Bitter Almond (FFPA) (Prunus dulcis var. amara) is a specialty essential oil with a sweet, marzipan, fruity aroma and a heart note. Steam distillation from seed, it is a versatile blending oil. For topical use, keep dilution at or below 5%.
Bitter almond FFPA. Sweet marzipan cherry-like. ONLY rectified/FFPA form is safe.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Properties
| Perfumery note | Heart |
| Aroma family | Specialty |
| Chemical family | Aldehyde |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | seed |
| Blending factor | 4 |
| Volatility index | 2 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 5.0 |
Safety & dilution
ONLY FFPA (Free From Prussic Acid) / rectified form is safe. Unrectified contains lethal hydrocyanic acid.
| Max topical dilution | 5% |
| Max facial dilution | 2.5% |
| Pregnancy | Not recommended |
| Nursing | Not recommended |
| Children | Not recommended for young children |
| Cats | Not recommended |
| Dogs | Not recommended |
Safety flags
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Bitter Almond (FFPA) smell like?
Bitter Almond (FFPA) has a sweet, marzipan, fruity aroma, classed as a specialty oil with a heart note.
What is the safe dilution for Bitter Almond (FFPA)?
For topical use, keep Bitter Almond (FFPA) at or below 5%, and 2.5% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Bitter Almond (FFPA) safe to use during pregnancy?
Bitter Almond (FFPA) carries a pregnancy caution in our dataset and is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before any use.
Is Bitter Almond (FFPA) safe to use around children?
Bitter Almond (FFPA) is not recommended for young children. Consult a professional before use.
Is Bitter Almond (FFPA) safe around pets?
For cats — avoid; not considered safe; dogs — avoid; not considered safe. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.