Olive Oil
Oil with a high oleic acid share. Nourishes dry skin, but on a damaged barrier and in atopic dermatitis it may worsen irritation.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Danby 2013 showed that pure olive oil worsens barrier status in adult volunteers compared with sunflower oil. Dermatologists do not recommend it for infant massage.
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Dry, Normal
- Use with caution
- Oily
About this ingredient
Olive Oil (Olea Europaea Fruit Oil) is a cold-pressed plant oil from olive fruit. Composition: oleic acid (55–83%), palmitic (8–14%), linoleic (3–21%), palmitoleic (0.3–3%). Rich in tocopherols, squalene, phenolic antioxidants (oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol). Mechanism. Emollient and occlusive – forms a soft film on the skin, retains moisture. High oleic acid content makes the oil penetrate the upper epidermis. Phenolic antioxidants neutralize free radicals, protect from photoaging. Squalene is a natural sebum component, replenishes skin lipids. Where applied. Castile soap, body and face balms, stretch mark products, massage oils, cleansing oils (OCM method). In Spain – one of the main natural cosmetic products, with AOVE (Aceite de Oliva Virgen Extra) – the culinary grade is also used in home cosmetics. In pharmacy cosmetics in Sesderma and Mesoestetic. Concentration 1–100%. Evidence base. The Lin 2018 systematic review showed a dual effect: on dry skin without atopy – restores the barrier; on atopic and infant skin – disrupts it (Danby 2013). The Karagounis 2019 RCT (n=115 newborns) showed significant skin pH and TEWL increase after olive oil use. AAD 2024 does not recommend olive oil in children with atopic dermatitis and in infant massage practice. Safety. Comedogenicity 2 of 5 – in acne patients may cause facial comedones. Allergic reactions are rare. On body, on dry skin – safe. Controversy. The centuries-old domestic reputation as a "universal cosmetic" in the Mediterranean contradicts current evidence. Spanish dermatologists since 2013 recommend abandoning olive oil as a newborn massage product in favor of sunflower oil rich in linoleic acid. Pregnancy and lactation – topically safe for adults. Suitable for stretch mark balms. Do not apply on nipples immediately before feeding (theoretical risk of newborn allergic sensitization).
Frequently asked questions
Is Olive Oil safe during pregnancy?
Olive Oil is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Olive Oil for?
Olive Oil suits: dry, normal. Use with caution in: oily.
What is Olive Oil and what does it do in cosmetics?
Oil with a high oleic acid share.
Is Olive Oil comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 2/5 – low comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Olive Oil?
The INCI name is Olea Europaea Fruit Oil. It may also appear as: Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Olea Europaea Oil.
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