
Why do we use Avocado Oil?
Avocado is well-known as a “superfood” for your diet, packed with healthy fats and nutrients. It turns out, those same properties make the oil pressed from it, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, a superfood for your skin. This ultra-rich, nourishing oil is a go-to ingredient for replenishing dry, mature, or compromised skin. As a key emollient in our ingredient philosophy, we choose it for its profound ability to moisturize and restore.
What is Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil?
Avocado Oil is an emollient oil cold-pressed from the pulp of the avocado fruit. Unlike many other botanical oils pressed from seeds, it is derived from the fleshy part that surrounds the pit. This gives it a unique and incredibly dense nutrient profile.
Its primary components include:
- Oleic Acid: A deeply moisturizing Omega-9 fatty acid that is excellent for softening and nourishing dry skin.
- Vitamins: It is a rich source of vitamins, including antioxidant Vitamin E.
- Phytosterols: These plant compounds are fantastic for helping to soothe and repair a compromised skin barrier.
The Good: 3 Key Benefits of Avocado Oil in Creams
Avocado oil is a heavyweight champion of moisture and skin repair.
1. It’s a Deeply Nourishing Moisturizer
This is Avocado Oil’s main role. Its high concentration of oleic acid and other fatty acids makes it a superior emollient for dry, rough, or mature skin. It works to:
- Deeply moisturize and soften the skin.
- Replenish the skin’s natural lipid barrier.
- Improve skin’s texture, leaving it feeling smooth and supple.
2. It Promotes Skin Repair and Healing
Studies have shown that Avocado Oil can support the skin’s natural healing processes. It has been found to increase collagen synthesis and reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for:
- Supporting the healing of chapped or wounded skin.
- Calming irritation and redness.
- Improving the resilience of a compromised skin barrier.
3. It Delivers Powerful Antioxidants
Avocado oil is a good source of antioxidants, including Vitamin E, which help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. This defense against environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution is crucial for preventing the signs of premature aging.
The Bad: Are There Any Considerations?
The very richness that makes Avocado Oil a hero for dry skin is what makes it a consideration for other skin types.
- It Can Be Too Heavy for Oily Skin: Avocado Oil is a dense, rich oil. While it absorbs well, those with oily skin types may find its texture too heavy or occlusive for their comfort, especially for daytime use.
- Potential Concern for Acne-Prone Skin: Because it is very high in oleic acid, Avocado Oil can sometimes be problematic for those prone to acne. Oily and acne-prone skin types often do better with lightweight oils that are higher in linoleic acid, such as Safflower Oil.
- Quality Matters: Unrefined, cold-pressed avocado oil is dark green and has an earthy aroma, retaining the highest level of nutrients. Refined avocado oil is pale yellow and odorless, making it more cosmetically elegant but less potent.
The Verdict
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil is an exceptional nourishing oil, especially for skin that needs intensive moisture and support. It is a top-tier choice for anyone with dry, mature, or dehydrated skin looking to restore softness, comfort, and a healthy glow.
Primary Article Sources
- National Institutes of Health (PubMed Central): Avocado Oil: Characteristics, Properties, and Applications – This 2019 review in the journal Molecules provides a deep dive into the chemical composition, antioxidant properties, and wound-healing effects of Avocado Oil.
- National Institutes of Health (PubMed Central): Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils – This scientific review discusses the benefits of high-oleic oils like Avocado Oil for dry skin.
Other sources used for this article:
- Healthline
- Cedars Sinai
- Keya Seth
- Agro Engineering
- Wikipedia
- Q&A Skin
- Cleveland Clinic
- Skintype Solutions
- Desavery
- Formunova
- National Institutes of Health – nih.gov
- Mumubath
- Annmarie Gianni
- Pickle & Bee
- Tammy Fender
- Curology
- Reviva Labs
Frequently Asked Questions about Avocado Oil
Yes, it is excellent for the face, particularly if you have dry, mature, or dehydrated skin. Its rich concentration of fatty acids and vitamins helps to deeply moisturize, nourish, and soften the skin.
Avocado Oil has a moderate comedogenic rating (typically a 3 out of 5). Because it is rich and high in oleic acid, it may be too heavy for those with oily or acne-prone skin and could potentially contribute to clogged pores.
Avocado Oil is best for dry, very dry, mature, and sensitive skin types that need intensive nourishment and barrier support. It is generally not recommended as a primary facial oil for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Find Avocado Oil in Our Products
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