High in oleic acid (55-83%) which disrupts stratum corneum barrier integrity and increases TEWL. Oleic acid also feeds Malassezia yeast, worsening seborrheic dermatitis. Comedogenicity rating 2/5 but barrier disruption makes it problematic for eczema and seb derm.
The research
Olive Oil is a comedogenic oil backed by a moderate body of supporting evidence (evidence tier 2 of 4). We track 2 studies for it, 1 reporting a positive effect.
Journal of Clinical and Investigative Dermatology · 2015 · systematic review
Comprehensive review of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: implicates Malassezia yeasts, which hydrolyze sebaceous triglycerides into irritating free fatty acids such as oleic acid, in disease pathogenesis; relevant to oleic-acid-rich oils like olive oil as potential aggravators of Malassezia-driven dermatitis.
In 19 adult volunteers, topical olive oil applied for four weeks significantly reduced stratum corneum integrity and caused mild erythema in both atopic and non-atopic skin, damaging the skin barrier; the authors advise against using olive oil on dry or infant skin, whereas sunflower oil preserved the barrier.
Products with Olive Oil
In 449 products — most often moisturizers (122), serums (116), cleansers (94), from $3.00 to $460.00. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.
Dream Cream Hydrating Anti-Aging Night Cream for Sensitive Skin is a antioxidant serum by Onekind. Key ingredients include Coco-Caprylate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol.
Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil is a antioxidant serum by Youth To The People. Key ingredients include Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E, Olive Oil.
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour All-Over Miracle Oil 100ml is a skincare product by Elizabeth Arden. Key ingredients include Isopropyl Myristate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate.
Deep Cleansing Oil Facial Cleanser - 6.7 oz is a oil cleanser by DHC. Key ingredients include Olive Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol.