Ingredient name
Olive oil
Type of ingredient
Antioxidant, exfoliant, antimicrobial
Commonly found in
Serums, moisturizers, oils
What are the benefits of olive oil?
Olive oil has a strong ability to hold nutrients and antioxidants (such as vitamin E), allowing it to both hydrate the skin and reduce the presence of free radicals. Furthermore, it has been shown to soothe skin and reduce discomfort related to atopic dermatitis or dry skin.
What is olive oil?
A common household product, olive oil is composed of mostly oleic acid and phenolics from the olive, all of which are reported to have moisturizing and even antimicrobial properties. It is often used in homemade beauty remedies and exfoliants.

Is olive oil safe for all skin types and tones?
Olive oil is likely safe for all skin types and tones based on available data.
Contraindications
There is minimal data on contraindications for the topical application of olive oil.
Sources
Al-Samydai A, Abu Hajleh MN, Mayyas A, et al. Ethnopharmacological Study of Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Skin Burns in Arab World [published online ahead of print, 2023 Mar 2]. J Burn Care Res. 2023;irad030. doi:10.1093/jbcr/irad030
Cui Z, Xin M, Yin H, Zhang J, Han F. Topical use of olive oil preparation to prevent radiodermatitis: results of a prospective study in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. Int J Clin Exp Med. 2015;8(7):11000-11006. Published 2015 Jul 15.
D’Angelo S, Ingrosso D, Migliardi V, et al. Hydroxytyrosol, a natural antioxidant from olive oil, prevents protein damage induced by long-wave ultraviolet radiation in melanoma cells. Free Radic Biol Med. 2005;38(7):908-919. doi:10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2004.12.015
Verallo-Rowell VM, Dillague KM, Syah-Tjundawan BS. Novel antibacterial and emollient effects of coconut and virgin olive oils in adult atopic dermatitis. Dermatitis. 2008;19(6):308-315.
Viola P, Viola M. Virgin olive oil as a fundamental nutritional component and skin protector. Clin Dermatol. 2009;27(2):159-165. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2008.01.008
Author

Nishad Sathe, MD
Nishad Sathe is a PGY-3 Internal Medicine/Dermatology resident at the University of Minnesota