Skin hydration in premature newborns
Clinical trialApplied to the body4 times a day for 5 days90 premature infantsRandomized, controlled
The stratum corneum was better hydrated than in the control group, with both almond oil and sunflower oil, with no harmful effect on the skin. The study was run in a neonatal unit: it does not transfer as is to a consumer product5.
Pregnancy stretch marks: comfort, but no fewer stretch marks
Clinical trialSweet almond oil cream160 first-time mothersDouble-blind, 4 groups
Less itching and redness, and less extension of stretch marks than with the base cream or no care. The number and diameter of stretch marks are identical between groups6.
Preventing stretch marks: limited evidence
Review2015 reviewTopical prevention
The review finds only limited evidence for massage with bitter almond oil, which is not sweet almond, and for centella. It stresses the lack of rigorous controlled trials on these products7.