So, we spoke to experts to find out about all the benefits you can expect from this ingredient—a few might even surprise you: “Avocado oil is primarily processed for cosmetics because it can rapidly absorb into the skin,” says Muhga Eltigani, founder of NaturAll Club. “Fresh avocados are extremely rich in nutrients and vitamins but can’t be absorbed as easily. When you use cold-pressed virgin avocado oil, it maintains all of the fruit’s vitamins and nutrients other than vitamins B and C, as they are water-soluble and thus lost in the extraction process. But avocado oil is still a great source of vitamins A, D, and E, in addition to potassium and lecithin.” So Eltigani recommends using avocado oil fresh out of the shower—and cocktail it with your other products, in the case of curly girls. “Use avocado oil as the ‘O’ of your LCO (liquid, cream, oil) or LOC (liquid, oil, cream). Apply lightly throughout your hair to lock in moisture, for curls that pop all day,” she says. For more info on the LOC method, read our guide. “Avocado oil is fairly light and penetrates well, so it can be used by all hair types. The result is increased shine, elasticity, and strength,” says board-certified dermatologist Raechele Cochran Gathers, M.D. “It’s particularly good for dry and brittle tresses, as well as very curly hair types. Unlike coconut oil, which tends to solidify some, avocado oil stays liquid and has a mild aroma. Because avocado oil is so light, it spreads over your hair easily, without making it too greasy or heavy.” “The antioxidants and high levels of linoleic acid help support the integrity of the skin barrier, improving skin hydration, decreasing inflammation, and maintaining balance of the skin microbiome, which is helpful for conditions like dry, flaking, and irritated skin as seen in people with atopic dermatitis or seborrheic dermatitis,” says Barr. “Although more studies need to be done to explore whether avocado oil increases collagen production or not, 1research has shown an increase in soluble collagen production1 as well as inhibition of the enzyme lysyl oxidase that breaks down collagen,” says Barr. And because the oil is fast-absorbing and won’t cause buildup, it’s an ideal oil to work into your massaging routine. “Massage pure avocado oil into your scalp and on your edges, to promote blood circulation, moisturize the scalp, strengthen the roots, and encourage growth,” says Eltigani.
