Oil pressed from avocado flesh.
Why it’s used: Rich in fatty acids that condition hair and skin.
Avocado oil is pressed from the soft green flesh of the avocado (Persea americana), rather than from the stone as many people assume. The fruit is so rich in fat that it has been nicknamed butter pear, and the oil is used both in the kitchen and in skin and hair care.
Its fatty acid profile is dominated by oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat, usually making up around 40 to 60% of the oil, along with palmitic and linoleic acid. It also contains plant sterols such as beta-sitosterol, beta-carotene, lecithin and vitamin E. On ingredient lists you will see Persea gratissima oil or avocado oil, often in hair oils, conditioners and rich creams, where its fatty acids condition hair and skin.
Research on topical plant oils shows that avocado oil mainly stays on the surface of the skin, forming a light protective film that helps reduce moisture loss, which is why it is well suited to dry or chapped skin and dry, coarse hair. Laboratory work has also looked at how avocado oil penetrates hair fibres. Like other oils rich in oleic acid, it may be less suitable for very sensitive or eczema-prone skin when used on its own.
2 findings behind this ingredient. Hover a card for the detail and the source.
Randomised left/right-side comparison in 13 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis over 12 weeks. At week 12 PASI scores did not differ significantly from calcipotriol, and tolerability of the avocado oil cream was rated significantly better.
Animal study in Wistar rats using avocado oil or a 50% avocado oil formulation on skin wounds. By day 14 both increased wound contraction, re-epithelialisation, collagen density and tensile strength versus control; the oil was mainly oleic acid (47%).
Can't see yours? Ask our team, answered within a working day.
Avocado oil is rich in fatty acids, especially oleic acid, that condition hair and help it feel softer and smoother. It is often used in hair oils and masks for dry or coarse hair, either on its own or blended with lighter oils.
Persea gratissima oil is the name used for avocado oil on cosmetic ingredient lists. It is pressed from the flesh of the avocado fruit and is valued for its fatty acids, plant sterols and vitamin E.
Research shows avocado oil mainly stays on the skin's surface, forming a film that helps reduce moisture loss. That makes it a popular choice for dry or chapped skin. Patch test first if your skin is sensitive.
Videos from doctors, research scientists and registered dietitians, for general education. They are independent of Nutra Formulations, do not refer to our products and are not medical advice for you.
What Happens When You Eat Avocado Oil
Dr Gil Carvalho, MD, PhD · Nutrition Made Simple! on YouTube
Information only, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
Six quick questions match you to the products in our range that fit your goal, with the reasons why.
