Cheap almond oil comes at a cost!

What you save at the checkout could be costing your skin and the environment 

Almond oil is a long-time favourite in natural health and skincare—valued for its gentle touch, nourishing properties, and versatility. It’s used for everything from baby massage and face oils to therapeutic body treatments. But if you’ve shopped around, you’ll know not all almond oils are created equal. Prices can vary widely, as can quality.

So, what should you be looking for? And why does it matter so much? 

We’ve gathered some of the most common questions people are asking about almond oil and answered them with care and clarity—based on our decades of clinical experience, and our commitment to honest, sustainable sourcing.

Why is some almond oil so much more expensive? 

Put simply: it depends on how it’s grown, extracted, and handled. A high-quality, organic almond oil is more costly to produce—because every step of the process is held to a higher standard.

At Absolute Essential, our almond oil is: 

Certified organic and sourced from growers using ethical, regenerative practices.

Cold-pressed using virgin extraction, which retains the natural nutrients and skin-loving compounds.

Unrefined and pure, with no additives, fillers, or heat treatment.

Traceable from orchard to bottle—something most mass-market producers can’t offer.

These choices take time, expertise, and commitment. The result is a product that’s gentler on skin, kinder to the planet, and richer in nutrients. 

What should I look for in a high-quality almond oil? 

There are a few key markers to help you tell a high-grade oil from a mass-produced one: 

Source of Almonds: The best almond oils are made from organically grown sweet almonds (Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis). Some cheaper products use mixed varieties or even bulk out the oil with cheap fillers like canola or soy. Always look for the botanical name on the label and a 100% statement.

Extraction Method: Look for ‘cold-pressed’ and ‘virgin’. These terms indicate that the oil was gently extracted without heat or chemical solvents, keeping nutrients intact. In this case the best quality comes from the first cold press of certified organic almonds. This is known as virgin almond oil. It’s extracted gently in an expeller press — a mechanical process that spins the almonds to release the oil without the use of chemicals or high heat (never exceeding 30°C). This method preserves the purity, aroma, and nutrients of the oil.

Lower-grade oils come from further extractions. After the first few presses, the remaining almond pulp is often sent to another facility and treated with petroleum-derived solvents like hexane or ethanol to pull out what little oil is left. These solvents leave behind chemical residues and the resulting oil must be refined. It also can’t be certified organic.

So when you see ‘virgin’ and ‘certified organic’ on a label, you’re looking at a premium oil — free from chemical solvents and full of natural goodness. 

Refinement Level: Unrefined almond oil has a subtle scent, a pale golden colour, and a soft, nutty flavour. Refined oils are often clear, odourless, and stripped of their natural benefits. As mentioned above these oils need to be refined to filter out the solvent residues. 

Scent and Colour: Trust your senses. Quality almond oil should smell mildly nutty, not sharp or synthetic. Its texture should be smooth, not greasy or sticky. 

Transparency: A reputable brand will tell you exactly where and how their oil is made. If they don’t—or if the label is vague—that’s a reason to pause.

Is almond oil safe for babies? 

Yes, when it’s pure and properly extracted. For babies’ delicate skin, the safest choice is: 

Organic
Virgin cold-pressed
Unrefined
Free from solvents or synthetic preservatives 

These oils retain their natural emollients, are gentle enough for infant skin, and are widely used in baby massage and skincare rituals. Our almond oil meets all these criteria and has been trusted by practitioners and parents for decades.

How can I tell if almond oil is high quality? 

Here’s a quick checklist: 

Certifications: Look for organic, cruelty-free, vegan, and fair-trade where relevant.

Label Clarity: Does the label specify “cold-pressed” or “virgin”? Is the origin listed? Does it have the botanical name listed?

Scent and Texture: Premium almond oil will have a light, natural almond scent and a soft, silky feel. If it smells rancid, or you wouldn’t eat it don’t use it on your skin

Taste: If you’re using it internally, a fresh almond oil should taste rich and mildly nutty—not bitter, synthetic, or rancid.

Packaging: glass (especially amber) is preferable to plastic for both freshness and environmental reasons. Dark coloured glass filters light and protects the oil from damage. 

What about sustainability? 

It’s an important question—especially with crops like almonds that require considerable water to grow. 

At Absolute Essential, we partner with growers who use organic and regenerative methods to help reduce water use and protect pollinators. This includes safe habitats for bees during flowering and careful soil management to preserve water.

While California is the world’s largest producer of almond oil, the industry there is heavily water-intensive and difficult to sustain long-term. We source our almond oil from Spain, where the trees grow in a more natural, rain-fed environment — a far more sustainable choice. 

We also focus on low-impact processing, recyclable glass packaging, and small-batch production to reduce waste and energy use. When you choose sustainably sourced almond oil, you support a healthier ecosystem—from soil to skin.

How can I know how my almond oil was grown and processed? 

The best way is to choose a brand that prioritises transparency.
Read the label carefully—look for terms like ‘cold-pressed’, ‘virgin’, and ‘unrefined’.
Look for third-party certifications such as organic or fair trade.
Check if the company offers traceability—can they tell you where and how the oil was made?
Reach out—a trustworthy company will welcome questions and provide clear answers.

Quality is more than skin deep 

Almond oil is a beautiful, multi-use product—but only when it’s made with care. The right oil will nourish your skin and support a more ethical approach to health and beauty. 

At Absolute Essential, we believe in knowing exactly what goes into our products—and why it matters. Whether you’re choosing almond oil for your baby, your skincare routine, or your massage practice, you deserve a product that is as honest and considered as your reasons for choosing it.