Home Glossary of Ingredients Avocado Extract

AVOCADO EXTRACT

BUTYL AVOCADATE

It purifies, regulates, and soothes:5 ALPHA AVOCUTA® avocado extract, also known as Butyl Avocadate, is a cutting-edge active ingredient for cosmetics designed for oily or blemish-prone skin. Derived from avocado oil, this next-generation extract combines naturalness, effectiveness, and high skin tolerance. Its main action? Visibly reducing excess sebum by limiting the activity of the enzyme responsible for hyperseborrhea, while maintaining the skin’s natural balance. With a luxurious texture, it helps achieve a matte, clearer, and healthier complexion from the very first weeks of use.

Avocado oil in a beaker with a pipette and slices of avocado

What Is Avocado Extract (5 ALPHA AVOCUTA®)? — Definition

The 5 ALPHA AVOCUTA® avocado extract is a butyl ester obtained through the transesterification of avocado oil. The process involves transforming cold-pressed virgin oil into an active ingredient concentrated in butyl avocadate, known for its skin-regulating properties. This process is carefully controlled from start to finish, from the avocado supply chain through to the final purification by molecular distillation. The result? A stable, highly purified oily liquid (≥ 95% esters), with no added preservatives, and proven efficacy even at low doses.

Liquid error (sections/block-content line 58): invalid URL input

Avocado Extract (5 ALPHA AVOCUTA®) — How It Works

5 ALPHA AVOCUTA® addresses the root of the problem: excess sebum. It directly targets 5α-reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a highly active androgen that stimulates sebum production. By blocking this enzyme, the active ingredient reduces sebum secretion at the source.

This effect is dose-dependent, evident at concentrations as low as 0.5%, and significant at 2%. Clinical studies show a 30–50% reduction in sebum within 3 weeks, depending on the area of the face and scalp. The result: less shiny skin, less visible pores, and reduced feelings of discomfort.

But that’s not all. Thanks to its high content of unsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic), Butyl Avocadate nourishes the skin while regulating it, which prevents the classic rebound effect associated with overly aggressive astringents. It preserves the hydrolipidic film and strengthens the skin barrier.

Finally, it is exceptionally well-tolerated: it is non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and suitable for sensitive skin. It is also stable against oxidation and high temperatures, making it a reliable and long-lasting active ingredient in natural formulations.

A woman applying serum to her cheek with a pipette

Benefits of Avocado Extract (5 ALPHA AVOCUTA®) for the Skin

Here’s why this ingredient is a must-have for regulating without irritating the skin:

✔ Sebum-regulating: reduces sebaceous gland activity

✔ Anti-shine: provides long-lasting matte finish

✔ Soothing: reduces redness and inflammation caused by excess sebum

✔ Purifying: prevents microbial imbalances

✔ Nourishing: provides the skin with essential fatty acids

✔ High tolerance: non-comedogenic, non-sensitizing

✔ Fast-acting: visible results in 21 days

Liquid error (sections/block-content line 58): invalid URL input

Is avocado extract (5 ALPHA AVOCUTA®) suitable for all skin types?

Yes, and that’s actually its greatest strength. Butyl Avocadate is suitable for all skin tones, from the lightest to the darkest, and can be used at the first signs of seborrheic imbalance, regardless of age. It’s ideal for anti-shine or anti-blemish routines for both teens and adults.

However, it is particularly beneficial for oily or combination skin prone to diffuse shine, visible pores, and blemishes. It is also well-suited for sensitive skin that cannot tolerate traditional astringent ingredients.

Liquid error (sections/block-content line 58): invalid URL input

Avocado extract (5 ALPHA AVOCUTA®) in cosmetics

This active ingredient is used in facial care products (creams, gels, masks, serums), targeted purifying treatments (T-zone, blemishes), treatment-based foundations, and even shampoos for oily scalps. It is effective at concentrations as low as 1%, with optimal efficacy at 2%.

Contraindications and side effects:
No side effects were reported in clinical studies. The active ingredient is well tolerated, non-occlusive, and non-irritating, even on sensitive skin.

Directions for Use and Application:
Apply morning and/or evening to clean skin, as a treatment or daily, depending on your needs. Can be used as part of a routine with active ingredients such as niacinamide or zinc PCA. For the scalp, mix into a mild shampoo 2 to 3 times a week.

Why Nuhanciam uses this ingredient:
At NUHANCIAM, we use the 5 ALPHA AVOCUTA® avocado extract for its ability to gently regulate sebum. It addresses the specific needs of medium to dark skin tones, which are often prone to shine, without causing irritation or dryness. A clean, effective, and well-tolerated ingredient: everything we love.