatty acid is not synthesised by the body. It is therefore referred to as an ‘essential’ fatty acid. A deficiency of this oil can lead to severe dryness of the skin and allergies. In the skin, this fatty acid forms part of the composition of ceramides. It helps to replenish epidermal lipids and contributes to membrane fluidity.

  • Phytosterols (including beta-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol): improve the skin’s barrier function and microcirculation, slow down skin ageing and have anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Triacylglycerides: have emollient and softening properties; help to rebuild the skin’s lipid barrier.

  • Triterpene alcohols (alpha and beta-amyrin): protect the skin; possess antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.



Aroma-Zone Organic Sweet Almond Vegetable Oil

This sweet almond oil is a essential for skin and hair care. A true ally for delicate, dry or sensitive skin, it offers nourishing, soothing and softening properties. Highly versatile, it can be used for both facial and body care on all skin types, particularly the driest and most delicate.

The extra-virgin, first cold-pressed quality guarantees a composition rich in oleic acid and softening active ingredients (phytosterols, triacylglycerides, triterpene alcohols); organic sweet almond oil softens the skin and protects it from drying out, leaving it feeling velvety smooth.

Discover organic sweet almond oil

Precautions for using sweet almond vegetable oil

Although traditionally used for the care of pregnant women and babies, some doctors now advise against the continuous use of sweet almond oil during pregnancy due to the rise in cases of nut allergies. We therefore recommend alternating the use of sweet almond oil with other oils or butters to avoid the risk of sensitisation. During pregnancy, you can alternate with rosehip oil, avocado oil, shea butter..

This oil is not recommended for people with a nut allergy.

What are the benefits of the sweet almond?

Benefits of sweet almonds for the skin

Sweet almond vegetable oil can be applied neat to the skin, mixed with other vegetable oils, or incorporated into your DIY cosmetic recipes. It is traditionally recognised for the following benefits:

  • As an emollient, it intensely nourishes the skin, softens it and protects it from dehydration

  • Very gentle and soothing, it alleviates skin discomfort and is ideal for sensitive and delicate skin

  • It stimulates the skin’s natural repair mechanisms, softening and strengthening the epidermis

  • It helps to prevent stretch marks

  • It leaves the skin feeling velvety soft

Sweet almond oil is also highly effective as an anti-ageing skincare oil, helping to prevent and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. To find out more, read our article Sweet almond oil for wrinkles: effectiveness and use

Benefits of sweet almonds for the hair

When massaged into the scalp or applied to the ends and lengths of the hair, organic sweet almond oil:

  • Prevents hair from becoming dehydrated

  • Nourishes, softens and smooths dry and damaged hair

  • Promotes suppleness, shine and vitality in the hair

  • Helps to eliminate dandruff from the scalp

To find out how to use sweet almond oil on your hair, read our article Sweet almond oil and hair

How to use sweet almond oil: the best recipes from our community for face and hair care

Skin care balm for delicate skin

This soothing balm combines German chamomile and sweet almonds to soothe irritated, sensitive and redness-prone skin.

Special cold-weather almond & vanilla facial cold cream

The ultimate skincare solution for delicate and reactive skin, protecting it from harsh winter weather. Formulated with protective sweet almond oil, nourishing shea butter and softening vanilla macerate.

Baby Face and Body Cream

Dermatologically tested, this melt-in cream, rich in nourishing calendula and sweet almond oils, gently cares for your baby’s face and body.​

Nourishing Face Cream

Ideal for soothing generalised redness and preventing tightness, this rich cream soothes and softens dry, dehydrated and delicate skin.

Snake Oil Hair Care

Despite its intriguing name, this is a 100% vegan and plant-based formula! This hair oil combines seven plant-based oils, including sweet almond, to strengthen, nourish, coat and enhance the hair. It can be used as a hair mask or as an oil treatment on the ends and lengths.

Organic Almond Protein Powder

The almond is truly one of nature’s treasures! During the production of the oil, a protein-rich paste is also obtained: organic almond protein powder.

The almonds are first blanched (the skin is removed), then cold-pressed (which simultaneously yields sweet almond vegetable oil). The defatted almonds are then finely ground, and the resulting powder is mechanically sieved to concentrate the protein content.

This powder is ideal for vegetarians and vegans looking to increase their protein intake.

It is also beneficial for athletes looking to promote muscle mass gain by increasing their protein intake.

It has a mild, almondy flavour and a fine texture, making it easy to incorporate into your drink recipes (smoothies, shakes, latte...), to sprinkle over muesli or quark, or to make protein bars, energy balls or your cake recipes.