Key skincare ingredient: avocado oil

Date

03.16.20 More info+

This plant-based pantry item isn’t just for cooking.

“Avocado oil is being used more in products because it has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that help your skin stay smooth and strong while providing elasticity,” explains New York City-based cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD.

The ingredient's high fat content is also a boon. “The top layer of skin is bound together by fat molecules, which help it retain moisture,” notes Brendan Camp, MD, a dermatologist at Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York City. Dry skin can be caused by an imbalance in these fat molecules. So by replenishing them, avocado oil can restore skin to its ideal hydrated state.

“The beta carotene, fatty acids, and vitamins A, D, and E in avocado oil are what stimulate cell turnover and protect against sun damage,” Green says. Fatty acids can also mitigate the appearance of fine lines and improve tone.

According to Green, avocado oil is appropriate for all skin types. It’s just a matter of finding the product that fits your concerns and routine. Ahead, eight options.

Kora Organics Gentle Cleanser

Use this gentle formula morning and night. Avocado oil works with chamomile and noni fruit (part of the coffee family) to purportedly brighten, soften, and hydrate skin.

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Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum

One of the most potent natural products on the market, this serum contains 22 active ingredients. Avocado oil nourishes, while other inflammation-reducing botanicals like calendula, grape seed, and dandelion purport to combat skin irritation. This unique ingredient combination makes the formula ideal for acne and rosacea sufferers.

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Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

“This gentle eye cream provides moisture, making the area around the eyes smooth and hydrated instead of crepey,” Camp says. The formula also contains shea butter for added richness.

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Pai Avocado and Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream

The two hydrating ingredients in this cream make for an effective yet surprisingly lightweight moisturizer. Because of the product’s non-greasy texture, it layers well under makeup and, unlike many oil-based formulations, is said to be suitable for oily skin types.

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Kosas Tinted Face Oil

A prime example of the makeup-as-skincare trend, this medium-coverage foundation evens skin tone with mineral pigment. It also purports to treat redness and visible pores using botanical ingredients like avocado oil, red raspberry oil, and green tea seed oil.

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Dr. Barbara Sturm Lip Balm

Apply this oil-based balm after exposure to hot or cold (air conditioning included) to soothe and lock in moisture. It can also be used as a subtle highlighter for cheekbones and eyelids.

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Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

This cream contains TFC8, a proprietary blend of vitamins, amino acids, and synthesized molecules. The “rich” version also includes avocado oil for extra hydration.

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Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping Face Mask

Encapsulated retinol, a gentler slow-release formula, is the key anti-aging ingredient in this nighttime mask. Avocado oil and extract deliver vitamins C and E and help prevent wrinkles.

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