Quick Summary: NOW Foods Refined Avocado Oil is a multipurpose, food-grade botanical oil rich in oleic acid (omega-9), phytosterols, and natural tocopherols (vitamin E). Gently expeller-pressed directly from ripe American avocados (Persea gratissima) without toxic petrochemical solvents, this oil delivers intense barrier-repairing moisture to stubborn, rough, dry skin, soothes flaking scalps, softens brittle hair, and serves as an edible culinary oil. Every batch is verified through extensive analytical testing in ISO 17025-accredited laboratories.
✓ 100% Pure Persea Gratissima✓ Expeller-Pressed & Hexane-Free✓ Heavy Metal & Purity Tested✓ Multi-Use: Topical & Edible Grade
True transparency begins with knowing precisely what is inside your bottle. While many cosmetic-grade oils on the market are diluted with cheap vegetable fillers or extracted using hazardous petrochemicals, NOW Foods adheres to clean-label purity:
Full Ingredient List:
100% Pure Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil.
Free of: Hexane, synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, petroleum derivatives, artificial preservatives, gluten, and GMOs. Cruelty-free and vegan.
What Makes This Lipid Profile Unique?
Oleic Acid (Omega-9 Monounsaturated Fat, approx. 60–70%): A skin-compatible monounsaturated fatty acid that softens tough keratin, penetrates past the epidermis, and reinforces depleted lipid bilayers.
Linoleic Acid (Omega-6 Essential Polyunsaturated Fat, approx. 10–15%): Helps preserve intercellular cement within the stratum corneum, supporting moisture retention and calming localized irritation.
Palmitic & Palmitoleic Acids (approx. 10–18%): Essential structural components that provide deep cushioning, seal moisture into dehydrated tissues, and defend the surface against dry air.
Phytosterols (β-Sitosterol, Campesterol, Stigmasterol): Plant sterols chemically similar to natural skin cholesterol, aiding cellular repair and soothing surface inflammation.
Fat-Soluble Tocopherols (Vitamin E) & Carotenoids: Natural antioxidants that neutralize lipid peroxidation, helping preserve cellular integrity and extending product freshness.
Note on Natural Variations: Because this oil is obtained directly from natural ripe fruit, slight cloudiness or small particulate settlement may occur in cooler ambient temperatures. This is a normal attribute of pure expeller-pressed fruit lipids and does not compromise quality or potency.
NOW Foods Quality Standards: Advanced Testing & Contaminant Controls
Botanical oils represent a significant safety blind spot when sourced from unverified third-party suppliers. Contamination risks include heavy metal absorption from industrial soil, adulteration with cheaper seed oils, rancidity from oxidized fats, and solvent residues left behind during industrial extraction.
NOW Foods eliminates these vulnerabilities by conducting comprehensive laboratory screening in its cutting-edge manufacturing facilities:
✓ Over 19,000 Tests Conducted Monthly
NOW operates one of the largest private analytical testing centers in North America, executing over 19,000 identity, purity, and safety tests each month on raw ingredients and finished goods.
✓ ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Laboratory Accreditation
NOW’s internal chemistry and microbiology laboratories maintain ISO 17025 third-party accreditation, verifying calibration, methodology, and technical competence against global standards.
✓ ICP-MS Heavy Metal Constraints
Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), incoming oils are screened down to parts-per-billion (ppb) limits for lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury to ensure heavy-metal safety.
✓ GC-MS Hexane & Purity Verification
Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) confirms the authentic fatty acid fingerprint of true avocado oil and guarantees total absence of residual hexane extraction solvents.
✓ Peroxide & Acid Value Stability
Every production lot is measured for Peroxide Value (PV) and free fatty acids to prevent rancidity and ensure optimal oxidative stability.
✓ UV-Protected Recycled Packaging
Bottled in 100% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) resin engineered with integrated UV-light inhibitors to protect delicate fatty acids from photo-degradation.
Scientific Benefits: Skin Barrier Support & Moisture Retention
Unlike lightweight oils that evaporate quickly, refined avocado oil functions as a semi-occlusive emollient. Peer-reviewed dermatological research highlights how avocado lipids restore epidermal balance:
1. Fortifying the Stratum Corneum & Halting TEWL
Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) occurs when the outer protective barrier of your skin is weakened by dry winter air, harsh cleansers, or aging. In a landmark review of botanical lipids published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, researchers observed that topical plant oils rich in oleic and linoleic acids create a semi-occlusive protective film that hydrates the stratum corneum and prevents moisture loss (Lin, Zhong, & Santiago, 2017).
