THE RESEARCH BEHIND EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL BENEFITS FOR SKIN

At a glance: From Mediterranean beauty traditions to modern research, extra virgin olive oil continues to be explored as a simple, ingredient-led addition to skincare routines. While some research around EVOO and skin is promising, the evidence varies depending on what’s being studied - making it an ingredient to appreciate for both its heritage and its ongoing scientific story.

When you think of olive oil, you usually picture it drizzled over salads, not drizzled over your skin. But using EVOO as part of a skincare routine is nothing new - it’s been used for generations, and interest in the potential benefits of EVOO for skin health continues to grow as more research explores its natural compounds.

Two concerns come up most often when people explore olive oil for healthy-looking skin: dryness and dullness, and the visible signs of ageing. Both are areas of growing interest, with studies exploring the role of olive oil’s natural compounds and their relationship with skin health.

As with any emerging area of research, it’s important to understand what the science has explored, which findings are well established, and where more research is still needed. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do today. 

In this post, we’ll look at what the research says about olive oil and skin benefits - exploring what scientists have studied, where the evidence is strongest, and where more research is still needed. We’ll also look at the role of polyphenols in EVOO, and what to consider when using olive oil as part of a skincare routine.

From ancient beauty ritual to modern research

Olive oil applied directly to the skin goes back thousands of years to ancient Greece, where the olive tree, considered a gift from Athena, was used in cosmetics, natural eyeliner, face masks and moisturisers.

Of course, a long history of traditional use isn't the same as scientific evidence. That's why researchers have spent the past few decades taking a closer look at olive oil's role in skincare. 

While studies have produced some interesting findings, the strength of the evidence varies depending on the area being investigated - making it important to distinguish between well-established research and areas where the science is still evolving. 

What the research says about olive oil benefits for skin

The research below explores findings from published studies and is shared as general scientific information. These findings are not authorised UK health claims, and responses to skincare ingredients can vary from person to person. If you’re planning to use extra virgin olive oil on your skin, it’s always worth patch testing first and consulting a dermatologist if you have an existing skin condition or any concerns.

Hydration and barrier support

One of your skin's main jobs is keeping moisture in while protecting against the outside world. Researchers have explored whether applying extra virgin olive oil to the skin can help support this natural barrier, as EVOO naturally contains compounds such as oleic acid and squalene that are thought to play a role in how skin behaves.

The findings, however, are mixed. A widely cited 2013 study by researchers at the University of Sheffield Medical School found that applying olive oil directly to the skin increased moisture loss over four weeks, with the researchers suggesting that the high levels of oleic acid naturally found in olive oil may have weakened the skin's natural protective barrier. 

More recent research, including a 2025 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, has reported more positive findings around EVOO and measures of skin barrier function. 

However, differences in the studies, the way olive oil was used, and people’s individual skin type mean there’s still no simple answer - so more research is needed to understand when and how these effects may occur. 

Skin cell renewal

Our skin is constantly renewing itself, naturally replacing older surface cells with new ones. It’s one of the reasons skin can recover and maintain its appearance over time - and it’s an area where researchers have started to explore the role of extra virgin olive oil.

A 2025 trial from Granada looked at what happened when EVOO was applied directly to the skin. Researchers observed changes in the types of skin cells present, including a higher proportion of younger, earlier-stage cells compared with untreated skin. 

This is an interesting area of research because it helps us understand more about the relationship between EVOO and the skin’s natural processes; however, it’s important to be clear about what this research does - and does not - show.

While the study found changes at a cellular level, it did not find a statistically significant improvement in wrinkle appearance after a single application. So, while the research adds to our understanding of EVOO and skin, it doesn’t provide evidence that olive oil can reduce wrinkles.

As always with science, the most intriguing answers come with a lot more questions to explore.

EVOO and the skin’s natural repair process

Some early laboratory research has explored how olive oil polyphenols (naturally occurring compounds found in extra virgin olive oil) may interact with processes involved in skin repair. For example, studies have looked at how these compounds relate to fibroblasts - cells that help maintain the structure of the skin.

However, this research is still at an early stage. Laboratory studies can help researchers understand how individual compounds behave, but they don’t provide the same evidence as studies carried out on people using olive oil as part of a skincare routine.

For now, this is best viewed as an interesting area of research rather than evidence that EVOO can treat skin conditions or support healing.

