Expert: Terry Knorr - 11/24/2004

Question
Where do you get Almond oil?  I have tried grocery stores and they do not have it. Hannah



-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Hi! I was wondering... is almond oil the same as almond oil extract? and can either be used to subsitute for each other in making things, soap, lip balm, hand cream, ect.? thanks, Hannah
Answer -
Hi Hannah!

Almond oil is made by pressing the nut to extract the oil.  It would then be filtered to remove impurities such as small pieces of nut.  This is the same process used in making olive oil.

Almond oil extract is a product I had not heard of before.  After doing some research, it appears to be a form of essential oil.  A chemical, usually an alcohol, is used.  Some part of the plant is soaked in the chemical, which serves to infuse the essential oil from the plant and into the chemical.  The chemical is then evaporated off, leaving only the essential oil.  (This process is similar to brewing tea.)  The purity of these oils has come into question;  Has all the chemical been evaporated off?

So, almond oil and almond oil extract are not the same.  You will want to use the almond oil for making soap.  If, however, what you want for these other products is almond essential oil, then you might want to consider using the almond oil extract.

I hope this information is helpful to you.  Have a great day!

Happy soaping
Terry  

Answer
Hi Hannah!

Many suppliers of soap making ingredients will have the sweet almond oil.  I generally use Rainbow Meadow.  You can find them at www.rainbowmeadow.com    There are many other suppliers, but I know this company to be outstanding in service.

Many times, you can find sweet almond oil in large grocery stores, but it is often a hit and miss situation.  

I hope this information is helpful.

Happy Soaping!
Terry