2. Collagen Support and Tissue Recovery
In a peer-reviewed in vivo investigation published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers analyzed the biological activity of topical Persea americana oil formulations. The study demonstrated that topical application significantly increased collagen density and promoted epithelial re-organization while reducing inflammatory markers during tissue recovery (de Oliveira et al., 2013). This makes it valuable for conditioning cracked heels, rough elbows, and weather-stressed skin.
3. Hair Shaft Penetration & Scalp Nourishment
Unlike dense mineral oils that simply sit on top of the hair cuticle, monounsaturated lipids have the structural configuration to penetrate the hair cortex. This helps minimize hygral fatigue (the swelling and drying cycle that fractures hair fibers), smooth split ends, and moisturize flaking, irritated scalps without requiring synthetic silicones.
Refined vs. Unrefined Avocado Oil: Why Refined Works Best for Daily Care
Consumers often wonder whether refined or unrefined (virgin) oil is the right choice. Each serves distinct preferences:
Product Feature
NOW Refined Avocado Oil (N7670)
Unrefined / Extra Virgin Oil
Aroma & Scent
Virtually odorless; will not clash with perfumes or essential oils.
Heavy, strong nutty/earthy fruit odor.
Color & Clarity
Pale golden yellow; clear and non-staining.
Deep dark green; can stain lighter garments and bedding.
Skin Feel & Absorption
Silky glide, smooth spreadability, leaves no sticky film.
Thick, viscous texture that can feel heavy on warm days.
Culinary Smoke Point
High heat tolerance (up to ~500°F / 260°C).
Lower heat stability (~375°F / 190°C).
Ideal Application
Carrier oil for aromatherapy, massage, daily skincare, fine cooking.
Specialty culinary dressings where a strong avocado flavor is desired.
The Takeaway: For daily personal care and versatile culinary use, NOW Refined Avocado Oil gives you all the fatty acids and lipid hydration of the avocado fruit without the overpowering odor, greenish residue, or rapid oxidation of unrefined alternatives.
How to Use NOW Avocado Oil: Simple Step-by-Step Instructions
Because this oil is highly concentrated, a little goes a long way. Use these tested application methods to maximize results:
For Dry Skin & Cuticles
Dispense 3–5 drops into the palm of your hand and massage onto damp skin immediately after showering to lock in surface hydration. For cracked heels or dry elbows, apply generously at bedtime and cover with cotton socks or clothing.
For Scalp & Deep Hair Care
Pre-Wash Treatment: Warm 1–2 tablespoons in your hands and massage directly into your scalp and strands. Leave on for 20 minutes before shampooing. Split End Sealer: Rub 1 drop between fingers and work sparingly into dry hair tips to tame flyaways.
As a Carrier Oil & Massage Base
Avocado oil provides smooth slip without feeling sticky or staining towels. To blend with essential oils (such as lavender, peppermint, or tea tree), combine 3–6 drops of essential oil per 1 fluid ounce of avocado oil.
Edible & Kitchen Use
This 4 oz bottle contains 100% pure food-grade avocado oil. Drizzle over salads, mix into fresh homemade vinaigrettes, or use for light searing where a neutral flavor profile is needed.
Safety, Suitability & Important Precautions
To help you make an informed decision, here are the real-world considerations, contraindications, and skin-type guidelines for avocado oil:
Comedogenic Rating (2–3 out of 5): Avocado oil is rich and emollient. While deeply therapeutic for dry, flaky, mature, or barrier-compromised skin, individuals prone to active cystic acne or congested pores should avoid using it undiluted on the face. For acne-prone skin, lightweight oils like jojoba or argan may be preferable for facial routines.
Latex Allergy Alert: People diagnosed with latex-fruit syndrome (cross-reactivity with latex, bananas, chestnuts, or avocados) may experience allergic reactions and should perform a patch test before topical use or ingestion.
