Badam Rogan vs Sweet Almond Oil: What's the Difference?

In Pakistani markets and pharmacies you'll see almond oil sold under many names: badam rogan, roghan-e-badam, badam ka tel, sweet almond oil. Some bottles say 'shirin' (sweet), others say 'talkh' (bitter). Prices vary wildly, and so does quality. It can be confusing. Here's what it all means, and how to choose well.

Badam rogan is almond oil

'Rogan' (or roghan) simply means oil, and 'badam' means almond. Badam rogan is almond oil, and in everyday use it usually refers to oil from sweet almonds. It's the same oil sold internationally as sweet almond oil. The name has deep roots in traditional South Asian and Persian care, which is why you'll often find it in traditional pharmacies.

Sweet vs bitter almond oil

This is the distinction that matters:

• Sweet almond oil (badam shirin) is pressed from the sweet almonds we eat. It's the oil used for skin, hair and massage.
• Bitter almond oil (badam talkh) comes from a different variety of almond. In its raw form, bitter almond contains a compound that can release cyanide, and it's not a substitute for sweet almond oil.

For skin and hair care, always choose sweet almond oil. If a bottle doesn't make clear which it is, look for another.

How to choose a good almond oil

• Check the ingredients. It should list one ingredient: sweet almond oil (Prunus amygdalus dulcis). Avoid bottles with added mineral oil or fragrance if you want pure almond oil.
• Look for dark glass. Amber or dark bottles help protect oil from light, which speeds up spoilage. Clear plastic is the least protective.
• Smell it. Fresh almond oil smells very faint and slightly sweet. A sharp, crayon-like or bitter smell suggests it has gone rancid.
• Check the colour. It should be pale gold and clear, not cloudy or dark.
• Check the dates. Look for a manufacturing or expiry date and a period-after-opening symbol.
• Be wary of very cheap oil. Almond oil is costly to produce. A price that seems too good may mean it's been mixed with other oils.

Learn more in cold-pressed vs refined oil and how to store natural oils.

Is badam rogan for eating or for skin?

Some almond oils are sold for food and some for cosmetic use, and traditional badam rogan is sometimes taken by the spoonful. Follow the label on your bottle, and if you're considering taking any oil for health reasons, talk to a doctor first. Our almond oil is made for skin and hair care.

How badam rogan is traditionally used

• Massaged into the scalp before washing. See our hair oiling guide.
• Rubbed into dry skin in winter. See sweet almond oil for skin.
• Tapped under the eyes at night. See almond oil under the eyes.
• For full body massage. See our massage guide.