Olive oil can be used on the face for moisturization, cleansing, and as a carrier oil for aromatherapy — but the evidence for its effectiveness and safety varies significantly by skin type and application. For a complete overview, see our Olive Oil Gastronomy: Cooking, Baking & Culinary Uses guide.For a complete overview, see our Cooking Properties guide.For dry skin, EVOO is an effective moisturizer with good evidence for barrier support. For oily or acne-prone skin, olive oil is moderately comedogenic (rated 3/5) and may cause breakouts — patch testing is essential before wider application. For cleansing, olive oil is an effective oil cleanser method (the "oil cleansing method") for removing makeup and sunscreen. For anti-aging, dietary olive oil consumption is more evidence-based than topical application. The key distinction: olive oil on the face is safe and effective for some skin types, risky for others, and the benefit comes primarily from its fatty acid and vitamin E content, not from the polyphenols (which provide more benefit when consumed internally).3 4
This guide covers how to use olive oil on the face — the evidence, the protocols, the skin type considerations, and the safety notes.
The research and evidence for facial olive oil use:4
Barrier function support: Studies on compromised skin barriers (dry skin, mild eczema, atopic dermatitis) show that olive oil application improves transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin hydration scores. The oleic acid content penetrates the stratum corneum and provides lipid replacement in damaged skin barrier structures. This is the most evidence-supported use of olive oil on the face.
Moisturization: For dry skin, olive oil is an effective occlusive moisturizer — it traps water in the skin and prevents evaporative loss. The vitamin E (tocopherols) in EVOO provides additional antioxidant protection for skin cell membranes during topical use.
Vitamin E and antioxidant protection: The tocopherol content of EVOO provides topical vitamin E activity. Vitamin E is a well-established antioxidant that protects skin cell membranes from oxidative damage and supports skin healing after UV exposure.
comedogenicity risk: Olive oil is moderately comedogenic (rated 3/5 on the comedogenic scale) — it has a meaningful risk of causing closed comedones and blackheads in people with oily or acne-prone skin. This is the primary risk of facial olive oil use and the reason patch testing is essential before wider application.
Clean face, damp skin method: After cleansing, apply olive oil to slightly damp skin (the dampness helps the oil spread and absorb). This traps the water in the skin along with the oil, providing better moisturization than applying to dry skin.
Amount: A few drops (3-5 drops for the entire face) is sufficient. More than this may make the skin look greasy and can transfer to clothing or pillowcases. Start with less and add more as needed.
Timing: Apply morning and evening after cleansing. In the morning, follow with sunscreen (the oil does not provide UV protection — it is not a sunscreen substitute).
Who it works for: This method works best for people with dry to normal skin, or for dry patches on combination skin. It is not recommended for oily skin or acne-prone skin.
The oil cleansing method for removing makeup and sunscreen:4
The principle: Like dissolves like — oil dissolves oil-based substances (makeup, sunscreen, sebum). Using olive oil as a first cleanse effectively removes oil-based impurities from the skin before a second water-based cleanse.
Protocol: Apply 1-2 teaspoons of EVOO to dry face. Massage gently to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and surface oil. Add a small amount of water and continue emulsifying (the water turns the oil milky as it mixes with impurities). Rinse with warm water or a damp cloth. Follow with a gentle water-based cleanser.
For heavy makeup or waterproof sunscreen: The oil cleanse method is particularly effective for heavy makeup and waterproof sunscreen — these are specifically designed to be water-resistant and require an oil-based remover. EVOO is a natural, fragrance-free option for this purpose.
After cleansing: After the oil cleanse and water-based second cleanse, the skin may benefit from a light application of olive oil as a moisturizer (if dry skin) or from a lightweight water-based moisturizer if normal to combination skin.
The traditional and evidence-based face mask protocols:4
Basic moisturizing mask: Mix 1 tablespoon EVOO with 1 teaspoon raw honey. Apply to clean face, leave for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and gently pat dry. The honey adds humectant and antimicrobial properties; the olive oil provides occlusive moisturization. This is a traditional remedy with mechanistic support.
Anti-aging mask: Mix 1 tablespoon EVOO with 1 teaspoon plain full-fat yogurt (for the lactic acid and vitamin C) and a few drops of fresh lemon juice (vitamin C). Apply for 10-15 minutes. Lactic acid provides mild exfoliation; vitamin C provides antioxidant protection; olive oil provides moisture. This is a traditional approach that aligns with the mechanisms of the individual ingredients.
For dry, flaky skin: Apply a thin layer of pure EVOO to clean face as an overnight treatment. Cover with a silk pillowcase to protect from transfer. In the morning, cleanse normally. This addresses severe dryness but may not be suitable for all skin types (test first).
