| What is it? | Avocado oil is a liquid monounsaturated carrier oil typically pressed from the flesh of the avocado (though I have seen some oils stating they are pressed from the seeds). It is mostly comprised of oleic and palmitic fatty acids; the palmitic acid content is higher than usual for liquid oils, resulting in a thicker, richer oil. It can be cloudy at room temperature, depending on if (and how extensively) the oil has been winterized. |
| INCI | Persea Gratissima Oil |
| Appearance | Deep green/yellow to pale yellow liquid |
| Usage rate | Up to 100% |
| Texture | Rich, velvetty, can be sticky if applied undiluted to large areas of the skin |
| Scent | Characteristic of carrier oils, though less refined versions may have a stronger scent |
| Absorbency Speed | Slow |
| Approximate Melting Point | Liquid at room temperature |
| Solubility | Oil |
| Why do we use it in formulations? | Avocado oil is a beautiful, rich emollient that is recommended for dry and sensitive skin. I also enjoy using it in soap as a more luxurious additive oil. |
| Do you need it? | No |
| Refined or unrefined? | It’s up to you; more refined versions will have lighter colour, fainter scent, and are less likely to cloud in cooler temperatures |
| Strengths | Rich emollient high in unsaponifiables; good for dry skin. |
| Weaknesses | Some may find avocado oil too rich/heavy for their liking. |
| Alternatives & Substitutions | If state (liquid/solid) doesn’t matter I’d try shea butter. Otherwise, try a blend of shea butter and a mid-weight liquid oil like rice bran or olive oil. I’d probably start with 25% shea butter, 75% liquid oil. |
| How to Work with It | Include avocado in the oil phase of your formulas; it can be hot or cold processed. |
| Storage & Shelf Life | Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, avocado oil should last up to two years. |
| Tips, Tricks, and Quirks | There’s a fairly wide variety of processing methods for avocado oil, resulting in more than a simple refined/unrefined set of options. Be sure you’re reading all the documentation from your supplier before you purchase. |
| Recommended starter amount | 100mL (3.3fl oz) for skin care, 1L (33.8fl oz) for soap making. |
| Where to Buy it | Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier or Amazon. |
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