The Skin-loving Power of Olive Oil - Bee Bliss Bath and Body

The Skin-loving Power of Olive Oil

For centuries olive oil has been a staple in traditional skin care and modern science is catching up. In this post, I’ll explain what makes olive oil so good for the skin, summarize the most compelling research, give practical tips for use, and highlight Bee Bliss products that include olive oil so you can try it yourself.

What olive oil brings to skin care

Olive oil, especially extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (chiefly oleic acid), vitamin E (tocopherols), squalene, and polyphenols such as hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein. These components work together to:

* Moisturize & support the skin barrier. The fatty acids help lock in moisture and keep skin feeling soft and supple. ACS Publications+1

* Provide antioxidant protection. Olive polyphenols scavenge free radicals that accelerate aging and damage. Hydroxytyrosol and other phenolics are often singled out for their antioxidant potency. PMC+1

* Reduce inflammation and help tissue repair. Several studies show topical olive derivatives can reduce inflammation and support wound-healing processes in skin cells and animal models. PubMed+1

What the research says...

* A body of reviews and lab studies shows that olive oil’s polyphenols (like hydroxytyrosol) and fatty acids have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative effects on skin cells. This supports its use for aging, wound healing, and protection from oxidative stress. PMC+1

* Comparative work on topical oils finds EVOO to be an effective moisturizer and source of bioactive compounds; recent clinical research is actively exploring how EVOO performs vs standard barrier aids.  ACS Publications+1

* Animal and in-vitro wound-healing studies report that hydroxytyrosol (from olive) can stimulate fibroblast activity and improve healing metrics, a clue to how olive oil helps skin repair. PubMed+1

Bee Bliss products that include extra virgin olive oil...

* Cedar & Vetiver Serenity Artisan Soap- a handcrafted bar that blends olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter for a creamy lather and nourishing cleanse.

* Eucalyptus Coffee Scrub Soap- an invigorating exfoliating bar made with shea butter, coconut oil, and olive oil to leave skin soft after exfoliation.

* Calendula Garden Calm Artisan Soap- a gentle, moisturizing daily soap made with a rich base of shea butter, coconut oil and olive oil, topped with dried calendula.

* Bee Bliss Honey & Beeswax Soap (Unscented) — a soothing, hydrating bar that uses extra-virgin olive oil alongside honey and beeswax for sensitive skin types.

Practical tips & cautions

* Patch test first. Most adults tolerate olive oil well, but everyone’s skin is different, test on a small area first.

* Choose the right product/formulation. EVOO-rich formulations tend to provide more antioxidants. In cleansers and soaps, the overall formula (other oils, humectants, pH) affects results. ACS Publications

Not ideal for everyone as a straight oil on the face. For some oily or acne-prone skin types, straight olive oil may feel heavy or can clog pores; blended formulations (or soaps/care products where olive is balanced with other ingredients) are often a better fit. PMC

Bottom line

Olive oil is a time-tested, science-supported ingredient for moisturizing, antioxidant protection, and supporting skin repair. At Bee Bliss, we use it in soaps and formulations because it enhances lather, locks in moisture, and brings beneficial polyphenols to the skin. If you’re curious to experience it, try one of our olive-oil-based artisan soaps (linked above), or our moisturizers and lip balms that include olive oil as an ingredient.

Sources

1. Gorzynik-Debicka M. Potential Health Benefits of Olive Oil and Plant Polyphenols. (review) PMC. 2018. PMC

2. Lin TK et al. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Plant Oils. 2017. (review of topical plant oils including olive oil). PMC. PMC

3. González-Acedo A. The benefits of olive oil for skin health: effects of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and oleocanthal on human fibroblasts. 2023. (in-vitro study on phenolics and fibroblast activity). PMC. PMC

4. Duarte MS et al. Hydroxytyrosol improves skin wound healing under diabetic conditions. 2024. (animal model wound-healing evidence). PubMed. PubMed

5. Abdalla S. A Comprehensive Review of Plant-Based Cosmetic Oils. ACS Omega. 2024. (modern review covering EVOO’s anti-inflammatory and anti-aging potential). ACS Publications

 

 

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