Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Also known as Avocado Oil, Avocado Fruit Oil
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Avocado oil has a long-established safety record in cosmetics with a CIR standalone final report (amended 2011, original 1980, re-reviewed 2003 in IJT 22(S1):1-35). The oil is rich in oleic acid (55-80%), palmitic acid, and linoleic acid, with documented skin-penetrating properties and wound-healing benefits in animal studies (PMID 23573130). A plant oil review (PMID 29280987) confirms avocado oil's skin barrier and anti-inflammatory effects. A 2019 characteristics review (PMID 31185591) summarizes its composition and cosmetic applications.
Rich emollient: high oleic acid content (55-80%) supports skin moisturization and barrier function
Penetrating oil with documented wound-healing activity in animal studies, promoting collagen synthesis
Contains natural sterols (notably beta-sitosterol) and vitamin E (tocopherols) with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Considered safe as used in cosmetic formulations by the CIR Expert Panel (amended final report 03/2011, original JEPT 4(4):93-103, 1980)
- · Contact sensitization to avocado has been reported but is rare; refined cosmetic-grade avocado oil carries minimal allergenicity risk
Avocado allergy (latex-fruit syndrome) is documented in latex-allergic individuals, but topical avocado oil is generally well-tolerated as the protein fraction responsible for IgE-mediated reactions is largely absent from refined oil
CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) — Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil row: Finding=S, Citation=Final report amended 03/1…
“Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil | S | | Final report amended 03/11 available from CIR; JEPT 4(4):93-103, 1980 (original) re-review IJT 22(S1):1-35, 2003”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 100