Avocado sugar extract

Avocado sugar extract is obtained from the sugars contained in the avocado (Persea americana). These special carbohydrates, including mannose and other monosaccharides, are known for their potential moisturizing and skin-soothing properties. In the cosmetics industry, Avocado sugar extract has established itself as an active ingredient in skin care products, while its health benefits are increasingly being investigated in research.

What benefits does Avocado sugar extract offer?

Avocado sugar extract is used primarily in cosmetics and health care. There, various properties are attributed to the extract. Some of the potential benefits include:

  • Moisture care: The extract has a reputation for binding moisture in the skin and strengthening the skin barrier, which is said to lead to a smoother, hydrated skin appearance. However, the study data here is thin, which is why further research is needed to verify this effect
  • Anti-inflammatory action: Initial studies could indicate that the sugars have anti-inflammatory properties that could soothe irritated skin and reduce redness (1); here too, however, more research is needed.

How does Avocado sugar extract work?

The effect of the extract is attributed to the unique sugars and their interaction with the skin and cells:

  • Mannose: A sugar that supports cell regeneration and in studies was able to reduce inflammatory reactions in the skin and promote healing processes (2,3,4).
  • Oligosaccharides: These long-chain sugar molecules can contribute to strengthening the skin barrier and thus promote a healthy skin flora (5,).

Usage recommendation

Avocado sugar extract is found primarily in skin care products such as moisturizers, serums, and masks. When applied to the skin, it is generally well tolerated. However, people with sensitive skin should first perform a tolerance test.

What risks does the use of Avocado sugar extract involve?

  • Side effects: In rare cases, the extract can trigger skin irritation or allergic reactions, particularly in people with avocado allergies.
  • Risks: There are no sufficient studies on internal use or on use on injured skin; in general, however, the study data is not exactly clear-cut.
  • Interactions: Interactions with medications or other cosmetic products are not known so far but should be taken into account in the case of sensitive skin.

Conclusion

Avocado sugar extract is an innovative active ingredient that has attracted some attention due to its potentially health-promoting properties. However, further research is necessary before verified effects can truly be spoken of. Some studies at times only address the use of avocado itself or its seed, while others have rather investigated its intake as a food. Topical application, however, is an interesting area that will very likely soon be able to show more scientific investigations. Although the extract is generally well tolerated, people with allergies or sensitive skin should be cautious and first test the application.

Sources:

  1. Marra, A., Manousakis, V., Zervas, G. P., Koutis, N., Finos, M. A., Adamantidi, T., Panoutsopoulou, E., Ofrydopoulou, A., & Tsoupras, A. (2024). Avocado and Its By-Products as Natural Sources of Valuable Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Bioactives for Functional Foods and Cosmetics with Health-Promoting Properties. Applied Sciences, 14(14), 5978. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14145978
  2. Meunier, M., Chapuis, E., Lapierre, L., Auriol, P., Paulus, C., Elbaum, B., Don Simoni, E., Sandré, J., Auriol, D., Scandolera, A., & Reynaud, R. (2021). Mannose-6-phosphate complex and improvement in biomechanical properties of the skin. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 20(6), 1598–1610. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14000
  3. Luo, J., Li, Y., Zhai, Y., Liu, Y., Zeng, J., Wang, D., Li, L., Zhu, Z., Chang, B., Deng, F., Zhang, J., Zhou, J., & Sun, L. (2022). D-Mannose ameliorates DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in mice and TNF-α-induced inflammation in human keratinocytes via mTOR/NF-κB pathway. International immunopharmacology, 113(Pt A), 109378. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109378
  4. Ciucanu, C.I., Rațiu, S., Crîșmariu, G.E. et al. Accelerated wound healing and reduced scar formation induced by D-mannose: a possible role of mannose binding lectin. Arch Dermatol Res 316, 600 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-024-03338-w
  5. Le Bourgot C, Meunier C, Gaio E, Murat V, Micheletto M, Tedesco E, Benetti F. Effects of short chain fructo-oligosaccharides on selected skin bacteria. Sci Rep. 2022 Jun 11;12(1):9702. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-13093-5. PMID: 35690598; PMCID: PMC9188601.