Olive oil contains antioxidants, vitamins, and antibacterial properties that may be beneficial for the skin. It can moisturize dry skin and may help regenerate skin cells.
Olive oil is a liquid fat extracted from olives and primarily produced in the Mediterranean region. It has many uses and is a common ingredient in recipes due to its versatility, flavor, and health benefits.
People can also use olive oil on the skin and hair. In this article, learn about olive oil’s beneficial properties and how to use it on the skin.
Some of the potential benefits of olive oil for the skin include:
Antioxidant content
Olive oil has antioxidant properties, meaning it prevents oxidation. Oxidation can produce free radicals, which are chemicals that can potentially damage cells and contribute to cancer development.
When applied to the skin, antioxidants like olive oil may reduce skin damage and help prevent premature aging. The high oleic acid content of olive oil may play an important role.
Consuming olive oil may also benefit the skin, as it contains oleocanthal, an antioxidant compound that has anti-inflammatory properties that work in a similar way to ibuprofen.
Vitamin content
Olive oil contains the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which may be beneficial for the skin.
For example, people use vitamin E oil topically to treat a variety of skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema. However, most research into vitamin E for the skin uses oral supplementation, and there is no evidence that applying it topically has benefits.
Antibacterial effects
Olive oil has antibacterial properties. However, there are very few studies to show how this benefits the skin.
One
Nonetheless, olive oil may sometimes be used to treat bacterial infections of the skin. It may also
Moisturizing effects
Olive oil is a popular natural moisturizer that people use to soften the skin and hair. Many cosmetic products containing olive oil are available.
A 2025 study compared the effects of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and petrolatum on the forearm skin of 57 participants. Both improved skin hydration, reduced redness and flakiness, and enhanced skin barrier function. Petrolatum reduced water loss from the skin better than EVOO, but EVOO helped renew the skin by promoting cell turnover.
Moisturizing dry areas of skin is the standard way to prevent pressure ulcers. A 2019 study involved 571 older adult nursing home residents at risk of pressure ulcers. The researchers found that applying an olive oil solution resulted in a lower incidence of pressure ulcers compared with applying a hyperoxygenated fatty acid solution.
When using olive oil on the skin, the type of oil matters.
Most research into olive oil uses high quality oil. Low quality oils may contain additives or chemicals that could irritate or damage the skin. EVOO is the highest quality, least processed type. Regular olive oil is typically blended from different varieties of oils.
People should try to buy from a reputable brand and look for certification from the International Olive Council.
Olive oil is an ingredient in many personal care products, including face wash, body wash, soap, and lotions. Other ways to use olive oil on the skin include:
Moisturizer
Some people use olive oil as a moisturizing lotion by applying it directly to the skin before blotting off excess oil. Alternatively, the oil can be applied to damp skin to prevent a greasy feeling.
Exfoliator
To exfoliate the face and body and treat areas of dry or scaly skin, a person can mix olive oil and sea salt to make a scrub.
People should use fine-grained salt on the face and other sensitive areas, and coarser grains on the rest of the body.
Eye-makeup remover
Olive oil breaks down any water-resistant substances in eye makeup, allowing them to be wiped away more easily.
To remove eye makeup, just add a few drops of olive oil to a cotton ball and gently wipe the eye area.
Face mask
People with dry skin may benefit from using an olive oil-based face mask. Olive oil mixed with ingredients such as egg whites, honey, or ground oats can soften and hydrate the face.
Wrinkle treatment
Due to its antioxidant content, olive oil may reduce aging skin and wrinkles. The oil can be dabbed around the eye area at night or following sun exposure.
Scar oil
The vitamins and other antioxidants in olive oil may fade scars by helping skin cells to regenerate.
Simply massage the undiluted oil into scars or mix it with a squeeze of lemon juice to treat areas of hyperpigmentation, where the skin has darkened due to scarring.
Olive oil may also be used to
Although some studies have shown that olive oil has skin benefits, others suggest it is not the best option for everyone.
Potential risks of using olive oil on the face include:
Damaged skin barrier
An older
Clogged pores
Olive oil is a heavy oil that may clog pores and trap bacteria if used in excess. People should use it sparingly and wipe off any excess oil with a soft cloth or cotton ball immediately.
Skin irritation
Some people may experience irritation when using olive oil on their skin. Before using it, apply a small amount to a patch of skin and wait for 24 hours. If there is no skin irritation, it is likely safe to use on a larger area.
Olive oil has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which may offer some benefits for the skin. However, the research on olive oil benefits for the face and skin is limited.
People can use olive oil as a moisturizer, make-up remover, or as an ingredient in an exfoliator.
Olive oil may cause adverse reactions in some people, so people with sensitive skin should use it sparingly and do a test patch first.
High quality, certified olive oils may offer more benefits than lower quality, blended oils.