Updated May 2025
In the ever-evolving landscape of skincare, the spotlight is often on natural wonders, and avocado oil stands as a shining example of botanical brilliance. Extracted from the creamy flesh of the avocado fruit (Persea americana), this oil is more than a kitchen staple; it’s a powerhouse of nutrients for your skin. As one of our favorite oils to use in soap, we love the enchanting benefits that make avocado oil a must-have in our soap recipes.
Deep Hydration and Moisturization:
Avocado oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fats and oleic acid, making it an excellent emollient. It penetrates deeply into the skin, providing intense hydration without leaving a greasy residue. This makes it a superb choice for individuals with dry or dehydrated skin, imparting a velvety softness and restoring the skin’s natural moisture balance.
Vitamin E for Skin Rejuvenation:
Abundant in vitamin E, avocado oil is a potent antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress. This vitamin is renowned for its ability to promote skin cell regeneration, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Regular use of avocado oil can contribute to a more youthful and vibrant complexion.
Skin Barrier Enhancement:
Avocado oil is rich in fatty acids, including linoleic acid and oleic acid, which play a crucial role in fortifying the skin’s natural barrier. By strengthening the skin’s outer layer, avocado oil helps prevent moisture loss, keeping the skin supple and protected from external aggressors.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
The presence of compounds like beta-sitosterol in avocado oil gives it anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a soothing solution for irritated or inflamed skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. Avocado oil’s calming effect helps reduce redness and discomfort associated with these skin issues.
Collagen Boosting and Elasticity:
Avocado oil promotes collagen production, the protein responsible for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. As a result, it aids in preventing premature aging, reducing the appearance of sagging skin, and contributing to a more resilient and toned complexion.
Healing and Scar Reduction:
Avocado oil is recognized for its ability to support the healing process of the skin. Whether dealing with minor wounds, cuts, or scars, the oil’s regenerative properties facilitate tissue repair, promoting smoother and more even skin texture over time.
UV Protection and Sun Damage Repair:
Avocado oil contains carotenoids, which offer a degree of natural sun protection. While not a substitute for sunscreen, incorporating avocado oil into your skincare routine can provide additional support against UV rays. Furthermore, its vitamin E content aids in repairing sun-damaged skin and mitigating the effects of prolonged sun exposure.
In Conclusion:
Avocado oil emerges as a luxurious remedy, seamlessly blending skincare efficacy with natural elegance. From its deep moisturization to its collagen-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, avocado oil represents a holistic approach to nurturing your skin. We love how it elevates our luxury soaps to ward off winter skin issues naturally leaving your skin feeling revitalized, and resilient.
Soapmaker Tips:
Avocado oil is a fantastic ingredient for soapmaking, offering conditioning properties and a creamy lather. Here are some tips for using it effectively:
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Usage Rate
• Avocado oil is best used at 10-30% of your total oils in a recipe.
• Too much (above 30%) can make the soap softer, so balance it with harder oils like coconut oil, palm oil, or tallow. -
Benefits in Soap
• Highly conditioning and moisturizing
• Adds a creamy, stable lather
• Rich in vitamins A, D, and E, which are great for the skin -
Pairing with Other Oils
• Combine with coconut oil for cleansing power and bubbles.
• Mix with olive oil for extra mildness.
• Use with butters (shea, cocoa, or mango) to help harden the soap. -
Color and Freshness
• Unrefined avocado oil has a deep green color, which can tint your soap slightly. Refined avocado oil is pale and won’t affect the color much.
• It has a moderate shelf life (1-2 years). Store it in a cool, dark place to prevent rancidity. -
Adding to Soap
• You can use it as part of your main oils or as a superfatting oil (add at trace for extra skin benefits).
• Works well in both cold process and hot process soapmaking. -
Hardness Considerations
• Avocado oil is a soft oil, so it won’t contribute much hardness to your bar.
• To prevent a soft bar, balance it with hard oils and butters like palm oil, cocoa butter, or beeswax.
• Adding sodium lactate (1 tsp per pound of oils) can help firm up the soap. -
Effect on Lather
• Avocado oil doesn’t produce a lot of bubbles on its own, but it contributes to a creamy, stable lather.
• Pair it with coconut oil or castor oil for better lather and bubble boost. -
Absorption Rate & Skin Feel
• Avocado oil is a heavier, slower-absorbing oil compared to olive or sweet almond oil.
• It’s excellent for dry, sensitive, or mature skin due to its high oleic acid content.
• If you want a lighter feel, blend it with grapeseed oil or sunflower oil. -
Scent Considerations
• Unrefined avocado oil has a mild, earthy scent that may slightly alter the fragrance of your soap.
• If you want a true-to-fragrance soap, opt for refined avocado oil, which has little to no scent. -
Swirling & Coloring
• Avocado oil (especially unrefined) may slightly darken lighter colorants, so keep that in mind if you’re doing intricate designs.
• It pairs well with natural colorants like spirulina, French green clay, or indigo for a fresh, earthy look. -
Hot Process vs. Cold Process
• Avocado oil holds up well in both CP and HP soaps.
• In hot process soap, you can use it as a superfatting oil added after cook time for extra skin benefits. -
Avocado Oil in Liquid Soap
• Works well in liquid soap, but keep the percentage low (around 10-15%) to avoid cloudiness.
• Its high oleic acid content helps create a moisturizing liquid soap.