Who should and should not use olive oil on their face:4
Dry skin: Olive oil is well-suited for dry skin moisturization. The oleic acid content is compatible with dry skin's lipid needs. The risk of comedogenicity is low for this skin type. Use the damp-skin moisturizing method for best results.
Normal to combination skin: Use olive oil as an oil cleanser or targeted treatment for dry patches rather than as a full-face moisturizer. The oil cleansing method is effective for this skin type. Avoid full-face application if your T-zone is consistently oily.
Oily skin: Olive oil is not recommended for full-face moisturization on oily skin — the comedogenic risk is significant. The oil cleansing method may be too heavy for oily skin. If using, test on a small patch only.
Acne-prone skin: Approach with extreme caution. Olive oil is moderately comedogenic (3/5) — patch testing is essential. For acne-prone skin, the comedogenic risk outweighs the moisturizing benefit. Consider using high-linoleic oils (safflower, sunflower) instead, which have anti-comedogenic properties.
Important precautions:4
Patch test first: Always patch test on a small area (jawline) for 7-10 days before applying olive oil more widely to your face. This applies regardless of skin type — some people with dry skin are also sensitive to olive oil.
Avoid the eye area: The skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive. Avoid applying olive oil directly to the orbital area. Use a dedicated eye cream formulated for that area instead.
Do not use if you have rosacea or perioral dermatitis without guidance: These conditions have specific triggers and treatments. Olive oil may aggravate rosacea (which can be triggered by oils) or perioral dermatitis. Seek dermatologist guidance.
Discontinue if irritation occurs: If applying olive oil to your face causes redness, burning, or worsening breakouts, discontinue immediately. Remove with a gentle cleanser and water if needed.
Not a sunscreen: Olive oil provides no UV protection. Always follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) as the last step in your morning routine.
You can use olive oil on your face daily if you have dry skin and have confirmed through patch testing that your skin tolerates it. The best daily uses are: as a moisturizer (damp skin method, morning and evening) for dry skin; as the first cleanse in the oil cleansing method for removing makeup and sunscreen; as an overnight treatment for very dry skin. For oily or acne-prone skin, daily use is not recommended — olive oil is moderately comedogenic (3/5) and daily application to oily skin risks closed comedones and breakouts. For normal or combination skin, use olive oil as an oil cleanser (evenings) or for targeted dry patches rather than as a full-face daily moisturizer. Always patch test first regardless of skin type.4
Yes — olive oil is good for dry skin on the face. The oleic acid in olive oil penetrates the stratum corneum and provides lipid replacement for damaged or insufficient skin barrier lipids. Studies on compromised skin barriers show measurable improvement in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin hydration with olive oil application. The vitamin E content adds antioxidant protection for skin cell membranes. The evidence-based method for dry skin: apply 3-5 drops of EVOO to slightly damp skin immediately after cleansing, morning and evening. This is more effective than applying to dry skin because the dampness helps the oil spread and allows it to trap water in the skin simultaneously.4
Olive oil on the face helps with wrinkles that are secondary to dryness (dehydration lines) — these improve with the moisturizing effect of olive oil. For structural wrinkles caused by collagen degradation and UV damage, topical olive oil is less effective. The more evidence-based approach to olive oil and facial anti-aging is dietary consumption of high-polyphenol EVOO (1-2+ tablespoons per day), which provides systemic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that slow skin aging from within. Topical olive oil addresses surface hydration, not structural collagen. If using olive oil topically for anti-aging, the best approach is an overnight treatment: apply a thin layer to clean face, leave overnight, cleanse in the morning. This provides maximum time for the moisturizing effect to work on fine lines.4
Yes — olive oil is moderately comedogenic (rated 3/5 on the comedogenic scale) and can cause closed comedones (whiteheads), blackheads, and inflammatory acne in susceptible individuals. The risk is highest for people with oily, acne-prone, or combination skin. The oleic acid content is biologically similar to human sebum and can clog pores, particularly in skin that already produces excess oil. The best approach before applying olive oil to your face is to patch test: apply a small amount to your jawline once per day for 7-10 days and monitor for breakouts. If breakouts occur, discontinue. If you have active acne, avoid applying olive oil to affected areas. For acne-prone skin, dietary olive oil consumption is more beneficial and risk-free compared to topical application. Always use plain food-grade EVOO, not refined olive oil.4
3. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products. "Scientific Opinion on health claims related to olive oil polyphenols." EFSA Journal. 2011.
1. Olive Oil Source. "Olive Oil Classification and Standards."
2. International Olive Council. "Chemistry and Olive Oil Standards."
4. Gutierrez-Mariscal
5. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products. "Scientific Opinion on health claims related to olive oil polyphenols." EFSA Journal. 2011. FM et al. "Evidence for the Benefits of Olive Oil in Human Health." Frontiers in Nutrition. 2022.