Have you ever reached for a fancy moisturizer, only to find your skin still feels tight, dull, and starved of nourishment by the end of the day?
Olive oil might be the ingredient your skincare routine has been missing.
Used in beauty rituals for centuries, olive oil is now earning its place in modern skincare, and for good reason. Its unique blend of fatty acids, antioxidants, and skin-strengthening compounds work together to hydrate deeply, calm inflammation, and support your skin in different ways depending on your skin type.
Here's everything you need to know about using olive oil for your skin.
Key Takeaways:
- Massage a few drops of olive oil into clean, damp skin to replenish moisture and reduce dryness. Applying it while skin is still slightly damp helps lock in hydration more effectively.
- Antioxidants like oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol in olive oil help calm inflammation linked to acne and general redness. Eczema-prone skin needs a more careful approach, which we cover below.
- Store your olive oil in a cool, dark, airtight container to keep it effective for up to six months. Exposure to light, heat, and air accelerates oxidation and reduces its potency.
Jump to a Section
- The Skincare Superpowers of Olive Oil
- Topical Uses for Olive Oil in Skincare
- Olive Oil for Specific Skin Concerns
- Olive Oil for Common Skin Concerns at a Glance
- Olive Oil vs Other Natural Body Oils
- Olive Oil FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
The Skincare Superpowers of Olive Oil
Olive oil is a genuinely well-researched skincare ingredient, not just a kitchen staple. Its composition of fatty acids, antioxidants, and beneficial nutrients gives it a range of skin-supporting properties, from locking in moisture to calming irritation, though how well it suits your skin does depend on your skin type.[7]
Deeply Hydrating & Moisturizing
The secret behind olive oil's hydrating power is its high oleic acid content. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid, meaning it has a structure that closely resembles the natural lipids already found in healthy skin. That structural similarity allows it to penetrate effectively and replenish moisture where it's needed most.[1]
The result is a noticeable reduction in dryness, flakiness, and that uncomfortable tight feeling that comes with dehydrated skin.
To get the most out of it, gently massage a few drops into clean, damp skin, focusing on dry or dehydrated areas. It absorbs quickly and leaves your complexion soft and supple.
If you'd like a ready-made blend that does the work for you, our Natural Sun & Body Oil is worth a look for everyday hydration.
Soothing Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, particularly oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, that carry calming, anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, both of which can contribute to redness and irritation.[3]
In practical terms, this means olive oil can help calm general redness and irritation without adding harsh ingredients to your routine. It's a gentle, nourishing choice for many skin types, though if your skin is very reactive or eczema-prone, it's worth reading our notes on that further down.
Strengthening the Skin Barrier
Your skin barrier is essentially the frontline defense between your body and the outside world. It locks moisture in and keeps environmental stressors out. When it's compromised, skin becomes dry, reactive, and slow to recover.
The fatty acids in olive oil, oleic acid in particular, can help support this barrier for many skin types by replenishing lost lipids. It's worth noting that oleic acid is also what allows olive oil to penetrate skin so effectively, and for some people, particularly those with very sensitive or already-compromised skin, this same property can mean the barrier needs a gentler touch rather than heavier or more frequent use.[2]
For most people with normal to dry skin, used in moderation, olive oil remains a useful part of a moisturizing routine.
Topical Uses for Olive Oil in Skincare
One of olive oil's most practical qualities is its versatility. You can use it as a standalone treatment or layer it with other ingredients, either way, it fits naturally into most routines.
Olive Oil Cleansers & Makeup Removers
Olive oil works surprisingly well as a natural cleanser and makeup remover. It dissolves impurities and stubborn makeup without stripping the skin's natural moisture, something many conventional cleansers struggle with.
To use it this way, massage a small amount onto dry skin, then add a few splashes of water to emulsify it before rinsing. Your skin comes away clear, soft, and hydrated rather than tight and squeaky-clean.
Olive Oil Moisturizers & Serums
You can also incorporate olive oil directly into your daily moisturizing routine by using it as a base for facial oils, serums, and creams.
Its fatty acids seal in hydration and support overall skin health, making it a useful finishing step after your water-based products have absorbed.
Olive Oil for Specific Skin Concerns
Beyond its general nourishing properties, olive oil has specific strengths worth knowing about, along with a few things worth keeping in mind if you're dealing with acne, eczema, or early signs of aging.
Olive Oil for Acne-Prone Skin
There's a widespread belief that oils are the enemy of acne-prone skin. With olive oil, the picture is mixed. It sits at a moderately low comedogenic rating, meaning it's unlikely to clog pores for most people, but it isn't entirely pore-friendly for everyone either.[6]
Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can work in your favor by calming blemishes, though if you have particularly oily or breakout-prone skin, it's worth patch testing first and using it sparingly.
Olive Oil for Eczema & Dry Skin
For everyday dry skin, olive oil's emollient properties make it a practical, low-fuss option.