Simple 24-Hour Patch Test: Place 2 drops on your inner forearm. Wait 24 hours. If any itching, redness, or bumps appear, wash off with mild soap and discontinue topical application.
Safe Storage Guidelines: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct radiators, stove heat, and strong sunlight. Keep the lid sealed tightly between uses to preserve natural antioxidants.
Why Buy From VitaNet, LLC? (Your Independent Wellness Specialist)
Where you buy your supplements matters just as much as the brand you choose. When shopping online, third-party marketplaces often deliver counterfeit goods, expired stock, or heat-damaged products from poorly maintained third-party warehouses.
VitaNet, LLC is an independent, family-owned discount retailer based in Hartville, Ohio, dedicated to science-backed health products[cite: 1]:
Online Supplement Specialists Since 1995: Over 31 years of hands-on industry expertise, curating over 16,000 name-brand vitamins, minerals, and natural supplements[cite: 1].
BBB A+ Accredited Business: Fully accredited with the Better Business Bureau, maintaining the highest integrity and customer satisfaction standards[cite: 1].
100% Money-Back Guarantee (We Pay Return Shipping): If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, VitaNet offers an unconditional money-back guarantee and pays return shipping costs—even on opened bottles[cite: 1].
Direct Manufacturer Inventory: We store products in a clean, climate-controlled Ohio warehouse with rapid inventory turnover, ensuring you receive fresh, authentic NOW Foods batches[cite: 1].
Real American Customer Support: Speak directly to our experienced team during retail hours by calling 1-800-877-8702 or visiting our brick-and-mortar storefront at 887 Edison St NW, Hartville, Ohio[cite: 1].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is NOW Avocado Oil edible, or is it strictly for topical use?
This 4 oz bottle of NOW Refined Avocado Oil (N7670) is 100% pure food-grade oil and is safe for consumption. You can use it topically on skin and hair, as well as in cooking or salad dressings. However, keep the dropper or bottle opening clean to avoid contamination.
How is this oil processed, and is it free from hexane?
NOW Foods Avocado Oil is mechanically expeller-pressed from the flesh of ripe avocados without toxic chemical solvents. It is 100% hexane-free, and every production lot is verified by gas chromatography (GC-MS) to confirm that no solvent residues are present.
Will NOW Avocado Oil clog facial pores?
Avocado oil has a comedogenic rating of 2 to 3 (on a 0–5 scale). It is well tolerated by normal, dry, sensitive, and mature skin types. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, we recommend using it for body and hair care, or performing a small patch test before using it all over your face.
Why is this avocado oil pale yellow instead of dark green?
This product is refined, meaning it has undergone gentle mechanical filtration and deodorization to remove natural green chlorophyll, strong odor, and excess free fatty acids. This creates a pale golden oil with a light feel that won’t stain clothes or bedding.
How does NOW Foods test for heavy metals and contaminants?
NOW tests every incoming batch of oil in its ISO 17025-accredited analytical laboratories. They utilize Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to detect trace heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury) down to parts-per-billion levels, alongside peroxide value testing to ensure the oil is fresh and unoxidized.
Can I mix this oil with essential oils?
Yes. Refined avocado oil is an ideal carrier oil because it has virtually no scent and will not alter the aroma of your essential oils. A standard safe dilution ratio is 3 to 6 drops of essential oil per 1 fluid ounce (30 ml) of avocado oil for general body application.
What makes VitaNet’s return guarantee unique?
Unlike major marketplace sellers that restrict returns on opened wellness products, VitaNet, LLC offers an unconditional 100% money-back guarantee and pays the return shipping costs—even if the bottle has been opened[cite: 1].
Scientific Citations & References:
1. Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2017). Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. PMID: 29280987.
2. de Oliveira, A. P., Franco, E. S., Rodrigues Barreto, R., et al. (2013). Effect of Semisolid Formulation of Persea americana Mill (Avocado) Oil on Wound Healing in Rats. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 472382. PMID: 23573130.
3. Dreher, M. L., & Davenport, A. J. (2013). Hass Avocado Composition and Potential Health Effects. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 53(7), 738-750. PMID: 23638933.
FDA Compliance Disclaimer: Statements regarding dietary supplements and topical botanicals have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your qualified healthcare practitioner before beginning any new health regimen.
