Bitter Almond Oil
Almond oil is a general term for oil produced from the Prunus dulcis tree. There are two different varieties of the Prunus dulcis tree: var. amygdalus (sweet) and var. amara (bitter). They are VERY different!
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almonds are nutritious, edible, and consumable. The oil from sweet almonds is used and highly valued in food and cosmetics. It is clear, slightly yellow, and has a very mild scent. It is classed as a fixed or carrier oil. This article is not about sweet almonds.
Bitter Almond Oil
Bitter almonds, on the other hand, are highly toxic when consumed raw. Eating as few as 20 raw bitter almonds can be fatal. The sale of raw bitter almonds is prohibited in the United States.
The oil from bitter almonds, however, is prized for its scent which is almond or cherry-like. It is classed as an essential oil. When bitter almond essential oil is produced it is processed to remove the prussic acid, which is the harmful part.
Natural bitter almond oil from the Prunus dulcis amara contains about 95-98% benzaldehyde, which is what gives it its characteristic scent. Essential oil from apricot kernel (Prunus amerniaca) or shadberry fruit (amelanchier arborea) is also is over 95% benzaldehyde and is sometimes (incorrectly) called “bitter almond oil.”
Natural or Synthetic
Natural bitter almond oil is made from the plant. Synthetic benzaldehyde is also often marketed as bitter almond fragrance oil or synthetic bitter almond oil. Occasionally you’ll see it marketed as cherry flavor or fragrance.
Safety
There are safety issues with use of both natural and synthetic bitter almond oil as a fragrance or cosmetic ingredient due to the benzaldehyde content. See Benzaldehyde
