Avocado Oil
Fatty oil rich in oleic acid and unsaponifiable lipids. Softens dry skin and supports the lipid barrier.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Small studies show accelerated regeneration and improved hydration in dry skin. Oleic acid in the composition can weaken the barrier in acute atopic dermatitis, so in flare-ups other oils work better.
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Dry, Normal, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Avocado Oil (Persea Gratissima Oil) is a cold-pressed fatty oil from avocado pulp. Contains oleic (~60%), linoleic (~15%), palmitic (~15%) acids, phytosterols (β-sitosterol), squalene, tocopherols, and carotenoids. Mechanism. The high oleic share makes the oil a strong occlusive and emollient: it forms a film slowing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The unsaponifiable fraction (sterol + squalene) gives a mild anti-inflammatory and reparative effect. As a pharmaceutical, the unsaponifiable extract (avocado/soybean unsaponifiables, ASU) is used orally for osteoarthritis. Where applied. Creams and balms for dry skin, hair products, massage oils, post-procedure creams. Concentration 1–20%. In Spain in Weleda, Klorane, Naobay, ISDIN Glicoisdin, and Mercadona's Deliplus Aceite de Aguacate. Evidence base. Direct topical cosmetic RCTs on avocado oil are scarce. Lin 2017 (review) describes anti-inflammatory and barrier-support properties in dermatitis and psoriasis. ASU orally – data on slower progression of hip and knee osteoarthritis (Christensen 2008), unrelated to cosmetics. Safety. CIR confirmed cosmetic safety in 2013. Contact allergy is rare; cross-reactivity with latex is described in some patients (latex-fruit syndrome) – they should avoid it. The high oleic share may worsen irritation in atopics and infants: in Cooke 2016, pure topical sunflower and olive oils worsened the barrier in newborns; avocado oil belongs to the same group. In adults with normal and dry skin this effect has not been shown. Comedogenicity. Avocado oil is rated moderately comedogenic (3 of 5 on the old Fulton scale). Not applied to the face in oily and acne-prone skin. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Used by pregnant and nursing women for body, hands, and anti-stretch products. Particularly suitable for. Dry, normal, and mature body skin, hair, scalp, post-procedure recovery. Not the best face choice for patients with acne, seborrheic dermatitis, or infants with atopic dermatitis.
Frequently asked questions
Is Avocado Oil safe during pregnancy?
Avocado Oil is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Avocado Oil for?
Avocado Oil suits: dry, normal, sensitive.
What is Avocado Oil and what does it do in cosmetics?
Fatty oil rich in oleic acid and unsaponifiable lipids.
Is Avocado Oil comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 2/5 – low comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Avocado Oil?
The INCI name is Persea Gratissima Oil. It may also appear as: Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil.
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