Olive oil, obtained through cold pressing, has been recognized for centuries for the numerous benefits it offers when applied to both skin and hair. As a result, it is incorporated into various types of skincare products. Discover in this article the different ways to use olive oil in skincare to reap its benefits.
How is olive oil used in skincare?
Summary
Published on May 16, 2025, updated on May 16, 2025, by Marie, Scientific Editor — 6 min of reading
Themes:
Olive oil, a plant-based oil used for skin care.
The olive oil, or Olea Europaea Fruit Oil in scientific terms, boasts a rich biochemical composition. Indeed, this vegetable oil contains various bioactive compounds, making it a favored ingredient in skincare and allowing it to exert several beneficial effects. The olive oil is particularly valued for use on the skin due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, moisturizing, and healing properties.
Indeed, olive oil is particularly suitable for reactive skin due to its richness in oleic acid, which limits inflammation by regulating certain cytokines through the SIRT1 protein. It also helps to stimulate anti-inflammatory cytokines, making it a valuable asset for irritated skin. Moreover, its fatty acid composition helps to restore the skin barrier, thus limiting water loss and protecting the skin from dehydration. The olive oil is also useful in preventing signs of skin aging due to its vitamin E content with antioxidant properties. Finally, by helping to maintain a protective hydrolipidic film on the skin's surface, it contributes to preserving its suppleness.
How to apply olive oil to the skin?
Olive oil can be applied directly to the skin, especially on the face, but with some precautions. Due to its relatively oily texture, it can leave an occlusive film on the skin's surface. That's why it's better to use it in small amounts or mix it with a moisturizing cream to facilitate absorption. The nourishing and soothing action of the olive oil will be particularly beneficial for dry and sensitized areas of the face, especially during cold weather or after prolonged sun exposure.
Olive oil is also highly beneficial for body skin care, especially on areas prone to friction, such as elbows or knees, or naturally prone to dehydration, like the feet. To apply it, we recommend warming a few drops of oil between your palms before massaging the skin in gentle circular motions to promote absorption.
Olive vegetable oil is a botanical ingredient generally well tolerated. It is suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as babies and young children.
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Is it possible to use olive oil for hair care?
Beyond its benefits for the skin, olive oil is also valued for its hair properties. It is used in the formulation of many hair products, such as shampoos, conditioners, or masks. Rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin E and oleuropein, it is particularly beneficial for colored, highlighted, or dull hair. Its antioxidant activity helps to limit the damage caused by free radicals, which are responsible for oxidative stress and the deterioration of hair fibers. Its fatty acid content also provides a nourishing effect, ideal for dry, damaged, or brittle hair. It may also soothe sensitive scalps due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, we advise against people with easily greasy hair using olive oil on their scalp, due to its rich texture. Lighter oils, like the jojoba oil, are preferable.
How to apply olive oil to the hair?
In practice, olive oil can be used in its pure form, as a hair oil treatment on the lengths to nourish the hair fiber and restore its shine. It is recommended to apply a few drops to the entire length, let it sit for about thirty minutes, then proceed with a shampoo. For a more intense treatment, olive oil can also be used as an overnight mask: simply distribute it over the lengths, wrap the hair with a cap or braid it for protection, then wash it the next morning.
As mentioned earlier, olive oil can also be applied directly to the roots, using just a few drops to avoid over-oiling the scalp. Gently massage to facilitate the absorption of the treatment, leave it on for about half an hour, and then perform a double shampoo to thoroughly remove any oily residue.
Sources
GALLARDO V. & al. Skin Creams Made with Olive Oil. Olives and olive oil in health and disease prevention (2010).
OLIVEIRA M. & al. Olive by-products : Challenge application in cosmetic industry. Industrial crops and products (2015).
LICATA M. & al. Olive oil in pharmacological and cosmetic traditions. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2018).
RODRIGUES F. & al. Olive Fruit and Leaf Wastes as Bioactive Ingredients for Cosmetics—A Preliminary Study. Antioxidants and Skin Protection II (2020).
