Olive oil can soften dry skin, according to Cleveland Clinic. The picture is mixed, though. It says people with oily skin should not put it on the face, and a published review links olive oil to a weaker skin barrier.
Last updated 3 October 2026. This article summarizes guidance from Cleveland Clinic, the American Academy of Dermatology and a published research review. Your own doctor’s advice always comes first.
Is olive oil good for your skin if it is dry?
Cleveland Clinic says olive oil helps seal in moisture and soften dry skin. It adds that this may be most useful during winter months. That is the best case the page makes for it.
Cleveland Clinic also says polyphenols in olive oil help the skin make collagen, and that its antioxidants work against damage from free radicals. Treat these as the page’s claims about the oil’s ingredients. They do not mean an oil will remove wrinkles.
What does research say about olive oil and the skin barrier?
A 2017 review of plant oils in the journal International Journal of Molecular Sciences looked at how oils affect the skin barrier. It reports that olive oil put on the skin has a harmful effect on the outer skin layer and on barrier function. It also notes that olive oil can increase water loss through the skin.
The review drew on studies in human skin, animal models (mainly mice) and cell studies. For olive oil it cites a human forearm study that showed increased water loss, and mouse experiments with similar results. So the safest reading is that olive oil is not a clear win, especially for fragile or eczema-prone skin.
If your skin stays dry even with moisturizer, our guide on why skin stays dry even when you moisturize covers other causes.
Is olive oil good for your skin if it is oily or acne-prone?
Cleveland Clinic is direct here. It says any facial oil may cause clogged pores and pimples. It advises against olive oil on the face if your skin is already oily.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) tells people with oily skin to pick products labeled “oil free” and “noncomedogenic.” Pure olive oil is neither.
Can olive oil make dark spots or sunburn worse?
Cleveland Clinic raises two cautions.
- Because olive oil is less reflective, it lets ultraviolet (UV) rays reach the skin, and Cleveland Clinic says that could darken dark spots.
- The oil has no sun protection factor (SPF), so using it without sunscreen could prime skin for sunburn and skin cancer, the page warns.
Wear sunscreen in the daytime, whatever else you use.
How is olive oil usually applied?
Cleveland Clinic suggests applying a small amount to damp skin after a shower. It says to give it a few minutes to absorb before moving on or turning in. It also says it is fine to leave on overnight once absorbed. Our page on olive oil on the face overnight looks at that habit.
Cleveland Clinic’s page does not discuss eczema or patch testing. If you have a skin condition, ask a doctor before trying a new oil. Our overview of face oils for dry skin and the page on coconut oil for skin cover other choices.
What do dermatologists suggest instead for dry skin?
For dry skin, the AAD says to reach for a cream or ointment before a lotion. It names petrolatum, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil and shea butter as helpful ingredients. It also advises applying moisturizer right after washing, while the skin is still damp.
When to see a doctor
The AAD says dry skin that does not improve with home care may signal a condition such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or kidney disease. See a doctor or dermatologist if dryness persists. Stop using olive oil, and ask a doctor if you notice new pimples, redness or itching after using it.
Frequently asked questions
Is olive oil good for your skin every day?
The sources we checked do not give a daily schedule. Cleveland Clinic suggests using only a small amount on damp skin and letting it absorb. The research review points to possible harm to the skin barrier. If you want to try it, start on a small area of body skin and stop if your skin reacts.
Is olive oil safe for eczema?
The Cleveland Clinic page on olive oil does not discuss eczema. The 2017 review links olive oil to a weaker skin barrier, which matters because eczema skin already has a fragile barrier. Ask your doctor which moisturizer fits your eczema. Do not replace prescribed treatment with an oil.
Does olive oil work as sunscreen?
No. Cleveland Clinic says olive oil has no SPF and does not protect the way sunscreen does. The AAD’s pick is a sunscreen labeled broad-spectrum and water-resistant, at SPF 30 or above. Wear it on every day you are outside, whether or not you use an oil.
Is it okay to put olive oil on my face?
Not if your skin is already oily, says Cleveland Clinic, because facial oils can clog pores. For a dry face, the AAD’s general advice on dry skin is a fragrance-free cream or ointment put on while the skin is still damp. Ask a dermatologist if you are unsure.
Sources (all checked 3 October 2026)
- Cleveland Clinic, How Olive Oil Benefits Your Skin, updated 6 May 2025.
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils, 2017.
- American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin, updated 2 January 2026.
- American Academy of Dermatology, How to control oily skin, updated 3 September 2024.
Written by the Dry Skin Tips editorial team. We do not claim medical review of this article. If you have a skin concern, see a qualified health professional.