Olive oil, derived from cold pressing, has been recognised 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. Explore in this article the different ways to utilise olive oil in skincare to reap its advantages.
How is olive oil used in skincare?
Summary
Published 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 its scientific name, boasts a rich biochemical composition. Indeed, this vegetable oil harbours various bioactive compounds, making it a favoured 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, moisturising 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 ageing 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, particularly 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 advisable to use it in small amounts or mix it with a moisturising cream, to facilitate absorption. The nourishing and soothing action of the olive oil will be particularly beneficial for dry and sensitised areas of the face, especially during cold weather or after prolonged sun exposure.
Olive oil is also highly beneficial for body skin care, particularly 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.
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 coloured, 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 fibres. 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, such as 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 fibre and restore its shine. It is recommended to apply a few drops along the lengths, leave it on 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 along the lengths, wrap the hair with a cap or braid it for protection, then wash it the following 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 aid absorption of the treatment, leave it on for about half an hour, and then 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).
