Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil

What it is

Avocado oil is pressed from the flesh rather than the seed of Persea gratissima, which is unusual among cosmetic oils. It is dominated by oleic acid, typically 60% or more, and carries a comparatively large unsaponifiable fraction of phytosterols, carotenoids and vitamin E that gives unrefined grades their green colour. Formulators use it where a substantial, cushioning oil is wanted rather than a light one.

What it does well

• Rich, cushioning emollient for dry and mature skin

  Dermatology reviews of plant oils group avocado oil with the sterol-rich oils used for dry, flaking skin. The supporting evidence is largely laboratory and traditional rather than from controlled human trials.

  Limited evidence

Worth knowing

• High oleic acid content may not suit everyone

  Reviews of natural oils for barrier repair conclude that oils with a higher linoleic-to-oleic ratio tend to support the barrier, while oleic-dominant oils can be less well tolerated on skin that is already compromised. Avocado oil sits firmly on the oleic side.

  Matters most toPeople with eczema-prone or acne-prone skin using it as a leave-on facial oil.

Where the EU stands

Sources (1)

Every link goes to the original: a journal, a PubMed record or an EU document.

1. [1]
   Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science

   American Journal of Clinical Dermatology · 2018 · doi:10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1

   Concluded that oils with a higher linoleic to oleic acid ratio have better barrier repair potential, while oils high in oleic acid may be detrimental to barrier function.