You may have tried avocado oil in cooking/baking, but it’s becoming more and more popular as a skincare/haircare product in the cosmetic industry. But what is avocado oil and what do we know about it?
Avocado oil is an edible oil that is made from the pulp of avocado fruit and can be used in both cooking and within the cosmetic industry either alone or within other products/as a carrier oil for essential oils.
If you want to learn more about avocado oil and its uses within the beauty/cosmetic industry, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll talk you through how avocado oil is made, its popular uses, benefits, and substitutions. We’ll also explain how avocado oil differs when it comes to raw avocado oil and that which is refined.
What is avocado oil made from?
Avocado oil is made from the fruit of avocado trees, which originated in South America but are now cultivated in many other tropical and Mediterranean climates.
The oil that you can purchase in stores and retailers is made by pushing ripe avocado fruit through a press, before separating the pulp from the oil.
Unrefined avocado oil is sold as is, and it is therefore slightly green in color due to the pressing process. Refined avocado oil, on the other hand, is often bleached, which leads to a more yellow/clear coloring.
It’s worth bearing in mind that avocado oil can be purchased as food-grade avocado oil or avocado carrier oil, the latter of which isn’t regulated by the FDA, but both are considered as acceptable as carrier oils.
Avocado oil is very high in fats, which is worth bearing in mind if you have very oily skin as it has a comedogenic rating of 3. This means that it could clog pores if your skin is already on the oily side, so you should use a very small amount of avocado oil if you have oily skin and are prone to breakouts.
There are many other carrier oils available, take a look at the 63 carrier oils we’ve analyzed for some more insight into the topic of carrier oils!
Uses for avocado oil
Avocado oil has many uses in the cosmetic industry, which is why it is popular when used both alone and within cosmetic products.
It can be used on both the hair and skin, take a look at the sections below to find out some popular uses in more detail.
Skin
Popular uses for avocado oil in the skincare sector include the following:
- As a moisturizer for dry/chapped skin
- As a facial moisturizer
- As an ingredient within a facemask
- To calm itchy, inflamed skin
Hair
Avocado oil can also be used on the hair to provide nourishment, here are some popular uses for you to try:
- As a hair mask
- As a treatment for an itchy scalp/dandruff
- As a finishing oil after styling
- As a natural heat protectant
Benefits of avocado oil
There are many benefits of avocado oil when used on the hair/skin. Here are some of the main advantages of using avocado oil in your beauty routine:
- Highly moisturizing
- Anti-inflammatory
- Can help to soothe acne-prone skin
- Can help to heal skin
- Soothes burns/bites
- Improves collagen production, therefore, potentially preventing the signs of aging
- Good for scalp health
Appearance and scent of avocado oil
Avocado oil is neutral/slightly nutty in scent, depending on how it’s been manufactured. Unrefined avocado oil tends to have a stronger, nutty scent, while refined avocado oil often contains other ingredients that make it smell more neutral and unscented.
Raw, or unrefined, coconut oil tends to have a yellow-green tinge in color, however, it is often bleached when manufacturing, so refined avocado oil may be pale yellow or clear.
Avocado oil is one of many fruit oils on the market, with others including peach oil, grape seed oil and pomegranate oil. However, there is some confusion around whether avocado oil is in fact a fruit – find out the answer via this help article which explores whether avocado is a fruit, a vegetable, a berry, or a nut!
Substitutes for avocado oil
Here are some of our favorite substitutes for avocado oil if you’re looking for an alternative:
- Coconut oil
- Chia seed oil
- Sweet almond oil
- Shea butter
- Flax seed oil
Coconut oil is one of the most popular substitutes for avocado oil – here’s the ultimate verdict on which is better, coconut oil or avocado oil!
Shelf life and storage of avocado oil
When stored correctly, avocado oil should last for at least 1 year without spoiling.
Avocado oil is best kept in the fridge, but it can also be kept in a cool, dark area away from direct sunlight.
If your avocado oil changes in appearance or scent, it may be spoiled and you should therefore dispose of it.
FAQ
Take a look at the below frequently asked questions for further insight into avocado oil.
Avocado oil contains many ‘healthy’ fats which are thought to improve cell turnover and therefore boost collagen production. This can give your skin the ability to better rejuvenate and heal, resulting in a healthier complexion.
Avocado oil also contains Vitamins A, B, D, E, and beta carotene which all promote healthy, plump skin.
Avocado oil is suitable for most skin types, including those with sensitive skin.
It may even help to soothe conditions such as eczema or psoriasis due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
However, with a comedogenic rating of 3, it may not be suitable for those with oily or acne-prone skin due to the risk of excess oil and potential breakouts. It’s best suited to mature, dry skin due to its deeply moisturizing benefits.
Avocado oil has many great uses in the beauty sector including the following:
– Moisturization
– Relieving inflammation
– Preventing/treating acne
– Helping skin to heal
– Soothing burns
– Reducing signs of aging
– Scalp care including dry scalp/dandruff
In rare cases, avocado oil may cause a skin allergy leading to skin irritation or eczema.
If you experience any adverse symptoms you should stop using avocado immediately and consult with a medical physician or dermatologist.
Avocado oil may also cause your skin to break out if you have oily skin, as it has a comedogenic rating of 3. This means it may clog pores, particularly when used on skin that is naturally oily. We’d recommend avoiding the use of avocado oil if you have oily skin to prevent the likelihood of clogged skin/acne.
As avocado oil contains ‘healthy fats’, applying it to the skin can boost collagen production and in turn help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Extra collagen production can give your skin a plumper appearance, therefore potentially making it appear younger and healthier. Avocado oil also contains antioxidants which can help to minimize the signs of aging.
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