Avocado Oil Benefits for Your Skin

Avocado oil has been found to help with certain skin conditions including psoriasis, wrinkles, and stretch marks. That may be no surprise given that avocado—known for its healthy fat content—is a nutritionally rich fruit that is high in fiber and potassium and helps absorb the fat-soluble vitamins D, K, A, and E. Avocados contain high levels of antioxidants as well, including lutein and zeaxanthin, same as vitamin E.

Oil extracted from this fruit has captured the attention of the cosmetics and food industries because of its lipid content consisting of monounsaturated fatty acids, which are also linked to reduced inflammation and better cardiovascular health.

This article discusses the benefits and risks of using avocado oil for skin.

What Is Avocado Oil?

The process of mechanically pulling oil from an avocado is similar to cold-pressed olive oil extraction. After the skin and pit are removed, the flesh, which is composed of 30% oil, is turned into a paste and then slowly churned for 40–60 minutes at 113 F–122 F. The drippings of water and oil from the churning process are then separated using a high-speed centrifuge. 

This extracted extra-virgin avocado oil is emerald green because of its high levels of chlorophyll and carotenoids. It also has a smoky-butter or mushroom flavor and aroma.  

Avocado oil has a fatty acid profile that’s high in oleic acid and palmitic acid, along with a high concentration of polyphenols—micronutrients that are high in antioxidants—such as tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol. In terms of fat content, 60% of an avocado consists of monounsaturated fatty acids, similar to olive oil, hazelnuts, and macadamia nuts. Other fatty acids found in an avocado include linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and docosadienoic acid, among others. 

Benefits of Avocado Oil for Skin

Avocado oil is packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins, which can contribute to healthier looking skin. Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, avocado oil can help moisturize, relieve, and soothe many skin conditions.

Moisturizes the Skin

Avocado oil contains vitamin E, which can increase the skin's capacity to absorb and retain water. This makes it an effective moisturizer that can be used to treat skin that is dry or chapped.

May Help Reduce the Signs of Aging

Avocado oil is rich in antioxidants. These compounds can fight oxidative stress, which is connected to skin aging. They can also increase collagen levels in the skin. One 2020 study found that an anti-wrinkle topical containing avocado oil and saffron extract was effective in making the skin appear more youthful.

Protects the Skin From UV Damage

The antioxidants found in avocado oil, such as vitamins C and E, can also protect your skin against damage from frequent exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This includes UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. They can also help reduce sunburn symptoms.

Promotes Wound Healing

Avocado oil can promote wound healing by boosting collagen metabolism and reducing inflammation, as detected in tests performed on rats using either natural avocado oil or avocado oil combined with other formulations.

May Improve Certain Skin Conditions

Some studies show that avocado oil, when combined with vitamin B12, may help relieve dry, flakey skin associated with psoriasis and eczema (although more research is required to back early studies). Avocado oil's anti-inflammatory properties may also help decrease the risk of acne.

How to Use It

There are several ways you can use avocado oil to moisturize your skin, including:

• As a topical moisturizer for both body and face: Apply a few drops of avocado oil mixed with a fragrant essential oil, if desired, to your skin.
• As a hair and scalp mask to add moisture: Saturate your hair with either the oil or mashed flesh. Wrap your hair in plastic wrap or use a disposable shower cap. Leave on for 15–30 minutes, depending on how damaged and dry your hair may be. Afterwards, rinse well, shampoo, and condition.
• As a bath treatment: A few drops of avocado oil combined with a fragrant essential oil can be applied to bath water, added to shower gel, or applied to damp skin to lock in moisture after you bathe.

Considerations

While many studies have demonstrated the potential benefits of avocado oil for the skin, research is still limited. As with any plant-based ingredient, there is the risk of an allergic reaction.

Allergies

Although allergic reactions to avocado oil are rare, to be on the side of safety, always do a patch test. Apply the oil to a small area of your skin and wait 24–48 hours to see if there is an adverse reaction before using avocado oil or a cosmetic product that contains it. 

Some people who have an allergic reaction to natural rubber latex may be susceptible to latex-fruit syndrome. Several fruit sources such as avocados, bananas, chestnuts, kiwis, peaches, tomatoes, potatoes, and bell peppers are linked to this syndrome.

Symptoms may include hives, itching, a stuffy or runny nose, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, can occur. Skin allergies may include contact dermatitis, a red, itchy rash caused by coming into contact with a substance you are allergic to.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you have an allergy to avocados, check with your healthcare provider before you apply avocado oil to your skin to make sure it's safe to use. If you think you may be experiencing a severe allergic reaction to avocado oil, you should seek medical attention right away.

A Word From Verywell

Avocado oil, similar to its cousin olive oil, is made up of nutrient-rich elements that can provide many health benefits. Used topically, avocado oil has several properties that can benefit your skin beyond just moisturizing it. When combined with fragrant essential oils, avocado oil can replace a number of skincare products inexpensively. However, like all products that you apply to your skin, be sure to do a patch test before using.