Avocado oil is a great choice for a wide variety of bath and beauty products. It is processed in a similar way to olive oil. First the skin and seed are removed. Then, the oil is extracted from the creamy green pulp. Non-refined avocado oil can appear dark green and has a natural smell, while refined avocado oil is light in color and scent.
Avocado oil is known for its moisturizing properties, and is rich in vitamin A, B, D and E. It absorbs easily into the skin, making it a staple for lotions, balms, massage oils and more. Avocado oil is also commonly used for cooking due to its nutritional value and high smoke point. Keep in mind that the avocado oil sold at Bramble Berry is not edible, as our warehouse is not considered “food-safe” by the FDA. Avocado oil has a shelf life of about 1 year.
Avocado oil is not to be confused with avocado butter, which is solid at room temperature. Avocado oil is shown on the left, avocado butter is shown on the bottom right.
In cold process soap, avocado oil provides a medium lather and mild cleansing properties. I’ve found a usage rate of 12.5% in cold process recipes to be a great amount. If you’re looking to substitute avocado oil, both chia seed oil and sweet almond oil are great options. Avocado oil is used in many recipes here on the blog, including some of my all time favorite cold process recipes. Avocado oil is not to be confused with avocado butter, which is solid and creamy at room temperature.
If you’re looking for cold process soap recipes using avocado oil, the Alpine Adventures Cold Process Tutorial has 15% avocado oil. It adds moisturizing properties to the soap. The Jasmine Lace Tutorial (the top tutorial for 2015!) also contains both avocado oil and butter. If you love the feminine look of the Jasmine Lace, you may also like the Once Upon a Dream Cold Process Tutorial, which also contains avocado oil. Avocado oil contains a high amount of unsaponifiables, which makes it a great choice for superfatting cold process soap.
Left, clockwise: Jasmine Lace Cold Process, Alpine Adventures Cold Process, Once Upon a Dream Cold Process
Avocado oil contains a large amount of oleic acid, which contributes to its conditioning properties. Its moisturizing abilities make it a great option for massage and body oils. You can find avocado oil in the Herb Infused Bath Oil, which also contains argan oil and herb infused sweet almond oil. Avocado oil is also used in the Sensuous Rose-Infused Massage Oil, which is a great Valentine’s Day project. If you’re looking for a simple massage oil project, the Natural Baby Oil combines avocado oil with rice bran and sunflower to create a super lightweight product.
Top left, clockwise: Sensuous Rose-Infused Massage Oil, Herb Infused Bath Oil, Natural Baby Oil
If you prefer a lotion or balm, the Rose & Aloe In-Shower Lotion is applied right before you get out of the shower. Then, rinse away the lotion and gently pat yourself dry with a towel. The combination of avocado oil and green tea seed oil leave your skin feeling super soft and hydrated. The Gingerbread Man Lotion Bars use avocado oil and hard butters and wax to create a firm yet spreadable texture. Other luxurious balm recipes include the Mango Avocado Balmy Salve and the Shimmery Ski Lip Balm Tutorial.
Top left, clockwise: Rose & Aloe In-Shower Lotion, Gingerbread Man Lotion Bars, Mango Avocado Balmy Salve, Shimmery Ski Lip Balm
Last but not least, avocado oil also works great in scrubs and bath bombs. In the Easy DIY Cranberry Sugar Scrub Tutorial, avocado oil gives the scrub a moisturizing feel. When used in bath bombs, avocado oil fills the tub with nourishing properties. Using oils in bath bombs also helps them retain their shape. In the Sparkle Power Bath Bomb, I added just a touch of avocado oil to create a super hydrating product.
Left to right: Sparkle Power Bath Bomb, Easy DIY Cranberry Sugar Scrub Tutorial
What’s your favorite way to use avocado oil? I love using it in just about everything! It feels so amazing. =)
