Do you like the smooth, supple feel of baby skin? Who doesn't, right? Well, what if we tell you that you could have skin that feels like that all the time by using olive oil? Believe it or not, olive oil on skin has some amazing benefits. Keep reading to find out more.
What is olive oil?
Olive oil is a natural oil that comes from olives. It has been used for centuries as a beauty treatment and it is known for its ability to moisturize and protect the skin. Moreover, olive oil is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats that can improve your skin health
Pros & Cons of using olive oil for face
Pros
- Olive oil can help cleanse the skin by breaking down excess sebum and dirt.
- It can also act as a gentle exfoliant, helping to slough away dead skin cells and improve skin texture.
- It’s a natural source of antioxidants, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
- The fatty acids in olive oil can help to moisturize the skin and keep it hydrated.
- Olive oil can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Cons
- It can be quite heavy and greasy. This might not be a problem for some people, but if you have oily or acne-prone skin
- Olive oil for skin can clog pores. Again, this isn't a problem for everyone, but if you're prone to breakouts, you might want to avoid using olive oil on your skin.
Olive oil Ingredient Specifications
Clean
Olive oil doesn’t have any harsh chemicals, so it is clean and safe to use as a moisturizer or face oil for people that are not acne-prone.
Vegan
Since it is extracted from olives, olive oil is vegan-friendly!
Pregnancy safe
Olive oil for skin is pregnancy-safe, however, you need to take into consideration that your skin can be oilier and more acne-prone while you are expecting. If that’s your case, olive oil could clog your pores.
Breastfeeding safe
Olive oil is well tolerated while breastfeeding, so you can totally use it!
Active ingredient
In most skincare products, olive oil works as an active ingredient in charge of giving all its benefits to your skin.
Comedogenic
This oil is mildly comedogenic, meaning that it can clog some people’s pores
EWG (Environment Working Group) Score
Olive oil scores a 1 on the EWG scale. This means it is mostly safe for use on the skin and will not cause any irritation or skin problems.
CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) Rating
The CIR rates olive oil as a low hazard ingredient.
PRECAUTIONS: Things to know before using this ingredient
Olive oil is not only amazing for cooking, but it can also do wonders for your skin. However, you need to know how to use it before enjoying all its benefits.
When to use olive oil on skin?
Since it is a heavy oil, you can use it once a day or every other day!
What skin type is olive oil good for?
Olive oil is good for dry skin. It's a natural emollient, which means it helps soften and smooth the skin. It's also packed with antioxidants, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, olive oil can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
What you can’t mix with olive oil?
- Glycolic acid: This exfoliating ingredient can also cause irritation when used with olive oil.
- Acne-fighting treatments: olive oil is mildly comedogenic, so using it with acne treatments can reduce their efficacy.
- Other heavy oils: olive oil is super-heavy, so mixing it with heavy oils will only leave you feeling heavy and uncomfortable
Top Picks
Best Sellers
- Benton Honest Cleansing Foam
- CRYSTAL MASK Blue Sapphire Collagen Hydration Mask
- MISSHA Potato Airy Fit Sheet Mask
$25 and under products with olive oil
- INNISFREE Olive Real Cleansing Oil
- ELIZAVECCA Natural 90% Olive Cleansing Oil
- G9SKIN Self Aesthetic Silky Hair Mask
FAQ’s
Do you still have some questions about olive oil for skin? Let us answer them!
Is it OK to put olive oil on your face?
Olive oil is great for dry skin when used in the right amounts, so it is always better to buy olive oil products instead of applying common, cooking olive oil directly to your skin.
Is olive oil good for acne-prone skin?
No! Olive oil can clog your pores and cause even more breakouts. Choose a non-comedogenic oil to moisturize your skin instead.
What are the side effects?
Side effects of olive oil for skin are very rare and usually mild. They can include allergic reactions, such as rashes, itchiness, or swelling. In rare cases, people may develop an infection where the olive oil was applied. If you experience any side effects from using olive oil on your skin, stop using it immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- If you have dry skin, you can use olive oil cleansers to clean your skin and leave it moisturized.
- Start using olive oil for skin once a day and go from there.
- If you have sensitive skin, always do a patch test on other parts of your body before using olive oil for face.