Eczema is a different story. Major eczema health bodies generally advise against using olive oil on eczema-prone skin, as its fatty acid profile can disrupt rather than support a barrier that's already compromised, and may worsen redness, itchiness, and flaking for some people.[4][5]
If you have eczema, it's worth speaking with a doctor or dermatologist about oils that are specifically suited to barrier repair, rather than relying on olive oil alone.
Olive Oil for Anti-Aging
The antioxidants in olive oil, vitamin E and polyphenols among them, help protect skin from the environmental stressors that accelerate premature aging, including UV damage and pollution.
Regular use of olive oil can support skin elasticity and may help soften the visible appearance of fine lines over time.
Olive Oil for Common Skin Concerns at a Glance
Olive oil's benefits shift slightly depending on what your skin needs most. Here's a quick snapshot of how it performs across some of the most common concerns, followed by a closer look at each one. You'll find plenty more body oil deep-dives like this over on our blog.
| Skin Concern | How Olive Oil Can Help |
|---|---|
| Hydration | Replenishes lipids and locks in moisture using its high oleic acid content |
| Aging skin | Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress linked to premature aging |
| Wrinkles | Supports elasticity and softens the appearance of fine lines over time |
| Sensitive skin | Gentle for many, though very reactive skin should patch test first |
| Eczema | Generally not recommended by eczema health bodies due to its effect on the skin barrier |
| Skin inflammation | Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol calm redness and general irritation |
| Acne-prone skin | Moderately low comedogenic rating, best used sparingly and patch tested |
| Dry skin | Deeply moisturizing, reduces tightness and flakiness |
| Skin elasticity | Antioxidants and fatty acids support firmer, more supple skin over time |
| Stretch marks | Regular massage with olive oil may improve skin suppleness in affected areas |
| Dark spots | Antioxidants may help even out tone with consistent use, though results vary |
| Oily skin | Can help balance sebum production in small amounts despite being an oil itself |
| Combination skin | Suitable for dry patches without overwhelming oilier areas when used sparingly |
| Mature skin | Nourishes and supports the skin's needs as it naturally thins with age |
| Soft skin | Leaves skin smooth and supple after regular use |
| Winter skin care | Provides an extra layer of moisture during cold, drying months |
Hydration
When it comes to hydration, the type of olive oil matters. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed variety, which means it retains more of the antioxidants and polyphenols that give olive oil its skin-soothing reputation.[8]
If you're choosing a bottle specifically for your skin, extra virgin is generally the better pick over refined versions.
Aging Skin, Wrinkles & Elasticity
For mature skin, the goal is usually twofold: protect against further damage and support the skin's existing structure.
Olive oil's antioxidants work on the first front by neutralizing free radicals, while its fatty acids support the second by nourishing the skin and helping it look plump and elastic. Used consistently, this combination can soften the appearance of fine lines and help skin feel firmer.
Sensitive Skin, Eczema & Inflammation
If your skin reacts easily, olive oil's gentle, low-irritant profile makes it a reasonable option to patch test for general sensitivity or redness.
Eczema is the exception here. As covered above, eczema-prone skin tends to respond better to oils with a different fatty acid profile, so it's worth chatting with a doctor or dermatologist about the best option for your skin before reaching for olive oil specifically.
Acne-Prone, Oily & Combination Skin
It might seem counterintuitive to add oil to oily or acne-prone skin, but olive oil's relatively low comedogenic rating means it's less likely to sit on top of the skin clogging pores compared to heavier oils.[6]
Used sparingly, it can help balance sebum production rather than add to it, which also makes it manageable for combination skin types that deal with both dry and oily zones, though it's still worth patch testing if your skin is particularly breakout-prone.
Stretch Marks & Dark Spots
While olive oil isn't a guaranteed fix for stretch marks or dark spots, many people incorporate it into their routine as a supportive, low-risk addition.
Massaging it into stretch-mark-prone areas may help keep skin supple, and its antioxidant content may contribute to a more even tone over time, though results will vary from person to person.
Soft Skin & Winter Skin Care
For everyday softness, olive oil works well as a simple finishing step after showering. It's especially handy during winter, when indoor heating and cold air outside can leave skin parched. A thin layer locks in moisture before it has the chance to escape.
Olive Oil vs Other Natural Body Oils
Olive oil isn't the only natural oil worth considering for your skin. Here's how it stacks up against a few other popular options.
| Oil | Texture | Best For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | Medium, slightly rich | Hydration, soothing redness, sensitive (non-eczema) skin | Slower to absorb than lighter oils, may feel heavy on very oily skin if overused, generally not recommended for eczema |
| Coconut oil | Rich, solid at cooler temperatures | Very dry skin and body use | More likely to clog pores on the face, not ideal for acne-prone skin |
| Argan oil | Light, fast-absorbing | Face use, frizz control, daily moisturizing | Generally pricier, slightly less research on inflammatory skin conditions |
| Almond oil | Light to medium | Sensitive skin, gentle daily use | Not suitable for those with nut allergies |
Olive Oil vs Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is richer and more occlusive than olive oil, which makes it popular for very dry skin and body use.
