There’s a new almond oil supplier in the beauty biz

30-Sep-2020 - Last updated on 30-Sep-2020 at 16:36 GMT

This week, California-based grower / processor Harris Woolf Almonds launched single-source sweet almond oil to the cosmetics and personal care ingredient marketplace.

Harris Woolf Almonds (HWA) has been in the food production business since 1989, selling in-shell almonds, almonds, almond paste, and now also an almond protein powder for use in functional foods and almond oil.

“Our team continually strives to deliver novel value to our customers—so they can do the same in turn for their customers,” says Mike Briano, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at HWA, in this week’s press release about these latest ingredient launches.

“These new ingredients give health- and quality-conscious food and beverage businesses the tools they’ve been requesting,” he say, emphasizing that, “they’re ready today, so you can be first to get tomorrow’s products on the shelves.”

HWA offers fully traceable almond oil for beauty makers

“The new almond oil now available from Harris Woolf Almonds raises the bar for transparency and quality,” claims the HWA press release, pointing out that “HWA unrefined, sweet almond oil is made from 100% food-grade almonds, all of which come from HWA’s consortium of growers. Whether your end use is cooking, cosmetics, or something else, you know you are getting a premium quality product that is farmed with a focus on sustainability.”

Each batch is made by slow roasting, milling, cooling, and pressing the almonds. And the oil is available in both 55-gallon barrels (4 drums/palette) and 250-gallon tote containers. According to the HWA site, the almond oil should be shipped and stored in an “odor-free environment” between 35 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 60% residual humidity.

Nuts as raw materials for cosmetics and personal care product formulations

Using nut oils, extracts, and even shells is certainly nothing new in beauty. Entire brands have been built around nut ingredients. And prominent nut suppliers like Blue Diamond also supply beauty makers.

At the 2019 in-cosmetics North America trade show, EcoShell showcased walnut shell in a wide range of sieve sizes for use in body scrubs and exfoliation products.

And fairly recent data out of UC Davis has shown that nuts are relevant in skin care and beauty beyond any topical benefits.

Nuts are also a popular beauty ingredient because they fit so neatly into the natural and plant-based beauty space. And while it’s not the case with HWA’s new almond oil, some nut inputs can also be categorized as upcycled ingredients.