avocado oil

The avocado tree, a laurel plant belonging to the Lauraceae family, originated in Mexico but is now also native to Africa, Australia, California, Israel, and Spain. There are now more than 400 different cultivars worldwide. The fruit of the avocado tree is shaped like a pear and can weigh up to 1.5 kilograms. The skin is either classic green or black, but sometimes also reddish-brown. Avocado oil is extracted from these fruits by cold pressing, centrifugation, and possibly filtering. The correct harvest time is determined by the color of the avocado fruit or by measuring the fat content. When dry, the fruit has an oil content of 40 to 80 percent.

Virgin avocado oil can be easily recognized by its slightly cloudy green-yellow to rich green color, whereas refined avocado oil is much paler.

Why avocado oil is so incredibly valuable

In the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, avocado oil has a very high value. No wonder, because it is rich in vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E and also contains a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids. The combination of oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, phytosterols, tocopherol as well as the mentioned vitamins makes avocado oil a real secret weapon against various skin complaints and problems.

In particular, it is considered a highly effective remedy for alleviating the discomfort of brittle and cracked skin, cornification and barrier disorders, as well as atopic dermatitis. In addition, avocado oil is an excellent scar oil, because it generally promotes cell regeneration and repeatedly proves its good tolerance even in sick or very sensitive skin conditions. The phytosterols contained in avocado oil support the barrier function of the skin, because they are similar to the cholesterol contained in our skin.

It is very often used as a base oil in various cosmetic preparations, but it also fulfills other purposes in the cosmetic field. Avocado oil is very easy to spread on the skin, it is quickly absorbed, it softens the skin and gently moisturizes it. Thus, it is able to soften minor wrinkles and fight cornification. For example, avocado oil is also an effective remedy for painful cracks on the heels.

Avocado oil in cosmetics

In principle, this valuable oil is suitable for all skin types. Thanks to its excellent deep action, it can even help strengthen connective tissue. In addition, it helps to direct various active ingredients (such as from emulsions) more specifically into the skin, which significantly improves the effectiveness of individual care products. Avocado oil has this property, also known as the sliding rail effect, in common only with lanolin and wheat germ oil.

By the way, the proper use of avocado oil does not cause any side effects. However, the scent of avocado oil is relatively strong and dominant, so it may be that it is perceived as somewhat unpleasant by people who are particularly sensitive to odors. The only people who have to do without avocado oil are those with a proven allergy to avocados.

Avocado oil is contained in many high-quality cosmetic products. These include creams, serums, after-sun care products, soaps and shower additives. And avocado oil is also immensely valuable for hair, making it healthy, shiny, and smooth. Especially for shine packs and moisturizing cures avocado oil is often used. But that’s not all: avocado oil is of course also used in the kitchen. It is ideal for frying various types of meat, fish, toast and also poultry, goes very well with vegetables and salads and gives potato, rice or noodle soups a beautiful greenish color.

Fact Sheet Avocado Oil:

INCI: Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil

Iodine value: 65 – 95

Saponification number: 170 – 197

Oil group: B-1

Type: non-drying

We like to work with these avocado oil qualities and products:

Is avocado oil sustainable?

The sustainability of avocado oil depends on several factors, such as the method of cultivation, the manufacturing process and transportation.

Avocado oil is extracted from the fruit of the avocado tree and is a good source of unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. However, growing avocado trees requires large amounts of water and can lead to water shortages in some regions. In addition, if avocado trees are not grown sustainably, they can have a negative impact on the environment due to the use of pesticides and fertilizers.

The avocado oil production process is usually very simple and does not require high temperatures or chemical solvents, which reduces environmental impact. However, some manufacturers use solvents in the extraction of the oil, which can affect sustainability.

If avocado oil comes from countries like Mexico or Peru, where there are local workers who are fairly compensated, it can be considered sustainable. However, transporting the oil from these countries can also have a negative environmental impact if large amounts of fossil fuels are used for transportation.

Overall, the sustainability of avocado oil depends on several factors, including cultivation, production, and transportation. To ensure that avocado oil is sustainable, it is best to choose products from companies that are committed to sustainability and are transparent about their practices. We only work with such suppliers, as this also facilitates a possible natural cosmetics certification.

The bottom line: avocado oil is as versatile as it is effective.

Whether dry, cracked and barrier-disturbed skin or brittle dull hair, whether itching with neurodermatitis or unsightly scars and cornifications, avocado oil cares for, supports and alleviates a wide variety of problems. Its valuable ingredients and excellent skin compatibility therefore also give this oil a special position among all care oils.

If you would like to have your own cosmetics made with this valuable oil, you have come to the right place. Please do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to advise you.

Literature:

Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils.

Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL.Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Dec 27;19(1):70

Vegetable Butters and Oils as Therapeutically and Cosmetically Active Ingredients for Dermal Use: A Review of Clinical Studies.

Poljšak N, Kočevar Glavač N.Front Pharmacol. 2022 Apr 25;13:868461.

Sustainability in Skin Care: Incorporation of Avocado Peel Extracts in Topical Formulations.

Ferreira SM, Falé Z, Santos L.Molecules. 2022 Mar 9;27(6):1782