Why You Should Add Avocado to Your Beauty Routine
This superfood is as good for your skin as it is for your body.
Loved on top of toast or as guacamole, avocados contain a plethora of nutrients essential for the mind and body. Whether eaten or applied topically, this superfood is rich in antioxidants and vitamins C, A, and E, making it particularly beneficial for those with dry and sensitive skin. Due to its high fat content, avocado oil is infused in highly moisturizing skincare products such as creams, masks, and serums. However, don’t get avocado oil mixed with avocado extracts—avocado oil is pressed from dried avocado pulp and the concentrated liquid is used more frequently in skincare. Here, L’OFFICIEL breaks down the benefits of adding avocado-infused products into your moisturizing skincare regimen.
It’s an ultra-powerful moisturizer.
Containing a high concentration of monosaturated fat, avocado oil acts as a powerful moisturizer for the skin. Studies show avocado oil is able to better penetrate the skin barrier versus other traditional oils such as olive and almond oil. Alongside its moisturizing benefits, avocado oil acts as an emollient and contains occlusive properties, meaning it can soften the skin while acting as a humectant.
Avocado oil protects our skin from environmental damage.
Thanks to its antioxidant-rich properties, avocado oil keeps our skin healthy and protected from environmental stressors. The antioxidants carotenoids and polyphenols found in avocado oil can protect our skin from free radicals, which are caused by environmental factors such as pollution, UV rays, and even lack of sleep. When free radicals accumulate on the skin, this can damage the skin’s cells and lead to premature fine lines and age spots.
It can soothe irritated skin and minimize inflammation.
Rich in vitamin E, avocado contains both soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. The healing properties found in vitamin E are suitable for those with sensitive skin or acne-prone, inflamed skin.
Our Favorite Avocado-Infused Beauty Products
Considered a cult-favorite among skincare aficionados, Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado improves the appearance of under-eye texture and dry fine lines. Formulated with avocado oil, shea butter, and beta-carotene (a naturally-derived antioxidant from orange and red vegetables), this dermatologist-tested formula de-puffs and brightens the eyes. While this eye cream works well for both day and night, pair it with Kiehl’s Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask during your nighttime routine for additional avocado oil hydration.
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, $32, Kiehl's
Formulated with avocado oil and antioxidant-rich extracts, Honest Beauty’s Tinted Lip Balm provides a wash of color while nourishing the lips. In addition to offering clean ingredients, Honest Beauty’s packaging is comprised of recyclable tree-free paper made with upcycled sugarcane.
Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm with Avocado Oil, $9, Honest
Your hair shouldn’t be left out of the conversation when it comes to adequate hydration. Ideal for those with dry, dull hair, Briogeo’s Be Gentle, Be Kind Hair Mask is fortified with avocado, kiwi, spinach, chia seeds, and cocoa seed butter to help restore your hair’s health. This ultra-nourishing mask with added avocado oil is suitable for all hair types and textures.
Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfoods Hair Mask, $36, Briogeo
Targeted for those with dry to normal skin, this ultra-moisturizing sleeping mask uses avocado butter, Swiss glacier water, and hyaluronic acid to nourish parched skin. Free of harsh chemicals, you can also use this hydrating mask with avocado oil on your hands.
Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask, $27, Sephora
Formulated with rich avocado oil and aloe vera, this shampoo bar softens the strands while the rosemary targets hair dullness. This eco-friendly shampoo bar can be used to nourish both the hair and body.
Meow Meow Tweet Rosemary Avocado Shampoo Bar, $12, EarthHero
Beloved by K-beauty fanatics, this lightweight and fast-absorbing chemical sunscreen is formulated with 20 different plant extracts including acai, avocado, aloe, and hibiscus to moisturize the skin under harsh UV rays. Thanks to its non-greasy formula and ability to not leave a white cast, this sunscreen with added avocado oil is ideal to wear under makeup.
Neogen Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen, $32, NeogenLab
If you’re on-the-go or prefer a stress-free makeup application, Ilia’s Multi-Stick Cheek & Lip is for you. Thanks to its buttery texture, this multi-functional product seamlessly blends onto the skin and lips. Apply with either your fingertips or a densely packed buffing brush for a natural wash of color on the cheeks with moisturizing avocado oil.
Ilia Multi-Stick Cheek & Lip, $34, Ilia
Packed with nourishing avocado oil and kale extract, these playful (and nourishing) butt sheet masks target skin dryness and soften fine lines.
Nails Inc. Guac and Relax Bum Masks, $9, Nails Inc.
Glow Recipe is a fruit-based Korean skincare brand known for its innovative ingredients and colorful packaging. The Avocado Ceramide Redness Relief Serum is formulated with plant-based ingredients such as avocado extract and butter, ceramides, and rice milk to reduce visible redness and strengthen the skin’s barrier. To top it all off, pair this with Glow Recipe’s bestselling Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask for the ultimate moisturizing skin regimen.
Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Redness Relief Serum, $42, Glow Recipe
