Olive Oil

If you're as immersed in the beauty world as we are, you know how exciting it is uncovering a new skincare wonder, and the latest ingredient we've been eyeing could already be sitting in your kitchen pantry. Olive oil may be a cooking staple and essential ingredient for our health, but research shows that olive oil may prevent signs of premature aging and sun damage. It's true—using olive oil for your skin hosts a slew of benefits. Aesthetic plastic surgeon Paul Lorenc agrees: "Olive oil contains antioxidants that fight free-radical damage, as well as an ingredient called squalene, which is extremely hydrating. 

It's been used on skin since ancient times—even Cleopatra was a fan." From using it in the hair to using it on the eyebrows, olive oil isn't new to the beauty industry, yet still there's a lot to learn about its efficacy. Keep scrolling to find out all there is to know about olive oil for skin.

TYPE OF INGREDIENT: Emollient, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory.

MAIN BENEFITS: Moisturizes dry skin, protects against premature aging, manages sun damage.

WHO SHOULD USE IT: In general, most skin types can benefit from olive oil, but those with sensitive, acne-prone skin should steer clear.

HOW OFTEN CAN YOU USE IT: Olive oil is safe to use on the skin daily.

WORKS WELL WITH: Humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids.

DON'T USE WITH: Generally, olive oil is safe to use with most ingredients.

What is Olive Oil?

Olive oil is derived from pressing the oil out of a whole olive fruit. It's rich in monounsaturated fatty acids—healthy fats that pose a variety of health and cosmetic benefits—and also contains skin-loving antioxidants. "Plant oils have been used for medical and cosmetic purposes because they have a multitude of benefits," explains board-certified dermatologist Sandy Skotnicki. "Depending on the composition of the plant oil, some oils work better than others at specific issues." Olive oil is among those high-performing plant oils, and is praised for its emollient, moisturizing properties.

You can find this wonder oil in anything from serums to facial cleansers, but it's also available in its pure form with humectants added to be suitable for skincare. Bear in mind that olive oil can be ruined from excessive heat, light, or oxygen—storing it in a cool area with a tightly sealed lid is best.

Benefits of Olive Oil for Skin

Olive oil is brimming with skin benefits, from moisturizing dry patches to breaking down stubborn makeup.

• Prevents water loss: "Olive oil’s main benefit is to moisturize the skin by reducing water loss," says Ee Ting Ng, cosmetic chemist and founder of Australian-based skincare brand Hop & Cotton. "This moisturization increases the water content of the skin, improving its health and appearance."

• Protects against environmental damage: "Olive oil's antioxidant properties protect skin cells against environmental damage and inflammation," notes Ng. "This means protection against premature aging as well as signs of irritation or redness."

• Prevents premature aging: "Olive oil is rich in vitamins A, D, K and E, as well as squalene," says Skotnicki. "These can aid with decreasing oxidative stress on the skin (which could lead to accelerated skin aging)."

• Lifts makeup: "Olive oil is great for breaking down waxy substances like waterproof mascara and eyeliner," explains Lorenc. "With the added benefits of antioxidants and hydrating squalene, it moisturizes the delicate skin in the eye area, plus nourishes eyelashes the same way conditioner works on the hair." While olive oil can lift off and move oil-soluble residues (like makeup and sebum) around the skin, it cannot remove them from the skin surface—a surfactant is needed to fully remove makeup.

• Heals wounds: Skotnicki maintains that the anti-inflammatory ingredients found in olive oil may aid in wound healing. "Triterpenes, which are present in many plant oils and in particular olive oil, aid in many biological reactions like those necessary for wound healing: cell migration, cell proliferation, and collagen deposition," she says. "They enhance wound repair by reducing the length of time for wound closure."

Side Effects of Olive Oil

While any skin type can benefit from olive oil, both Ng and Skotnicki advise against using it if your skin is congested or acneic. "The fatty acids prevalent in olive oil—and all plant oils and butters in general—are the very food source for acne-causing bacteria and yeasts to grow," notes Ng. "Thus, olive oil is not ideal for acne-prone skins." Skotnicki agrees, adding that the oleic acid component of olive oil can exacerbate dermatitis and shouldn't be used near infants. Also, olive oil doesn't appear to have an antibacterial effect like some other plant oils (most notably, coconut oil), so it shouldn't be used as a makeup remover on its own. Finally, according to Ng, if your skin skews oily, it naturally produces high levels of sebum, making the need for more emollients unnecessary in your daily routine.

How to Use It

Olive oil can be found in many skincare products, namely serums and facial oils. "Being an emollient with occlusive properties, olive oil will work best when maximum moisture is sealed into the skin, which is typically at the last step of the routine (in the day, use just before sunscreen)," says Ng. "You can use it before or mixed in with your moisturizer." And as with all moisturizers, the best time to apply olive oil is when your skin is still slightly wet from your shower or bath.