How EVOO helps moisturise and soften the skin

Extra virgin olive oil has a long history of use as a skin and hair oil, particularly across Mediterranean communities. Today, it remains a popular ingredient in traditional skincare routines because of its rich texture and ability to help skin feel soft and smooth.

Like other oils, EVOO can form a light layer on the skin’s surface, which may help reduce moisture loss and leave skin feeling more comfortable. While research into some of olive oil’s other potential uses is still developing, this simple moisturising role is one of the longest-standing ways people have used EVOO in personal care.

Why high-polyphenol EVOO is attracting interest in skincare

Extra virgin olive oil has been valued for generations as both a food and a traditional skincare ingredient. Part of the reason researchers continue to explore EVOO is its naturally occurring compounds, including polyphenols, tocopherols and squalene.

MasWorth Extra Virgin Olive oil and November Polyphenols Olive Oil are high-polyphenol EVOOs, carefully produced to preserve these naturally occurring components. A lot of customers who prefer a simple approach to skincare, use high polyphenol olive oil as a pure, single ingredient with no added fragrance, colour or preservatives can be an appealing choice.

You can read more on how polyphenol concentration is measured and why it varies between oils in our guide to choosing high polyphenol olive oil.

How to use MasWorth EVOO in your skincare routine

If you’re new to using olive oil on your skin, start with a small amount and patch test first. Everyone’s skin is different, so it’s always best to speak with a dermatologist.

Patch test and precautions

Before using EVOO as part of your skincare routine, try a small amount on a discreet area of skin, such as behind the ear or on the inner forearm, and wait 24 hours to see how your skin responds.

Everyone’s skin is different. While some people enjoy using oils as part of their routine, others may find richer oils don’t suit their skin - particularly if they are prone to breakouts or irritation. If you have sensitive skin, an existing skin condition, or use prescription skincare products, it’s always worth speaking with a dermatologist before introducing something new.

It’s also best to avoid applying EVOO to freshly shaved or already irritated skin.

To keep your oil at its best, store it somewhere cool and dark with the bottle properly sealed. Like olive oil used in cooking, freshness matters - and exposure to light, heat and air can affect its quality over time.

For more on how freshness affects olive oil quality and polyphenol levels, see our guide to olive oil shelf life.

How to use olive oil for healthy skin as part of your routine

• A simple moisturising ritual: After cleansing, apply a few drops of EVOO to your fingertips and gently press into slightly damp skin. A little goes a long way - the oil can help leave skin feeling soft and smooth while helping to reduce moisture loss from the skin’s surface.

• As the final step in your evening routine: Apply your usual serum or moisturiser first, then finish with a drop or two of EVOO. Used as the final step, the oil creates a light layer over the skin’s surface as part of your nighttime routine.

• For dry areas of the body: EVOO can also be used on areas that feel particularly dry, such as hands, elbows or other rough patches. Apply a small amount and massage gently into the skin.

• As a gentle make-up remover: A few drops of EVOO can be used to help remove make-up before cleansing. Apply gently, particularly around the eye area, then follow with your usual cleanser.

Olive oil and skin benefits - what does the research tell us?

Olive oil has been part of skincare traditions for generations, and modern research is helping us better understand the relationship between olive oil and skin benefits, as well as the natural compounds that make EVOO such an interesting ingredient to explore.

Some areas of research are particularly promising, while others show that the relationship between the two is more complex than a simple before-and-after story.

For us, that’s part of what makes EVOO so fascinating. It’s a wonderfully simple, versatile ingredient - one that has a place in Mediterranean kitchens and, for many people, in personal care routines too.

Through our Family Groves and November oils, we bring together generations of olive-growing tradition with the latest research exploring this remarkable ingredient - and our subscription service helps you keep a bottle of high-quality EVOO close at hand.

If you’d like to explore the research behind olive oil polyphenols more broadly, our guide to high-polyphenol olive oil health benefits and our article on olive oil and women’s health look at the wider science beyond skincare.

Scientific & Nutritional Information / Disclaimer

The information on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only and summarises published scientific research and general nutritional information relating to olive oil and olive polyphenols. It is not intended as medical, nutritional or dietary advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from your doctor, registered dietitian or other qualified healthcare professional.

Scientific studies reflect the findings of their respective authors and should not be interpreted as evidence that the same results will occur for every individual or from the consumption of any particular product.

Any health claims made in relation to our products are limited to those expressly authorised under applicable UK and EU nutrition and health claims legislation.