If you are choosing olive oil for your skin, extra virgin olive oil is the only type worth considering. Refined olive oils and “light” olive oils have been processed and stripped of the beneficial compounds that make olive oil useful for skin care. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed form, meaning it retains the natural antioxidants and healthy fats that research has linked to skin health.
Why Extra Virgin Olive Oil Is Different From Other Olive Oils
All olive oil starts the same way — as pressed olives. The difference is in how it is processed afterward. Extra virgin olive oil comes from the first cold pressing of the olives. No heat or chemicals are used in this process.
Regular olive oil, pure olive oil, and light olive oil undergo additional processing. This refining process removes much of the natural color and flavor. It also removes many of the antioxidants and polyphenols that are present in the raw fruit. What remains is mostly plain fat with very little of the beneficial plant compounds.
For skin care, those plant compounds matter. Extra virgin olive oil contains high levels of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat, along with vitamin E and polyphenols. These are the components that researchers have studied for their effects on skin. Refined oils do not deliver these compounds in meaningful amounts.
What Research Says About Olive Oil and Skin
Studies have examined olive oil for several skin conditions. The evidence is strongest for its use as a moisturizer and for certain inflammatory skin conditions.
Research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology has looked at olive oil as a moisturizer. Some studies suggest it can improve skin hydration and reduce water loss from the skin. The oleic acid in olive oil helps replenish the skin barrier.
Some research has also examined olive oil for psoriasis. A study in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment compared olive oil to a standard petroleum-based ointment in people with psoriasis. The study found olive oil performed comparably in reducing scaling and improving skin hydration. This is promising but limited evidence. Larger trials are needed before definitive claims can be made.
There is also emerging research on olive oil’s anti-inflammatory properties. The polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil have demonstrated antioxidant effects in laboratory studies. Whether these effects translate to meaningful skin benefits in humans is not fully established.
Potential Risks of Using Olive Oil on Skin
Olive oil is not appropriate for everyone. People with eczema, especially children, may find olive oil makes their condition worse.
A study in Pediatric Dermatology examined the effects of olive oil on skin barrier function. The researchers found that olive oil actually damaged the skin barrier in participants with a history of eczema. Sunflower oil, by contrast, improved the barrier. This is an important finding because olive oil is sometimes recommended as a natural remedy for eczema.
The reason appears to be the oleic acid itself. While oleic acid is moisturizing, it can also disrupt the lipid structure of the skin barrier in certain people. This is especially true for those with already compromised skin barriers, such as people with eczema or atopic dermatitis.
People with oily or acne-prone skin should also be cautious. Olive oil is comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores. Applying it to the face may worsen acne for some people. The evidence on this is not extensive, but dermatologists generally advise caution for acne-prone individuals.
How To Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Skin
If you decide to try extra virgin olive oil on your skin, start with a patch test. Apply a small amount to a discreet area like the inner forearm. Wait 24 to 48 hours to see if any reaction occurs.
For use as a moisturizer, apply a thin layer to slightly damp skin. This helps lock in moisture. You can apply it directly or mix a few drops into your regular moisturizer.
As a makeup remover, extra virgin olive oil can be effective. Apply a small amount to a cotton pad and gently wipe away makeup. Follow with your normal cleanser to remove any oily residue.
For body moisturizing, apply after showering while skin is still damp. A small amount goes a long way. Too much can leave a greasy film.
Do not use olive oil as a sunscreen. Olive oil provides negligible UV protection. One study suggested it may offer SPF of around 7 or 8, but this is far below the SPF 30 or higher recommended by dermatologists. Never substitute olive oil for proper sunscreen.
Cold Pressed Versus Regular Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Within the extra virgin category, you may see labels like “cold pressed” or “first cold pressed.” These terms indicate the oil was extracted without heat. Heat can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in olive oil.
Cold pressed extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality option for skin use. It retains the most polyphenols and antioxidants. However, most commercially available extra virgin olive oils are cold pressed by default. The distinction matters less than ensuring the label says “extra virgin.”
When choosing an oil for skin, look for extra virgin olive oil in a dark glass bottle. Light can degrade the beneficial compounds over time. Dark glass protects the oil from light exposure. Also check the harvest date when available. Fresher oil contains higher levels of antioxidants.
Is Olive Oil Better Than Other Natural Oils for Skin?
Olive oil is not universally the best oil for skin. It depends on your skin type and what you are trying to achieve.
For dry, mature skin, olive oil can be an excellent choice. Its high oleic acid content provides deep moisturization. For sensitive or eczema-prone skin, jojoba oil or sunflower oil may be better options based on the available research.
For acne-prone skin, lighter oils like grapeseed oil or squalane are generally preferred. These oils are less likely to clog pores than olive oil.
The table below summarizes how olive oil compares to other common skin oils:
| Oil | Comedogenic Rating | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Moderate | Dry, mature skin | High oleic acid, antioxidants |
| Jojoba Oil | Low | Sensitive, all skin types | Closely mimics skin’s natural sebum |
| Sunflower Oil | Low | Eczema-prone skin | Supports skin barrier repair |
| Grapeseed Oil | Low | Acne-prone skin | Lightweight, less likely to clog pores |
| Coconut Oil | High | Very dry body skin | Thick moisture barrier |
Comedogenic ratings are based on historical testing and expert consensus. They indicate how likely an oil is to clog pores. Ratings range from 0 (non-comedogenic) to 5 (highly comedogenic). Olive oil typically rates a 2 to 3.
Key Takeaways
Extra virgin olive oil is the only form of olive oil worth using on skin. Refined olive oils lack the beneficial compounds that make this ingredient useful.
The evidence supports olive oil as a moisturizer for normal to dry skin. The evidence does not support its use on eczema-prone skin. In fact, it may worsen the condition in some people.
Always patch test before applying to your face or body. Use a small amount and discontinue if irritation occurs.
Olive oil is not a sunscreen. It is not a treatment for serious skin conditions. If you have a persistent skin concern, see a dermatologist rather than relying on kitchen ingredients.
When in doubt, choose a cold pressed extra virgin olive oil in a dark bottle. It is the highest quality option available for skin care purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular olive oil on my skin?
Regular olive oil lacks the beneficial antioxidants and polyphenols found in extra virgin olive oil due to refining. Use extra virgin olive oil if you want the potential skin benefits.
Does olive oil clog pores?
Olive oil has a moderate comedogenic rating, meaning it can clog pores in some people. People with acne-prone or oily skin should use it with caution or choose a lighter oil.
Is olive oil good for eczema?
Some research suggests olive oil may worsen eczema by damaging the skin barrier. Sunflower oil has shown more promising results for eczema-prone skin.
Can I leave olive oil on my face overnight?
Leaving a thin layer on overnight is generally safe for people with dry skin. Use a small amount and wash your face in the morning to avoid buildup.
