You’ve probably seen the TikToks of people slathering kitchen-grade oil on their cheeks, claiming it’s the "secret" to a Mediterranean glow. It sounds cheap. It sounds natural. But honestly, if you just grab that bottle of Bertolli from under your sink and go to town, you might wake up with a breakout that lasts a month. Using olive oil for face care isn't as simple as swapping out your moisturizer for salad dressing. There is a right way to do it, a wrong way, and a "your dermatologist will kill you" way.
Olive oil is basically a cocktail of fatty acids. It’s heavy on oleic acid, contains some linoleic acid, and is packed with Vitamin E. For some, it’s a miracle for dry patches. For others, it’s a recipe for cystic acne.
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The Science of That Greasy Glow
Let’s get technical for a second. Your skin barrier is made of lipids. Olive oil is a lipid. Theoretically, they should be best friends, right? Not quite. Research, including a notable study published in Pediatric Dermatology, found that olive oil can actually disrupt the skin barrier in some people. It’s high in oleic acid. Oleic acid can create tiny holes in the skin’s lipid layer if your barrier is already compromised. This is why people with eczema often find that olive oil makes their redness worse, not better.
On the flip side, it’s an incredible occlusive. It sits on top of the skin and prevents water from evaporating. If you live in a bone-dry climate or your skin feels like parchment paper, that's a win. But if you're prone to "clogged pores" (we've all been there), olive oil is moderately comedogenic. It’s a 2 on the scale of 0 to 5. Not the worst, but definitely not "safe" for everyone.
How to Use Olive Oil for Face Without Ruining Your Skin
If you’re going to do this, don't just dump it on. Start with the Oil Cleansing Method. This is the safest entry point. You apply the oil to a dry face, massage it in to break down sunscreen and waterproof mascara, and then—this is the crucial part—you wash it off with a gentle foaming cleanser. This "double cleanse" gives you the antioxidant benefits without leaving a heavy film that traps bacteria.
Some people prefer using it as a targeted treatment. Think about those stubborn dry spots around your nose in the winter. A tiny drop of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) patted over your regular moisturizer can act as a seal.
Don't use it as your only moisturizer. It doesn't have humectants. It doesn't "hydrate" because it doesn't add water to the skin; it only keeps the water you already have from leaving. Use a serum first. Then the oil.
The Quality Control Nightmare
Not all oils are equal. That "Pure Olive Oil" in the plastic jug? Garbage for your face. It’s usually refined using heat and chemicals that strip away the polyphenols and antioxidants. You want Cold-Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil. And check the bottle. It should be dark glass. Light destroys the oil's beneficial properties through photo-oxidation. If it smells like nothing, it’s probably old. It should smell grassy, maybe a little peppery.
Real talk: the stuff in your kitchen might be fake anyway. A famous 2010 UC Davis study found that 69% of imported "extra virgin" olive oil in US grocery stores didn't meet the actual standards. If it's fake, it might be cut with soybean or sunflower oil, which changes how it reacts with your pores.
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Why You Might Want to Skip It
If you have seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff, stay away. Far away. The yeast that causes these conditions, Malassezia, literally feeds on the fatty acids in olive oil. You’re basically throwing a pizza party for the fungus on your face.
Also, acne-prone skin types should be wary. While olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties thanks to a compound called oleocanthal, the sheer weight of the oil can trap sebum inside the follicle.
Comparisons to Other Oils
- Rosehip Oil: Better for scarring and fine lines.
- Jojoba Oil: Mimics human sebum more closely; less likely to cause breakouts.
- Squallane: A more stable version of what’s naturally in our skin; much lighter than olive oil.
Olive oil is the "heavy lifter." It’s for the person whose skin feels tight and painful. It’s for the person who wants to remove heavy stage makeup without scrubbing their skin raw.
Practical Next Steps for Your Routine
If you’re ready to experiment, do a patch test first. Apply a small amount behind your ear or on the side of your neck for three nights. If you don't see tiny red bumps or feel itchy, you're likely in the clear.
- For Cleansing: Apply 3-4 drops to dry skin. Massage for 60 seconds. Use a warm washcloth to steam it off, then follow with a water-based cleanser.
- For Extra Glow: Mix one single drop into your nightly moisturizer. This dilutes the oleic acid concentration while still giving you the Vitamin E boost.
- For Cuticles and Lashes: Use a Q-tip to apply it to your nail beds or the tips of your lashes. It’s a great conditioner that won't cause the same issues as full-face application.
Avoid using it in the morning. Olive oil is heavy and can make your sunscreen slide right off your face, leaving you unprotected from UV rays. Keep it to your nighttime ritual. If your skin starts feeling "congested" or looks duller after a week, stop immediately. Your skin barrier might be too thin for such a high concentration of oleic acid. Stick to oils with a higher linoleic acid content instead, like evening primrose or hemp seed oil.
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Store your bottle in a cool, dark cupboard. Not on the bathroom counter where the shower steam can heat it up. Once it goes rancid, it produces free radicals—the exact thing you’re trying to fight by using antioxidants in the first place. Check the harvest date, not just the "best by" date. Fresher is always better for the skin.