Prunus amygdalis (Rosaceae)

Native to the Middle East and South Asia, almond is also the name of the edible and widely cultivated seed of this tree. It is considered one of the earliest domesticated tree nuts. The oil from the nuts is produced mainly in Italy, France, Spain and North Africa. The two varieties of the tree yield sweet and bitter almonds. Commonly called badam in India, it is a popular edible nut used extensively in Indian cuisine.

Cosmetic use

A renowned beauty aid since the times of ancient Romans, almond oil is an excellent emollient and helps to retain skin moisture balance. It is reputed to enhance complexion and add a healthy, youthful glow to the skin. The skin and hair care benefits of almond are attributed to the vital minerals and vitamins it contains. It is easily absorbed and is most effective for combating dry and irritated skin. It cures dryness, irritation, itching and inflammation. It is also a remedy for dark circles, fine lines, chapped lips and body rashes. Because of its fine texture, the oil will not leave a greasy feeling on the skin and does not block pores. As a result of its moisturizing quality, it is now being used in many soaps and moisturizers. Almond oil has also been known to facilitate hair growth. It smoothes hair cuticles and provides nourishment to the hair. It strengthens hair and gives it a natural shine. It forms an excellent massage oil as it is easily absorbed and is a great lubricant. It is a natural moisturizer, and therefore suitable for all skin types. Almond oil is an effective and popular carrier oil for essential oils in aromatherapy for its soothing effect and calming pleasant aroma.

Almond oil contains 40% to 55% of fixed oil, about 20% proteins, mucilage and emulsion. It contains a considerable amount of olein, with smaller quantities of glycosides of linoleic and other acids. Rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E it acts as great nourishment for the skin.

Citrus Limoni (Rutaceae)

The source of lemon fruits, it is a small tree cultivated in several countries across the globe. Being Indian in origin, lemons were unknown in Europe till the 12th century. Numerous varieties and hybrids are widely cultivated for the oil. Peel of lemons and the essential oil separated from it are used in flavouring and as a cosmetic.

Cosmetic use

While lemon oil is used as a fragrance ingredient and as a flavouring agent, several products made from the peel such as peel oil derived by solvent extraction after removal of the essential oil, peel powder, peel water and peel extract are used in cosmetics. While the peel powder is an effective absorbent and viscosity-controlling agent, peel extract and peel oil are classed as skin conditioners. They are used in cosmetics and personal care products, including bath products, soaps and detergents, skin care products, cleansing products, eye make-up, fragrance products and hair care products.

Whole lemons are macerated by incubation with Lactobacillus lacti. The fermentative process that is initiated causes the release of valuable chemicals from the peel. This subsequently processed product, the lemon peel bioferment, is an antioxidant, bactericide and inhibitor of melanin synthesis. Similar to hydroquinone, it has high anti-tyrosinase activity. This ferment is then further processed to remove the potential allergens, citral and geraniol. The resulting ferment is said to have both anti-tyrosinase and antioxidant activity. Lemon peel bioferment is used in skin-lightening products and anti-ageing skin care products to improve and lighten age spots and irregular skin pigmentation.