AVOCADO OIL

Chemical Properties

Greenish oil; faint odor, bland taste.

Uses

avocado oil (unsaponifiable) has excellent penetration and sunscreening properties.

Uses

avocado oil can function as an emollient and as a carrier oil in a cosmetic preparation, helping transport active substances into the skin. It is bactericidal and soothing, particularly to sensitive skin. There is some research indicating that avocado oil may mobilize and increase the collagen of connective tissue. This would keep the skin moist and smooth, and help in the treatment of minor skin conditions. Avocado oil has also demonstrated sun screening characteristics and has been given the highest ranking by the Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology for sunscreen effectiveness when compared to other naturally derived oils such as peanut, olive, and coconut. In cosmetic formulations, it is also employed to help stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and can be effectively used in cleansing creams, moisturizers, lipsticks, makeup bases, bath oils, sunscreen, and suntan preparations. Avocado oil enjoys the highest penetration rate among similar oils (corn, soybean, olive, and almond). It consists mostly of oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids. other constituents include palmitic and palmitoleic acids, lecithin, phytosterol, carotinoids, and a high concentration of vitamins A, D, and e. This oil is obtained from the ripe avocado fruit and is generally expressed from the seed.

Definition

An edible oil high in unsaturated fatty acids.

Safety Profile

A severe skin and eye irritant.When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke andirritating vapors.