Olive Oil

Introduction

What is olive oil?

Olive oil is extracted from the fruits of the olive tree Olea europaea (R). It is composed of mainly fatty acids and other minor components, including many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds such as phenols (R, R). As a result, it is widely used to promote skin health globally (R, R).

Does olive oil get absorbed?

Topical olive oil acts as a penetration enhancer (R, R), and does so better than other natural oils such as coconut oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil, crocodile oil and emu oil (R).

Efficacy

Outcome	Grade	Effect	Evidence	Studies
Stretch Marks	C	⇩ Potential	★★ Some	4 studies 426 participants
Skin Hydration	E	– No Effect	★★ Some	1 study 12 participants
Skin pH	E	– No Effect	★★ Some	1 study 12 participants

Side Effects

Outcome			Effect		Frequency			Studies
Skin Thickness			⇩ Decrease		—			1 study
Skin Barrier Function			⇩ Decrease		—			1 study

Latest Research

What is olive oil?

Does olive oil get absorbed?

Effects of Olive Oil on Striae Gravidarum in Primiparous Women: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study (2022)

The effect of olive oil and the Saj® cream in prevention of striae gravidarum: A randomized controlled clinical trial (2014)

Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier: implications for neonatal skin care (2013)

The effect of olive oil on prevention of striae gravidarum: a randomized controlled clinical trial (2012)

Effects of olive oil on striae gravidarum in the second trimester of pregnancy (2011)