Avocado Oil
What Is It?
Avocado oil is a nutrient-rich oil extracted from the flesh of avocados. It is packed with essential fatty acids, vitamins (A, D, and E), and antioxidants, making it highly beneficial for skin and hair care. Avocado oil is known for its deep moisturising, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for dry, sensitive, and mature skin. It is commonly used in skincare formulations for its ability to penetrate deeply, nourish the skin barrier, and enhance collagen production. It is also widely used in hair care for its conditioning and strengthening benefits.
INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients)
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Proper Storage & Shelf Life
Storage: Store in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep in an airtight container to prevent oxidation.
Shelf life: 12-24 months when stored properly. Cold-pressed, unrefined avocado oil may have a shorter shelf life due to its high nutrient content. Refrigeration can help extend its longevity.
Refined Or Unrefined
Unrefined (cold-pressed): Retains the highest level of nutrients, has a greenish tint, and a mild nutty scent. Best for skincare and haircare.
Refined: Lighter in colour, less odour, and has a longer shelf life, but may lose some beneficial compounds.
Is It Necessary?
Yes, if you need a deeply moisturising oil that nourishes dry, sensitive, or mature skin. It’s also lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that absorbs well without clogging pores. It’s an oil rich in antioxidants and fatty acids to protect and repair the skin barrier.
Texture & Consistency
Light to medium-weight oil with a smooth, silky texture. It absorbs well but can feel slightly greasy if used in excess.
Natural Scent Profile
Mild, nutty, and slightly earthy scent. The refined version has little to no odour.
Solubility & Compatibility
Oil-soluble -Compatible with most carrier oils, essential oils, and emulsifiers.
Benefits In Your Skincare
Deep hydration: Locks in moisture and prevents dryness.
Skin barrier support: Strengthens and repairs the skin barrier.
Soothing: Reduces inflammation and irritation.
Antioxidant-rich: Protects against free radical damage and premature aging.
Boosts collagen: Helps improve skin elasticity and reduces fine lines.
Non-comedogenic: Generally safe for acne-prone skin when used in moderation.
Hair care benefits: Nourishes and strengthens hair, reducing breakage and frizz.
PH
Avocado oil is naturally neutral with a pH around 6.5 to 7, making it close to the skin’s natural pH. This means it won’t disrupt the skin’s acid mantle and is gentle for most skin types.
Absorbency Rate
Avocado oil has a moderate absorbency rate. It’s rich and emollient, so it takes a bit longer to absorb into the skin compared to lighter oils. However, it provides deep hydration and nourishment once absorbed, making it ideal for dry or mature skin.
Recommended Usage Rate
1-10% in creams, lotions, and serums.
Up to 100% for facial and body oils.
2-5% in hair care formulations.
Appearance
Golden to greenish oil with a smooth, rich texture. Refined avocado oil is pale yellow.
Strengths
✅ Deeply moisturising and absorbs well into the skin.
✅ Rich in vitamins A, D, and E, promoting skin regeneration.
✅ Anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.
✅ Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
✅ Beneficial for hair, reducing dryness and split ends.
Weaknesses
❌ Can feel slightly greasy if overused.
❌ The unrefined version has a strong scent that may not suit all formulations.
❌ Prone to oxidation if not stored properly.
❌ May not be ideal for very oily skin types when used in high amounts.
Alternative Ingredients/ Substitutions
Jojoba Oil: Lightweight and closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum.
Sweet Almond Oil: Nourishing and fast-absorbing.
Olive Oil: Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants but heavier in texture.
Best Practices
Blend with lighter carrier oils for a more balanced feel in formulations.
Works well in anti-aging products due to its collagen-boosting properties.
Can be used in body butters, facial oils, and hair masks.
Ideal for after-sun care and soothing irritated skin.
Tips & Tricks
💡 Perfect for DIY face and body oils, mixed with essential oils like lavender or frankincense.
💡 Great as a pre-shampoo treatment for dry or damaged hair.
💡 Can be added to lip balms and cuticle oils for extra nourishment.
💡 Works well with shea butter or cocoa butter for rich, hydrating skincare formulas.
Recommended Starter Amount
100-250ml (3.5-8.5 oz) depending on your recipe needs.