Some plant-based oils, such as olive oil, are often mentioned as natural solutions to combat signs of aging. But is it truly effective? Discover in this article if olive oil can reduce signs of skin aging.
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Is olive oil an ally in combating skin aging?
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Published May 16, 2025,
updated on May 16, 2025,
by
Marie, Scientific Editor
—
7 min read
Does olive oil help combat skin aging?
The olive oil (INCI: Olea Europeae Fruit Oil) is one of the most widely used vegetable oils in the world. Beyond its use in the culinary field, this clear, golden-colored oil is also incorporated into many skincare and haircare formulas. Its numerous benefits stem from its rich biochemical composition of active ingredients, notably fatty acids, primarily oleic acid, polyphenols, and vitamin E. While no scientific data has directly shown the effects of olive oil on skin aging through topical application to date, a study by MONTE-ALTO-COSTA has highlighted its effect through oral intake on mitigating the chronic signs of stress-induced aging. Tests in vitro were carried out on two groups of 10 mice, one subjected to daily rotational stress and the other as a control.
The results showed that olive oil, when taken orally, was able to curb several markers of skin oxidative stress : a decrease in the production of reactive oxygen species, an inhibition of lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation in the skin of stressed mice. These markers are all directly involved in skin aging, as they alter the structural components of the skin (collagen, elastin, keratin). Although the precise mechanism is not entirely elucidated, these effects would be attributable to the richness in antioxidant compounds of the olive oil, such as polyphenols (oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol) and vitamin E.
Furthermore, a reduction in the expression of the transcription factor NF-κB was observed in the skin of stressed mice that consumed olive oil. This factor is known to increase with age and activate the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thus contributing to chronic inflammation associated with aging.
In addition, researchers exposed mouse fibroblasts to a high level of epinephrine, a molecule similar to adrenaline, often increased in stressful situations, to simulate a chronic stress environment. Olive oil then lowered the levels of lipid peroxides, compounds that trigger chain reactions of membrane degradation and contribute to cellular senescence.
Finally, a reduction in the synthesis of catecholamines, including epinephrine and norepinephrine, has also been observed. These hormones are known to increase with aging and exacerbate oxidative stress and inflammation when produced in excess.
This study highlights the potential of olive oil to mitigate certain factors that may accelerate the aging process. However, the data comes from oral administration, not topical, which calls for caution before generalizing to a cosmetic application.
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How can we explain the effects of olive oil on aging?
These initial findings allow us to hypothesize thatolive oil could potentially prevent skin aging. Several theories can be proposed regarding its effect on wrinkles and fine lines.
Olive oil to combat aging induced by oxidative stress?
Among the factors of aging, sun exposure ranks first. Indeed, UV rays induce an increase in the production of free radicals, causing oxidative stress. This phenomenon can lead to cellular damage, particularly the deterioration of the skin's structural proteins, such as elastin and collagen. There are reasons to believe that the topical application of olive oil could limit this process.
ALMEIDA and his team sought to assess the antioxidant activity of polyphenols (oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol) found in olive oil through a DDHP colorimetric test. The study's findings showed that 0.22 mol of oleuropein and 0.19 mol of hydroxytyrosol reduced the concentration of DDPH by 50% after 20 days. This suggests that the constituents of olive oil could potentially protect the skin from free radicals. However, these results should be interpreted with caution as this study used pure components to test trapping capacity. Further research should be conducted to provide more details on the antioxidant activity of the olive oil itself.
Could olive oil be an ally in protecting the structural proteins of the dermis?
The ROMANA-SOUZA study provides additional insights into the potential benefits of olive oil. Researchers exposed human cells (fibroblasts and keratinocytes) to epinephrine for 13 days, with or without the addition of olive oil to the culture medium. The observations highlighted a reduction in cellular stress and signs of aging: decrease in the thinning of the dermis and epidermis, preservation of collagen and elastin fibers, and a decrease in the activity of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2), enzymes that degrade collagen.
These results indicate a potentially protective effect. However, the study did not use olive oil in a topical application on human skin, which limits its direct extrapolation to skincare. Clinical trials would be necessary to confirm these effects in vivo.
Olive oil to limit the appearance of dehydration fine lines?
As we age, the body's production of hyaluronic acid decreases. Depending on its molecular weight, this molecule can absorb about 1,000 times its weight in water, thus promoting proper hydration maintenance. Moreover, water loss is exacerbated over time due to skin thinning and decreased sebum production, making it more fragile and vulnerable to external aggressions. In response to these phenomena, dehydration fine lines may appear in the most vulnerable areas of the face, such as the eye contour. However, the richness in fatty acids of olive oil could allow it to create a protective film on the skin's surface, thus limiting water loss and maintaining a normal level of skin hydration.
Sources
ALMEIDA M. & al. Antioxidant activity of hydroxytyrosol acetate compared with that of other olive oil polyphenols. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (2001).
MONTE-ALTO-COSTA A. & al. Olive oil reduces chronic psychological stress-induced skin aging in mice through the NF-κB and NRF2 pathways. Journal of Functional Foods (2019).
ROMANA-SOUZA B. & al. Olive oil inhibits aging signs induced by chronic stress in ex vivo human skin via inhibition of the extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 and c-JUN pathways. Journal of Cosmetic Science (2019).
CASANOVA M. & al. Role of NF-κB in ageing and age-related diseases: Lessons from genetically modified mouse models. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute : Cells (2021).
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