Bitter Almond (FFPA) vs Cognac Absolute
Bitter Almond (FFPA) and Cognac Absolute are both specialty essential oils. Bitter Almond (FFPA) carries a heart note (sweet, marzipan), while Cognac Absolute sits as a heart note (warm, fruity). For topical use, keep Bitter Almond (FFPA) at or below 5% and Cognac Absolute at 1%.
| Attribute | Bitter Almond (FFPA) | Cognac Absolute |
|---|---|---|
| Latin name | Prunus dulcis var. amara | Vitis vinifera |
| Aroma family | Specialty | Specialty |
| Perfumery note | Heart | Heart |
| Aroma | sweet, marzipan, fruity | warm, fruity, boozy |
| Chemical family | Aldehyde | Ester |
| Max topical dilution | 5% | 1% |
| Max facial dilution | 2.5% | 0.5% |
| Pregnancy | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Children | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Pets | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Extraction | Steam distillation | Solvent extraction |
Not sure how much to use? Try the free dilution calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Bitter Almond (FFPA) and Cognac Absolute?
Bitter Almond (FFPA) and Cognac Absolute are both specialty essential oils. Bitter Almond (FFPA) carries a heart note (sweet, marzipan), while Cognac Absolute sits as a heart note (warm, fruity). For topical use, keep Bitter Almond (FFPA) at or below 5% and Cognac Absolute at 1%.
Can you blend Bitter Almond (FFPA) and Cognac Absolute together?
They can be combined, but Bitter Almond (FFPA) and Cognac Absolute aren't a classic pairing — start with small amounts and adjust to taste.
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.