Olive oil on face overnight is not harmful for everyone. Cleveland Clinic says it is fine to leave it on, and that it can moisturize dry or sensitive skin. But dermatologists warn against it for oily or acne-prone skin and for eczema. Let it soak in first.
Last updated 3 October 2026. This article summarizes published guidance from Cleveland Clinic and one research study. It is not meant to stand in for a conversation with your doctor.
Is it OK to leave olive oil on your face overnight?
Cleveland Clinic says yes, it is fine to leave olive oil on your skin overnight. It adds a practical tip: give the oil time to absorb before bed, or you may end up with oil-stained sheets.
A Cleveland Clinic dermatologist says olive oil can be a great moisturizer for dry or sensitive skin. She says skin should feel smooth, not tacky, after you apply it. Our page on olive oil for skin covers the basics.
Who should skip olive oil on the face?
Cleveland Clinic’s dermatologist says any facial oil may clog pores and cause pimples. She advises against olive oil on your face or other acne-prone areas if your skin is already oily.
Its page on face oils says oily skin contributes to seborrheic dermatitis, so it is best to avoid face oils. It also says people with rosacea have an altered skin barrier and should be mindful about face oils.
Is olive oil on face overnight safe for eczema?
Cleveland Clinic’s eczema guidance lists olive oil among things dermatologists suggest skipping. It says research suggests olive oil may reduce skin barrier function or even cause a fungal rash.
Instead, that page names options such as sunflower seed oil, coconut oil and petroleum jelly for eczema. If you have eczema, talk to a provider before trying any oil.
Can olive oil make dark spots worse?
Cleveland Clinic’s dermatologist says olive oil is less reflective, so it lets ultraviolet (UV) rays reach the skin. She says that can make dark spots look even darker.
She also warns that skipping sunscreen after using olive oil leaves skin primed for sunburn and skin cancer. If you use oil at night, still protect your skin from the sun in the morning.
What does research say about olive oil on skin?
Cleveland Clinic says that applied to a wound, olive oil acts as a second skin barrier and aids healing, and that it has antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. That passage is about wounds, not facial overnight use.
A 2025 trial enrolled 54 healthy adults and tested extra virgin olive oil against petrolatum. Both improved skin barrier measures such as hydration, but only petrolatum reduced water loss. The authors say the design measured effects at only one point, 60 minutes after use, so it cannot show what regular or long-term use does. In short, there is little evidence on olive oil on face overnight specifically. Try our other pages, such as face oil for dry skin, for alternatives.
What are safer ways to try olive oil overnight?
- Use a little. Cleveland Clinic says to put olive oil on damp skin after a shower, and to let it absorb.
- Skip it if your skin is oily. See our page on jojoba oil and acne for a lighter option, with its own cautions.
- Look at the rest of your routine. If skin stays dry even with moisturizer, read why skin can stay dry even when you moisturize.
- Try a small patch first. Cleveland Clinic’s face-oil advice is to watch for reactions or irritation. A small patch first is our own sensible suggestion.
When to see a doctor
Before you leave olive oil on your face overnight again, check how your skin reacted.
Cleveland Clinic advises talking to a dermatologist before adding anything new if you have any skin issues. For eczema, it says not to let a flare linger while you keep trying do-it-yourself treatments. Seek care if the skin becomes red, itchy, swollen or breaks out after using oil. Stop using it if that happens.
Frequently asked questions
Does olive oil clog pores?
It may. Cleveland Clinic’s dermatologist says any facial oil may clog pores and cause pimples. She advises not using olive oil on your face or other acne-prone areas if your skin is already oily. The AAD says to look for products labeled non-comedogenic, meaning they should not clog pores.
How long should olive oil stay on your face?
Cleveland Clinic says leaving it overnight is fine, as long as you give it time to soak in so your sheets do not get stained. It does not give a set number of minutes. If your skin feels tacky or greasy after application, you may have used too much.
Is olive oil better than petroleum jelly for the skin barrier?
Not clearly. In a 2025 trial of 54 healthy adults, both extra virgin olive oil and petrolatum improved barrier measures such as hydration, but only petrolatum reduced water loss. The study checked skin only once, an hour after application, so it cannot show long-term effects. Cleveland Clinic’s eczema page lists petroleum jelly as a workhorse moisturizer.
Can olive oil replace sunscreen?
No. Cleveland Clinic’s dermatologist says olive oil lets UV rays through, and that using it without sunscreen primes skin for sunburn and skin cancer. If you use oil on your face, add sunscreen when you go out during the day.
Sources (all checked 3 October 2026)
- Cleveland Clinic, How Olive Oil Benefits Your Skin, updated 6 May 2025.
- Cleveland Clinic, Are Face Oils Good for Your Skin?, 25 August 2022.
- Cleveland Clinic, Stop the Itch: Home Remedies To Help Manage Eczema, 9 February 2024.
- Journal of Clinical Medicine, Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Petrolatum on Skin Barrier Function, 2 July 2025.
- American Academy of Dermatology, 10 skin care habits that can worsen acne, page date not shown when fetched.
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.