What it is
Avocado oil is a non-volatile vegetable oil obtained from the pulp of Persea gratissima fruit. It is rich in oleic acid along with palmitic and linoleic acids and minor amounts of unsaponifiables such as phytosterols and tocopherols, which contribute to its smoothing, softening feel on skin. In sunscreens and other leave-on products it functions as an emollient that improves spreadability and helps reduce the appearance of dryness.
Safety & warnings
Avocado oil is generally well tolerated and widely used in skin care. Because it is high in oleic acid and is a heavier vegetable oil, it sits toward the more comedogenic end of plant oils and may not suit acne-prone or very oily skin in high concentrations. True allergy is uncommon, but individuals with known sensitivities should patch test.
Origin & sourcing
Natural; the oil is expressed from the fruit pulp of the avocado tree, Persea gratissima (also classified as Persea americana), and may be refined or used unrefined.
Questions everyone asks
What does avocado oil do in a sunscreen?
It acts as an emollient, softening the skin and improving how the product spreads and feels, while helping limit the look of dryness.
Is avocado oil suitable for oily or acne-prone skin?
It is a richer, oleic-acid-heavy oil that can feel heavy and is considered relatively comedogenic, so those prone to breakouts may prefer lighter formulas.