What is the best formula for regularly oiling your ears? Almond or olive oil?

The short answer is almond oil. Almond oil is one step better than olive oil if you are looking for a gentle moisturizer for regular use in your dry ears. Continue reading to learn more about how to look after your ears better.

Why almond oil is better than olive oil for a regular use for dry ear canals - HearingNow UK

Earwax build-up can be uncomfortable, leading many people to use an olive oil spray to soften and loosen the wax. However, almond oil provides additional benefits, particularly for individuals with dry or irritated ear canals. This guide explores who might benefit from almond oil over olive oil and why it could be a better choice for aftercare.

Almond oil versus olive oil

Feature	Almond Oil	Olive Oil
Main Benefit	Hydrates and soothes the ear canal	Softens and loosens earwax
Anti-Inflammatory Properties	Yes – helps reduce irritation	No
Moisturising Effects	Deeply hydrating – ideal for dry skin	Moderate hydration
Earwax Removal Support	Helps soften wax but primarily for ear health	Effective for breaking up wax
Best For	Aftercare, dry skin, post-earwax removal	General earwax softening

Almond oil offers hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. While it can help soften earwax, its primary advantage lies in its ability to moisturise the ear canal and soothe irritation, making it particularly useful for:

a. soothing the irritation in dry ear canals

b. aftercare following earwax removal procedures.

Almond Oil vs. Olive Oil: Key Differences

1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Sweet almond oil contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds, making it an excellent choice for:

Reducing irritation after clinical earwax removal
Soothing sensitive ears
Helping patients prone to inflammation

Olive oil, while effective for wax softening, does not have these same anti-inflammatory benefits.

2. Superior Moisturising Effects

Almond oil is deeply hydrating, making it ideal for people with:

Dry, flaky skin inside the ear canal
Eczema-prone ears
Post-procedure ear care needs

Olive oil provides some moisture but lacks the same level of hydration.

3. Ideal for Aftercare, Not Just Wax Softening

Unlike olive oil, which is primarily used to break down wax, almond oil is also recommended for use after professional earwax removal to:

Keep the ear canal hydrated
Prevent post-treatment dryness
Reduce inflammation

Can almond oil help with ear eczema?

Almond oil is one of the best natural formulas for dry ear canal or those with mild eczema in the ear and ear canal. However, my best advice is to consult with your GP before using almond oil for severe eczema.

Why do my ears build up so much ear wax so fast?

Ear canals of different people can be quite different from others. People with narrow, hairy, dry and bendy ear canals experience excessive build-up of ear wax faster.

My ears need microsuction every 6 months, how can I reduce the need for such frequent treatment?

You cannot do much about the anatomy and condition of your ear canals if they are narrow, bendy and hairy, however, you can help them if they are too dry. Here are some tips:

Keep your body hydrated, drink enough water, and avoid too much coffee or other beverages that make your body dehydrated.
Apply almond oil to your ear canals weekly to maintain the moisture of the ear canals at the needed level.
Keep active; dancing, jumping and other activities can help the ear wax to slide out. Remember there is no positive force mechanism for the ear wax to slide out. If the ear canal is moist enough, the ear wax keeps sliding out due to the structure of the ear canal which is sloping outwards. That's why besides talking and chewing food that massages the ear canal, dancing, running and any physical activities also encourage the ear wax to slide out.
Avoid earplugs. Anything that you put in your ears pushes the ear wax deep into the ear canal. I understand that sometimes it is inevitable to use earplugs for sleeping, swimming and so on, but you can replace music buds with overhead headphones. For those with hearing aids, there is no option to oil the ear canals regularly if you experience dry ear canals or excessive ear wax buildup.

Is it normal to have an itchy ear after a microsuction?

Part of the ear wax which is deep inside the ear canal is often very dry. The reason is that the deeper in the ear canal the warmer it becomes hence a dated ear wax deep in the ear canal can be quite dry. Often removing dry ear wax leaves a dry exposed skin in the ear canal which can be itchy. Also when cleaning the ear canal the suction may remove some of the dead skin in the ear canal leaving fresh skin in the ear canal that may cause feel a bit itchy. The best way to treat your ear canals after a microsuction ear wax removal is to apply 2-3 drops of almond oil for 2-3 days post the procedure.