What it is
Olive Oil is an oil obtained from the fruits of Olea Europea (Olive) tree.
What it does
Olive Oil is high in fatty acids (oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids). Because of this, it has moisturizing properties and is a good treatment for dry skin.
Olive oil also has antioxidants properties: the oil is rich in polyphenols, a group of chemicals found in plants that help fight free radicals.
This oil can also be used to clean skin and remove makeup. Because it cleanses and moisturizes skin it is one of the most used oils in the OCM (oil cleansing method), a method to clean skin with natural oils.
Olive Oil has mild sunscreen properties. It can protect from some, but not all UVB rays, so you shouldn’t rely on it alone for sun protection but use a broads spectrum sunscreen as well.
In addition, it also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Side effects
Olive Oil is a very mild irritant but it can cause contact allergy in some people.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanq for this information! Very useful.
.-= Anastacia (MyMakeUpMania)´s last blog ..Go Ah Ra Make-Up Look =-.
You’re welcome Anastacia
Sometimes I feel like its a little too thick for my skin. I heard it can clog your pores too, but I’m not sure. Have you heard about that Gio?
.-= Dee´s last blog ..Lunasol Fall 2009 Collection =-.
Sorry for my late reply, Dee. Olive Oil is a bit thick but has very low comedogenic potential, so it is unlikely that it will clog pores for most people.
I recently purchased argan oil. I was very excited to try it on my face as a moisturizer. After one week of use I broke out. My face was full of little red bumps. I stopped using it and returned to my less expensive oil–olive oil which has worked great so far.
Carol garcey, I think Argan Oil is a wonderful ingredient for those that can tolerate it but, unlike olive oil it is also very comedogenic and can cause breakouts, especially if your skin is already prone to them or just oily. I’m sorry to hear that happened to you. In that case, olive oil is a much better alternative.