Olive Oil in Skincare: The Good and the Not-So-Good

Benefits of Olive Oil in Skincare: 2026 Guide

Olive oil has been used on skin for thousands of years. It's simple and easy to find. But is it the best choice for everything? Here's an honest look.

The Good

  • It's gentle. Most people do well with olive oil.
  • It softens skin. It has natural fats that help skin feel smooth.
  • It's great in soap. Olive oil makes a mild bar. Some of our men's soaps, like Tobacco Caramel, include it.

The Not-So-Good

  • It can feel heavy. Straight olive oil on your face may feel greasy.
  • It's not for every face. Some people with oily or breakout-prone skin find it too rich.
  • It makes a soft bar on its own. A soap made with only olive oil can get mushy in the shower.

Why We Lean on Shea Butter

For our soap, shea butter is our star. Every bar we make has shea butter, coconut milk and kaolin clay. Shea butter helps skin hold on to moisture and makes a firm, creamy bar that lasts.

Should You Use Olive Oil?

If you like it and your skin likes it, go for it! Just know it's one good ingredient among many. The whole recipe matters more than any one oil.

Our Tip

Don't put kitchen olive oil on your face before going out in the sun. Wear sunscreen, especially in a sunny place like Arizona.

Curious how olive oil soap compares to ours? Read Olive Oil Soap vs. Shea Butter Soap.

A little about us: I'm Gracie, a third-generation soap maker. My grandmother started our family's soap making, and I'm proud to carry it on. We're a small, faith-centered family business in Waddell, Arizona, and we make everything by hand in small batches.

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