The sweet almond tree, Prunus amygdalus dulcis, is a beautiful member of the rosaceae family. Native to Western Asia, bitter almonds were toxic in small quantities and therefore unfit for consumption. Over the years, trees have been selected to produce cultivars of sweet almonds that have spread throughout the world.

The almond tree was introduced to southern France in the 5th century BC. Since ancient times, almond oil has been used for its cosmetic virtues. Sweet almond oil can be obtained by cold pressing or refined. Virgin oil is produced by cold pressing, using a worm gear system, after the healthy seeds have been cleaned. The oil is then filtered on blotting paper to retain impurities and clarify it.