8 Ways to Use Avocado Oil for Skin: Cleanse, Moisturize, Exfoliate, and More

Avocados offer a ton of vitamins and beneficial minerals, including vitamins E and C, which are powerful antioxidants widely used in clean beauty applications. In addition to all those wonderful properties, avocado oil is also a superb moisturizer packed with healthy fats.

When incorporating this powerhouse ingredient into your beauty routine, you’ll want to look for cold-pressed, unrefined, extra-virgin avocado oil—and yes, this can be used for cooking as well. In fact, many of the ingredients in the recipes below you may already have in your kitchen.

Learn how to use avocado oil for skin with these eight simple applications.

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Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser

Natural cosmetic oil and natural handmade soap with avocado — Svittlana / Getty Images

Using oil to cleanse the skin is all the rage nowadays, and you can use avocado oil on its own to help melt away makeup and the daily grime buildup.

Simply apply a few drops of avocado oil on a reusable cotton round or directly into your hand and apply to the face. Wipe away with a warm, wet washcloth.

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Hydrating Face Mask

Homemade organic cosmetics with avocado on white background — Lena_Zajchikova / Getty Images

If you’ve got an avocado hanging around that you need to use before it goes bad, an avocado face mask might be just the thing. This face mask will help moisturize the skin, and if you choose to add oats, it will also help exfoliate any dry skin.

Mash half an avocado with a fork. Then, mix in a half teaspoon of avocado oil until smooth. For a gentle exfoliating effect, you can also add 2 tablespoons of ground oats.

Apply liberally to the face and neck, leaving it for 20 minutes before washing. For an extra soothing mask, pop the concoction into the fridge for 10 minutes before applying.

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Exfoliating Sugar Scrub

Brown sugar scrub — MichellePatrickPhotographyLLC / Getty Images

This sugar scrub will slough away dead skin while the avocado oil adds back moisture.

If you want to apply the scrub to your face, consider using brown sugar, as it will be gentler. If using on your body, a coarser exfoliant like regular granulated sugar may be what you need.

Place one cup of sugar (brown or granulated) in a mason jar with one cup of avocado oil. Close the mason jar tightly and shake the mixture. The sugar should not dissolve, but if you need to add more sugar, feel free to add to your desired texture.

For a pleasant scent, add your favorite soothing essential oil, such as lavender, or even some vanilla extract will suffice.

You can use this scrub on wet or dry skin. Work the scrub into the skin for 30 seconds to one minute, then rinse.

The scrub will keep for a few weeks, so store it in your shower for easy access.

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Skin Softening Bath

Bottle of avocado oil for cosmetic use in bathroom — FabrikaCr / Getty Images

Add a few tablespoons of avocado oil to a warm bath to leave your skin feeling silky smooth. The oil can help keep the hot water from drying out your skin, as well.

For an extra relaxing touch, mix avocado oil with your favorite bath oils, or use it on its own.

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Moisturizing Lip Scrub

Homemade lip scrub made out of brown sugar, honey and olive oil in a glass jar — CalypsoArt / Getty Images

This avocado oil, vanilla and honey lip scrub can help soften dry, cracked lips. Try it in the winter when chapped lips are most common.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons superfine sugar
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon honey
2 teaspoons avocado oil

Combine ingredients in a small bowl, then scoop into a clean, small jar with a tightly fitting lid. Apply to dry lips as needed.

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Soothing Balm After Sun Exposure

Aloe vera essential oil. Aloe vera oil still life — Andres Victorero / Getty Images

Since avocado oil is rich in vitamins E and D, it makes for a great soothing after-sun treatment.

Mix it in with your cooling aloe gel or with aloe straight from the plant. You could even use it on its own to soothe a mild sunburn.

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Organic Cuticle Softener

White bowl with olive oil, small bottle of essential oil, scissors and nail file for natural nails and cuticle treatment. Homemade manicure and pedicure concept. Top view, opy space. — kazmulka / Getty Images

Apply avocado oil to your cuticles during your next at-home manicure.

The oil will soften and moisturize your cuticles, just like the product used at the nail salon. For easy application, place the oil in a roller bottle or a dropper bottle.

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A Softening Oil for Scaly Elbows, Knees, and Heels

Woman sit on sofa in living room holding small tube with serum caring about skin beauty health care apply ultra-softening cream on elbow area — dragana991 / Getty Images

Instead of your typical moisturizer, give avocado oil a try next time your elbows, knees, or heels are feeling extra dry.

Simply massage a pea- to dime-sized amount of avocado oil onto dry skin until absorbed.