The trade-off is that it sits more heavily on the face and is more likely to clog pores, so it's generally less suited to acne-prone or oilier skin types. Olive oil tends to be the more balanced option if you want something that works across both face and body.
Olive Oil vs Argan Oil
Argan oil is lighter and absorbs faster, which is why it's such a popular choice for facial use and frizz control. Olive oil, by comparison, sits a little heavier but brings a stronger anti-inflammatory profile, making it a better match if your skin deals with general redness or reactivity.
Olive Oil vs Almond Oil
Almond oil is gentle and well tolerated by sensitive skin, similar to olive oil, though it's a lighter texture overall. The main consideration is allergies: anyone with a nut allergy should steer clear of almond oil, whereas olive oil carries no such risk for most people.
Olive Oil FAQs
Is olive oil comedogenic, and will it clog my pores?
Whether olive oil will clog your pores depends on your individual skin type. As a general guide, it sits at a moderately low comedogenic rating, meaning it's unlikely to cause breakouts for most people. Though those with very oily or acne-prone skin may want to use it sparingly and patch test first.[6]
Can I use olive oil on sunburned or irritated skin?
If your skin is sunburned or generally irritated (rather than experiencing an eczema flare), olive oil can be a calming, nourishing option worth trying. Its anti-inflammatory and emollient properties help soothe irritated skin and restore some of the moisture that's been lost. Apply a thin layer and avoid rubbing it in aggressively, gentle pressing motions work better on compromised skin.
How do I properly store and preserve olive oil for skincare use?
Storing olive oil correctly matters more than most people realize. To keep it effective, store it in a cool, dark place away from direct light and heat, and make sure the container is airtight to prevent oxidation. With the right conditions, olive oil stays potent for up to six months.
Can you use olive oil on your face?
Yes, olive oil can be used on the face, though it's worth introducing it gradually if you haven't used facial oils before. Apply a small amount to clean, damp skin and patch test on a less visible area first if you have particularly reactive or acne-prone skin.
How often can you use olive oil on your skin?
Most people can use olive oil daily, either morning or evening, as part of their regular routine. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may prefer to start with a few times a week and adjust based on how your skin responds.
Is olive oil good for your skin?
Olive oil can be a genuinely beneficial addition to a skincare routine thanks to its fatty acid and antioxidant content, which supports hydration and calms general redness and irritation. Like any ingredient, its suitability depends on your individual skin type, and it isn't the right fit for everyone, particularly those with eczema.
Is cooking olive oil the same as olive oil for skincare?
Cooking olive oil and skincare olive oil can technically be the same product, but quality matters. Extra virgin olive oil, ideally cold-pressed and unfiltered, retains the highest levels of antioxidants and is generally the better choice for your skin compared to refined or blended cooking oils.
What are the side effects of using olive oil on your skin?
Olive oil is well tolerated by most people, but some may experience clogged pores or breakouts, particularly those with oilier or more acne-prone skin. Those with eczema-prone or very compromised skin may notice increased dryness or irritation rather than relief. A small number of people may also have a mild allergic reaction. Patch testing on a small area before wider use is a sensible precaution.
What are the natural alternatives to using olive oil on your skin?
If olive oil isn't the right fit for your skin, other natural oils like coconut, grapeseed, argan, almond and jojoba oil offer similar moisturizing benefits with slightly different textures and properties. The right alternative usually comes down to your skin type and personal preference.
Conclusion
Olive oil is often dismissed as too simple or too old-fashioned to belong in a modern skincare routine, but that reputation undersells what it actually does.
Whether you use it to deeply hydrate dry skin, calm general inflammation, or address specific concerns like early signs of aging, it covers a lot of ground in a single ingredient, with eczema-prone skin being the main exception worth knowing about.
It's versatile, well-researched, and genuinely useful across a range of skin types and concerns.Once you know how to use it, and how to store it so it stays effective, olive oil can become one of the most reliable, low-effort additions to your routine.
If you'd rather skip the trial and error, our Natural Sun & Body Oil blends olive oil with other skin-loving ingredients so you can enjoy the benefits straight away.
References
- Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Petrolatum on Skin Barrier Function and Microtopography
- The use of olive oil for skin health in a Saudi population: A cross-sectional study
- Beneficial effects of the olive oil phenolic components oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol
- Use of "natural" oils for moisturization: Review of olive, coconut, and sunflower seed oil
- Olive Oil for Eczema: Is It Effective?
- Is Olive Oil Comedogenic? What is the Comedogenic Rating?
- Influence of vegetable oils and their constituents on in vitro human keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation and migration
- Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Petrolatum on Skin Barrier Function and Microtopography
