While avocado oil is best-known for its uses in cooking, it can also contribute to skin care. The oil is an ingredient in many types of creams, moisturizers, and sunscreens.
This article explores the benefits of avocado oil for the skin and describes the best ways to apply it.
Avocado oil contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E. Below are some of the ways it can benefit the skin:
Moisturizes and nourishes
In addition to vitamin E, avocado oil contains lecithin and many other nutrients that can nourish and moisturize the skin.
The outermost layer of skin, known as the epidermis, easily absorbs moisture and nutrients.
Relieves inflammation from psoriasis and eczema
The antioxidants and vitamins in avocado oil may help to heal the dry, irritated, and flaky skin associated with eczema and psoriasis.
A person with an inflammatory skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis, may wish to test a patch of skin first to ensure that the oil does not trigger or aggravate their symptoms.
Prevents and treats acne
When left on for short periods of time and rinsed off with warm water, avocado oil can keep skin hydrated without leaving an oily residue. This may reduce the risk of acne.
Avocado oil also has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help to reduce the redness, discoloration, and inflammation associated with acne.
Wound healing
Avocado oil may help wounds heal more quickly. A 2025 animal study found that the essential fatty acids and oleic acid in avocado oil can promote collagen synthesis, a process that creates new connective tissue.
The essential fatty acids in avocado oil were also found to help reduce inflammation during the healing process.
More studies are needed in humans, however, to determine whether avocado oil can be used to treat wounds.
Treats sunburned skin
The antioxidants in avocado oil may help to ease the symptoms of a sunburn. According to a 2025 review, nutrients in avocado oil may be able to can support healing and soothe the skin. These nutrients include:
- vitamin E
- beta carotene
- vitamin D
- protein
- lecithin
- essential fatty acids
A
Reduces signs of aging
The first signs of aging usually appear on the skin. Some studies have shown that consuming healthful fats, such as those found in avocados, can help the skin to retain its elasticity.
However, researchers have yet to address whether applying avocado oil to the skin has the same effect.
Improves nail health
While some people use avocado oil to heal dry, brittle nails, little scientific evidence confirms this benefit.
However, using natural oils to keep the nails and surrounding skin soft may help to reduce breakage.
Improves scalp health
Applying avocado oil to the scalp as a hot oil treatment can help reduce dandruff and other issues associated with a dry, flaky scalp.
Avocado oil can be massaged into the skin, used in a face mask, or added to lotions, creams, shower gels, or bath oils. It can be used on the skin daily without adverse effects.
As a facial moisturizer
To use avocado as a facial moisturizer, simply take the inside of an avocado peel and massage it gently onto your face. Leave the residue on for about 15 minutes, then rinse the face with warm water.
Bottled avocado oil can also be used to moisturize the face at night. Wash it off the following morning.
In the bath
Adding a few tablespoons of avocado oil to a bath can leave the whole body feeling soft and help to prevent hot water from drying out the skin.
It can also be mixed with a person’s favorite bath oil, such as lavender or aloe vera.
As a moisturizer
Combine avocado oil with other essential oils and massage the mixture into the skin after a bath. Pat the skin dry with a towel before using the oil.
Avocado oil is also effective on its own and can be applied all over the body to keep skin soft.
For scalp care
A person with a dry scalp may benefit from using avocado oil in a hot oil treatment. To heat the oil, pour 3–5 tablespoons into a small glass jar, and place the jar in a saucepan of recently boiled water.
Test the oil temperature frequently to prevent it from overheating. When the oil is warm, remove the jar from the water and gently massage the oil into the scalp.
The oil can be left overnight and shampooed out in the morning. This may help to reduce dandruff and dry, flaky skin on the scalp.
Treating dry, inflamed skin
To heal and soften rough, dry skin, mix equal amounts of avocado and olive oils, and apply the mixture to the skin once or twice a day.
To add a scent to the mixture, try adding one or two drops of an essential oil, such as lavender.
Research in animals suggests that avocado oil can help to prevent several health issues, including diabetes and high cholesterol. A 2022 study found that avocado oil has as many health benefits as olive oil.
A 2021 research article studying the effects of avocado oil in rats suggests that the oil may reduce oxidative stress, which is a cause of kidney damage in people with hypertension. The result stems from oleic acid, a “healthy” fat, which is the primary component of the oil. More research is needed in humans, however, before this claim can be fully supported.
In addition to fighting kidney damage, oleic acid is known for its ability to lower the risk of developing certain cancers, prevent flare-ups of some autoimmune diseases, accelerate cell regeneration to promote healing, aid in eliminating microbial infections, and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Side effects of avocado oil are rare, but it is possible to be allergic to avocados or their oil.
The best way to rule out an allergy is to do a patch test. Apply a small amount of avocado oil to a 1-inch patch of skin on the inside of the arm. If no irritation occurs over a 24-hour period, the oil can be safely used on other parts of the skin.
Anyone allergic to avocados should avoid contact with avocado oil.
Organic avocado oil is easily incorporated into a skin care regimen. There are a few risks associated with using avocado oil, but individuals with preexisting skin conditions may want to consult a doctor before trying a new home remedy.