Q: I'm severely allergic to almonds. Is it okay for me to use products with almond oil, or scrubs with ground almond shells?
A: When I first read this question, I thought you might be a bit of a nut yourself; I mean, you're not eating your moisturizers or scrubs are you? But because I've always believed it's better to be safe than sorry, I asked Debra Jaliman, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, for her expert opinion. She said that, depending on how allergic you are, you can definitely have a reaction from inhaling the scent of your almond oil or scrub, or from any contact with your skin. So glad I asked, Doc!
Bottom line: You should avoid all products—topical and otherwise—containing almonds.
