Is Olive Oil Soap Good for Your Skin?
Is olive oil soap actually good for your skin? In today’s saturated skincare marketplace, it can be tricky to find a straightforward answer to simple questions like these. Skincare products that offer tangible health benefits aren’t easy to differentiate from the crowd of dubious products propped up by compelling marketing tricks. To help you determine if olive oil soap is a good fit for your skin type, we’ve produced this guide.
Made with olive oil as its primary fatty acid whereas other soaps and detergent products use coconut oil, castor oil, or even harsh, artificial chemicals, olive oil soap is generally good for your skin barrier, can be a good choice if you’re battling sensitive skin, and is considered safe to use on your face. Read on to learn more about whether olive oil soap might be the right fit for your unique skin type.
What is Olive Oil Soap Good For?
One of the primary benefits of olive oil soap is that it supports your skin barrier, which is tasked with keeping water in your body and harmful substances like viruses and bacteria out. The outermost layer of your skin, which does the legwork when it comes to protecting your inside, is called the stratum corneum. The structure of the stratum corneum is often compared to bricks and mortar because it is made up of cells called corneocytes that are stacked in vertical layers like bricks and are supported by a “mortar” of lipid molecules.
The stratum corneum is good at retaining water and remaining hydrated, but in some cases, it can become dehydrated. When the stratum corneum becomes dry, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) , a.k.a water loss via your skin, occurs. This manifests physically as dry skin, eczema, or other skin irritation. Many studies have found that olive oil does not irritate or dry the skin in the way other synthetic substances used in cosmetics can. Instead, olive oil and other natural oils blend well with your skin’s lipid base, supporting and nourishing the skin so it can function at its best. In fact, when olive oil is applied to the skin, it creates a film on the skin’s surface that acts as an extra barrier to prevent water from escaping. It’s worth noting, however, that while the oleic acid in olive oil supports skin regeneration, it also supports skin permeability. In some cases, this can actually cause skin irritation, so it’s worth testing olive oil soap on a small patch of skin the first time you try it to see how your unique skin reacts.
Olive oil is also rich in squalene, a natural compound that softens the skin. The squalene in olive oil soap absorbs easily into the skin, where it enhances your skin’s natural sebum. In contrast, many commercial soaps contain harsh chemicals like synthetic lathering agents that strip away the skin’s natural sebum causing dryness and irritation. Squalene also keeps skin hydrated by supporting its lipid barrier, combats the damage caused by UV rays, and in some studies of rodents, has even been shown to help prevent tumors on the skin.
Is Olive Oil Soap Good for Sensitive Skin or Acne?
If you struggle with sensitive skin or acne, you may shy away from soaps made with oil in favor of oil-free alternatives. However, certain studies and anecdotes suggest that olive oil soap may offer some benefits in the battle for smooth skin. Keep in mind, everybody’s skin is unique, so it’s best to consult a dermatologist about your unique skincare routine and to test new soaps on a small patch of skin first!
Depending on the severity of your acne and your skin type, olive oil soap can be a great partner in reducing redness and inflammation. The polyphenols in olive oil are anti-inflammatory agents that combat oxidation throughout the body, including on the skin. These benefits are gleaned from both dietary and topical use. In addition, olive oil contains vitamin E, which fights the bacteria that causes acne.
As mentioned above, olive oil soap offers many benefits to the skin, but for some skin types, it may not be the best fit. Oleic acid can aggravate acne in certain cases: since it works to increase the permeability of the skin, it can be comedogenic for individuals who struggle with oily skin. If your acne is mild and your primary concerns are dryness and inflammation, olive oil soap is a safe, natural option for more moisture and reduced redness.
Olive Oil Soap And Your Skin
As outlined above, olive oil soap can be a great choice for your face depending on your skin type. For dry skin that craves moisture, olive oil soap can help restore your skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and help you on your journey towards smoother, softer skin. Mature skin is a great candidate for olive oil soap, as its polyphenol and squalene content help combat the effects of aging, such as dryness and wrinkles. If you have oily skin, it doesn't necessarily mean olive oil soap won't work for you, but we do recommend testing a small amount to see how your skin reacts before building it into your daily routine.
When using olive oil soap on your face, keep in mind that it may lather less than other types of soap. Whereas commercial soaps often include artificial lathering agents and some oils like coconut and castor oil produce more lather, olive oil soap has a slippery, less bubbly texture. We also recommend using a soap made not just with olive oil, but with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), the highest quality olive oil that is most likely to retain high polyphenol and squalene content. Additionally, ff you choose a soap with fragrance, look for natural fragrances and soaps without too many additives. A high-quality olive oil soap, like the handmade soaps we produce at Frantoio Grove, should display its ingredients clearly, so you know exactly what compounds you’re putting on your skin.
So, is olive oil soap good for your skin? If you have dry, mature, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin, the answer is likely yes, and we encourage you to try one of our popular Castile soaps today! If you have acne prone skin, we are still confident that you may love olive oil soap, but we’d recommend testing it on a small patch of skin first to determine if it's the right fit for you.
