Olive oil has been used in Mediterranean skincare for thousands of years: long before cosmetic labs existed. Ancient Greeks rubbed it into their skin after bathing, athletes applied it before competition, and women across the Mediterranean used it to keep their complexions soft and supple. Today, we know why: extra virgin olive oil is one of nature's most effective natural moisturizers.
So, can olive oil be used as a moisturizer? The short answer is yes: and the long answer is worth knowing.
What Does Olive Oil Do for Your Skin?
Extra virgin olive oil is rich in oleic acid, squalene, and vitamins E and K: a combination that closely mirrors the natural lipid structure of human skin. This means your skin recognises it and absorbs it well, rather than just sitting on the surface.
The key benefits of olive oil for skin include:
- Deep moisturisation: oleic acid penetrates the outer skin barrier and helps retain water in deeper layers, making it particularly effective for dry and flaky skin.
- Antioxidant protection: vitamin E and polyphenols found in high-quality extra virgin olive oil help neutralise free radicals that contribute to premature ageing
- Skin barrier support: the fatty acid profile in EVOO reinforces the lipid barrier, reducing moisture loss throughout the day.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: oleocanthal, a natural compound in quality olive oil, has well-documented anti-inflammatory effects, which can help calm irritated or sensitive skin.
- Gentle cleansing: olive oil binds to excess sebum and environmental residue, making it a natural base for oil cleansing routines.
Olive Oil for Dry Skin: Does It Actually Work?
Olive oil is one of the most effective natural remedies for dry skin, and this is where it really earns its reputation. Its occlusive properties form a light barrier on the skin's surface that locks in moisture, while the oleic acid works at a deeper level to replenish the lipid content that dry skin lacks.
For severely dry skin (rough heels, flaking elbows, dry hands), olive oil can make a noticeable difference within days of consistent use. Applied after bathing, when the skin is still slightly damp, it seals in hydration and leaves skin noticeably softer.
If you want a ready-made formula that combines organic olive oil with other nourishing ingredients, our Body Butter with Organic Olive Oil and Coconut Oil is purpose-built for exactly this: a rich, non-greasy formula that delivers long-lasting hydration for face and body.
Can You Use Olive Oil as a Moisturizer on Your Face?
Yes, though with a bit of nuance. Olive oil works well as a facial moisturizer for normal to dry skin types. Its non-comedogenic rating is moderate, which means it's generally safe for most people, but those with oily or acne-prone skin should use it sparingly, or opt for formulations where olive oil is balanced with lighter ingredients.
For face use, the best approach is a small amount: a few drops warmed between the palms and pressed gently onto clean, slightly damp skin. It absorbs well and leaves skin feeling nourished rather than greasy when used in the right quantity.
For hands and nails specifically, where skin tends to be drier and more exposed, our Hand & Nail Cream with Organic Olive Oil and Aloe Vera combines the moisturising depth of olive oil with the cooling, soothing properties of aloe vera: ideal for everyday use.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil vs. Regular Olive Oil for Skin
Not all olive oil is equal when it comes to skincare. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the highest grade, cold-pressed from fresh olives with no chemical refinement, and it retains the highest concentration of polyphenols, antioxidants, and vitamins that make it beneficial for skin.
Refined or "light" olive oils are processed at high temperatures and stripped of many of these compounds. For skincare purposes, they're significantly less effective. If you're going to use olive oil on your skin, it should be genuine, high-quality extra virgin.
Our Pelops Extra Virgin Olive Oil is cold-pressed from single-origin groves near Ancient Olympia in the Ilia region of the Peloponnese, unfiltered, unblended, and harvested at peak ripeness. It's the same oil used in our skincare formulations, and it's equally good applied directly to the skin.
How to Use Olive Oil in Your Skincare Routine
There are several effective ways to incorporate olive oil into your daily skin care:
As a body moisturizer
After showering, pat your skin dry and apply a small amount of olive oil or an olive oil-based body butter to damp skin. The moisture left from the shower helps the oil spread evenly and lock in hydration. Focus on particularly dry areas: knees, elbows, shins, heels.
As a cleanser (oil cleansing method)
Massage a small amount of olive oil onto dry skin in circular motions, then remove with a warm, damp cloth. This method lifts makeup, sunscreen, and daily residue without stripping the skin's natural oils: a method that's been used in the Mediterranean for centuries. Our Artisanal Soap Bar with Organic Olive Oil works on the same principle: gentle cleansing that respects the skin barrier.
As a body scrub base
Olive oil mixed with coarse salt or sugar makes an effective exfoliating scrub that removes dead skin cells while simultaneously moisturising. Or skip the DIY and try our Exfoliating Body Scrub with Olive and Almond Seeds, which does exactly this with a balanced formula designed for weekly use.
As part of a daily shower routine
Even your daily wash can deliver olive oil's benefits to your skin. Our Refreshing Shower Gel with Organic Olive Oil & Aloe Vera cleanses gently while leaving skin soft: a simple way to make every shower a small skincare act.
Olive Oil vs. Coconut Oil for Skin: Which Is Better?
Both are popular natural moisturisers, but they work differently. Coconut oil is higher in lauric acid, giving it strong antimicrobial properties and a lighter texture that's popular for hair and body. Olive oil, however, is richer in oleic acid and antioxidants, making it better suited for dry and mature skin that needs deeper nourishment.
The good news: you don't have to choose. Our Body Butter with Organic Olive Oil and Coconut Oil combines both: leveraging the strengths of each in a single, easy-to-use formula.
Frequently Asked Questions about greek olive oil cosmetics
Can olive oil be used as a moisturizer every day?
Yes. Olive oil is gentle enough for daily use on the body. For the face, daily use works well for dry skin types; those with oily or combination skin may prefer every other day or in a diluted formula.
Is olive oil good for skin whitening?
Olive oil doesn't bleach or lighten skin, but its vitamin E content and antioxidants can help even skin tone over time and reduce the appearance of dullness associated with oxidative stress and dry skin.
What is the best olive oil to use for skin?
Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil from a traceable, quality source is the best choice. The less it's been processed, the more of the beneficial compounds it retains.
Does olive oil clog pores?
Olive oil has a moderate comedogenic rating (around 2 out of 5). Most people with normal to dry skin tolerate it well. Those with oily or acne-prone skin should test it on a small area first and use it in small quantities.
The Mediterranean Secret, Bottled
At Pelops, we don't separate what we eat from what we put on our skin. Our olive oil comes from the same family groves that have supplied the Mediterranean table for generations: and the same quality standard applies to everything we make.
Whether you're looking for a pure extra virgin olive oil to use directly, or a ready-made skincare product built on the same foundation, you'll find it in our Greek Skincare & Cosmetics collection: made with organic olive oil, minimal ingredients, and no compromise on quality.