Top 12 Health Benefits of Olive Oil for Skin and Hair

Olive oil, especially Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), is widely used in healthy diets for its nutrient-rich profile. Many studies suggest that its components may support cardiovascular health, metabolic function, and offer benefits for skin and hair [1],[2]. The main fatty acid, oleic acid, a type of monounsaturated fat, is associated with anti-inflammatory effects and may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels [3].

Benefits of Olive Oil for Skin

In India, olive oil has been used for centuries in the kitchen, but it’s also widely praised for its benefits on the skin. Here are some key benefits:

1. Moisturizing Benefits: Olive oil is a highly effective emollient, helping to hydrate and soften the skin without causing irritation.
2. Antioxidant Properties: By protecting your skin from free radicals, the polyphenols in olive oil help maintain a youthful and vibrant complexion.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe irritated skin, reducing redness and swelling.
4. Natural Makeup Remover: It can effectively remove makeup while moisturizing your skin, offering a gentle and nourishing alternative.
5. Supports Skin Elasticity: Regular application may help maintain the suppleness of your skin, contributing to a more youthful appearance.
6. Note on Sun Protection: Olive oil contains antioxidants that may offer minimal protection against UV damage, but it is not a substitute for broad-spectrum sunscreen. Always use a dedicated, high-SPF sunscreen.

Benefits of Olive Oil for Hair

Olive oil also offers significant hair benefits. Some of them are as follows:

• Moisturizes and Conditions: It’s packed with fatty acids and antioxidants that nourish and condition dry, brittle hair. This makes your hair soft, smooth, and more manageable.
• Adds Shine and Lustre: Olive oil smoothens the hair cuticle, giving your hair a glossy sheen while reducing frizz and flyaways.
• Reduces Dryness and Itchy Scalp: Olive oil’s potential antibacterial and anti-fungal properties may help soothe the scalp, reducing itchiness and fighting dandruff [12].
• Repairs Damaged Hair: The vitamins A and E present in olive oil can help repair damage caused by heat styling, chemicals, and environmental factors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is olive oil good for you?

Absolutely, Olive oil is packed with health benefits, including boosting heart health, helping maintain good cholesterol, and providing powerful antioxidant properties.

When is the best time to consume olive oil daily?

There is no single best time. Some individuals prefer taking 1 tablespoon in the morning for metabolic and digestive benefits, while others incorporate it into meals throughout the day, which is an equally effective way to gain its health benefits.

Does olive oil cleanse the liver?

Olive oil supports general liver function through its antioxidant activity, but it does not “cleanse” or “detoxify” the liver in the commonly advertised sense. There is no scientific evidence to support olive oil “detox” diets for liver cleansing.

References

[1] Martínez-González, M. A., Sayón-Orea, C., Bullón-Vela, V., Bes-Rastrollo, M., Rodríguez-Artalejo, F., Yusta-Boyo, M. J., & García-Solano, M. (2022). Effect of olive oil consumption on cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland), 41(12), 2659–2682. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2022.10.001

[2] Guasch-Ferré, M., Li, Y., Willett, W. C., Sun, Q., Sampson, L., Salas-Salvadó, J., Martínez-González, M. A., Stampfer, M. J., & Hu, F. B. (2022). Consumption of olive oil and risk of total and cause-specific mortality among U.S. adults. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 79(2), 101–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2021.10.041

[3] Sarapis, K., George, E. S., Marx, W., Mayr, H. L., Willcox, J., Powell, K. L., Folasire, O. S., Lohning, A. E., Prendergast, L. A., Itsiopoulos, C., Thomas, C. J., & Moschonis, G. (2022). Extra virgin olive oil improves HDL lipid fraction but not HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity: A double-blind, randomised, controlled, cross-over study (OLIVAUS). British Journal of Nutrition, 130(4), 641–650. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0007114522003634

[4] Alarcón-De-La-Lastra, C. (2022). Olive oil antioxidants. Antioxidants, 11(5), 996. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11050996

[5] Ussia, S., Ritorto, G., Mollace, R., Serra, M., Tavernese, A., Altomare, C., Muscoli, C., Fini, M., Barillà, F., Indolfi, C., Perrone Filardi, P., Mollace, V., & Macrì, R. (2025). Exploring the benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on cardiovascular health enhancement and disease prevention: A systematic review. Nutrients, 17(11), 1843. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17111843

[6] Munteanu, C., Kotova, P., & Schwartz, B. (2025). Impact of olive oil components on the expression of genes related to type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nutrients, 17(3), 570. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu1703057

[7] Faienza, M. F., Giardinelli, S., Annicchiarico, A., Chiarito, M., Barile, B., Corbo, F., & Brunetti, G. (2024). Nutraceuticals and functional foods: A comprehensive review of their role in bone health. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(11), 5873. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25115873

[8] Nunes, A., Marto, J., Gonçalves, L., Martins, A. M., Fraga, C., & Ribeiro, H. M. (2022). Potential therapeutic of olive oil industry by‐products in skin health: A review. International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 57(1), 173–187. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijfs.15384

[9] Gonçalves, M., Vale, N., & Silva, P. (2024). Neuroprotective effects of Olive oil: A comprehensive review of antioxidant properties. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 13(7), 762. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13070762

[10] Flynn, M. M., Tierney, A., & Itsiopoulos, C. (2023). Is extra virgin olive oil the critical ingredient driving the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet? A narrative review. Nutrients, 15(13), 2916. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15132916

[11] Katsas, S., Karadimitriou, E., Chorianopoulos, N., Kanellaki, M., & Nychas, G. J. E. (2018). Antimicrobial activity of olive oil and its components against Helicobacter pylori. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 66(47), 12518–12524. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.8b04516

[12] Satriani, A. R., & Lestari, S. (2023). Effectiveness of olive oil combination with tea tree oil on dandruff. International Journal of Health Sciences, 7(1), 1475-1481. https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v7n1.14486