When we think of avocado, we probably think of it on toast (ideally with a soft-boiled egg and a pinch of chili flakes), in smoothies and in Instagram-approved avocado bowl recipes. What may not immediately spring to mind is avocado in our skin care products.
All the reasons avocados are so healthy for your body apply to the skin as well. The fruit (yes, fruit) is high in vitamins A, B-complex, C and D, magnesium, calcium and many other amazing minerals, according to Ido Magal, founder of Lavido. Plus, avocados contain fatty acids that provide nourishment to dry, flaky skin. Its superfood credentials are why some health enthusiasts slather avocado on their face so the skin can reap the benefits. Those who prefer to save their bags of avocados strictly for eating can still enjoy the skin-perfecting benefits of avocado thanks to the rising number of skin care products formulated with avocado oil.
Amanda Sipenock, Lush brand and product trainer, explains that avocado oil is created by cold-pressing the flesh of the avocado. FYI: It takes 10 fruits to produce 1 teaspoon of the oil. The result is a rich, thick product that absorbs easily into skin. According to Magal, “The fatty acids that are contained within avocado oil have a complex molecular structure and they are extremely nourishing for the skin. It takes the body a long time to process these fatty acids and because of that, they enrich skin with nutrients, help to increase skin elasticity and smooth skin.”
Avocados’ nourishing properties make them well suited for skin care products, but the ingredient can also be found in hair, bath and even makeup products. And you thought we had already reached peak avocado.
Another great thing about avocado oil is that it’s suitable for all skin types. Sipenock points out that avocado oil is generally a more hydrating oil than some of its counterparts but it can still work for those with oily skin. When combined with other ingredients, avocado oil helps hydrate skin without making it greasy.
Want more avo in your beauty regimen? Click through the gallery to see the best avocado oil skin care products that will make you even more obsessed with the fruit.
[ Next: This Is Why You Should Be Using Camellia Oil in Your Beauty Routine ]
Avocado Oil for Skin: The Best Nourishing Products with Our Favorite Foodie Ingredient
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Freeman Beauty
Feeling Beautiful Avocado & Oatmeal Facial Clay Mask, $4.29 at Ulta
The massive avocado on the package is a big clue that this mask is packed with good-for-skin avocado oil. It's mixed with kaolin clay and oatmeal to purify pores and increase hydration. Use it a few times a week for a deep clean.
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Eve Lom
Radiance Face Oil, $80 at Space.NK
This facial oil is rich in avocado oil, hemp seed oil and Abyssinian oil, but it also has rice powder to soak up excess grease. The result is a product that instantly absorbs into skin while leaving behind a flattering matte finish. There's no need to worry about shiny foreheads when using this stuff.
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Elemis
Superfood Facial Wash, $25 at Elemis
Don't just start breakfast off with avocados — start your skin care regimen with them. The facial wash is packed with skin care superfoods, including wheatgrass and kale, plus avocado, broccoli seed and pumpkin seed oils. The product is suitable for all skin types and helps boost skin's natural glow.
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Lavido
Alert Eye Cream, $49 at Lavido
Perk up peepers with this nourishing eye cream. It's formulated with cold-pressed avocado and pomegranate seed oils along with citrus extracts and plant-based hyaluronic acid to combat the look of tired eyes. Dab the dermatologist-tested cream around eyes and it will moisturize, brighten and reduce puffiness. Keep it handy after a late night out.
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Lush
Dark Angels Face and Body Cleanser, $14.95 at Lush
It's black sugar and charcoal that give the cleanser its distinct black color, but there's cold-pressed organic avocado oil to nourish skin. Those with oily and/or acne-prone skin will love the way the cleanser provides hydration while balancing oil production, leaving skin with a soft matte finish. Apply the cleanser from head to toe.
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Origins
Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask, $27 at Nordstrom
This overnight mask is like a quenching drink for skin. Apply it before bed and the hydrating formula will instantly boost moisture reserves. The next morning, skin will be plump and glowing without any mask residue on your pillow. Most importantly, skin will remain soft and smooth as the day progresses.
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(MALIN+GOETZ)
Facial Cleansing Oil, $42 at Space.NK
This cleansing oil may just make us love avocados even more. The avocado oil-rich product deep cleans, hydrates, calms and balances skin. What's more, it emulsifies when mixed with water so it washes away without leaving behind a greasy residue. Use it by itself or as the first step in a double cleanse.
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Milk Makeup
Hydrating Oil Stick, $24 at Sephora
Milk Makeup has gained a dedicated following thanks to its easy-to-apply sticks. Glide this one over your face and body to combat dryness while leaving behind a soft sheen. It's the easiest moisturizer we've ever used. And it works. After all, there are five oils in the portable stick.
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Make P:rem
Moisturizing Oil Sheet Mask, $5 at Glow Recipe
Sheet mask fans will want to add this mask to their stash because it's packed with oil essence. Apply the mask for 10 minutes and let skin soak up all the benefits from 10(!) different oils, including coconut, jojoba, avocado (obviously) and argan. The oils absorb easily into skin courtesy of the watery essence so skin is hydrated — not oily — after the treatment.
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Kiehl's
Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado, $48 at Kiehl's
The eye area needs moisture just like the rest of the face. It's OK to apply this avocado oil-rich cream around the eyes as it's dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested. Tap on the cream and you'll actually be able to feel the burst of hydration.
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Indie Lee
Jasmine Ylang Ylang Nutrient Oil, $40 at Nordstrom
There's more to this product than the oils in the name. Indie Lee's oil helps increase elasticity and radiance thanks to a mix of olive, jojoba, safflower seed, apricot kernel and avocado oils. Massage it on your face, body and even hair. As it's applied, it will uplift senses thanks to the invigorating scent.
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Kat Burki
KB5 Eye Recovery Masks, $90 at Kat Burki
Had a late night? Recover with these pre-moistened eye masks. They demonstrate why avocado oil for skin cannot be beat. Furthermore, they require next to no effort to use but they deliver results. The masks minimize puffiness and dark circles in as little as 10 minutes. Leave them on for 20 minutes for maximum absorption if it has been a long week.
