Olive oil (often listed as Olea europaea fruit oil) is added to balms and creams mainly for its emollient properties, meaning it helps soften and smooth skin, and it contains antioxidants like vitamin E. It's generally well tolerated, though some research suggests it can weaken the skin barrier with heavy, prolonged use on already compromised skin, so it isn't universally recommended for every skin type or condition.
What Olive Oil Does in a Formula
Olive oil is primarily an emollient, meaning it helps fill gaps between skin cells and gives a smoother, softer feel. It also contains natural antioxidants, including compounds related to vitamin E, and fatty acids like oleic acid.
What Research Shows
Olive oil has a long history of cosmetic and even medicinal use, and many people tolerate it well as a moisturizing ingredient. However, some studies have raised questions about whether olive oil, when used heavily and repeatedly, particularly on already-compromised skin such as in infants or people with eczema, may actually worsen skin barrier function in certain contexts. This is a more nuanced picture than "olive oil is always good for skin," and it's an area where more research would help clarify who benefits and who should be cautious.
Who Should Be Cautious
- Infants, where some pediatric guidance now advises against regular olive oil massage due to barrier concerns.
- People with significantly compromised skin barriers, such as active eczema flares, who may want to check with a dermatologist before using oil-heavy products.
- Anyone with a known sensitivity to olive oil specifically, though this appears to be uncommon.
Olive Oil in a Blended Formula
In a product that combines several ingredients, such as tallow, olive oil, honey, and calendula, olive oil is typically present in smaller amounts alongside the primary fat, contributing to overall texture and feel rather than acting as the main active ingredient. This is different from applying pure olive oil directly and repeatedly to already-irritated skin, which is where most of the caution in the research applies.
In Our Cream
Our Whipped Beef Tallow for Skin Grass Fed by Natural Skin Tallow contains olive fruit oil alongside beef tallow, manuka honey, pot marigold (calendula) extract, and tocopherol (vitamin E). See our complete guide to beef tallow for skin for the rest of the formula and who it suits.
FAQ
Is olive oil good for all skin types?
It's generally well tolerated as an emollient, but some research suggests caution with heavy, repeated use on very compromised skin, such as in infants or during active eczema flares.
Why do brands add olive oil to balms?
Mainly for its emollient, smoothing properties, and because it contains natural antioxidants.
Can olive oil clog pores?
It's generally considered less likely to clog pores than some other oils, though individual skin reactions vary, and it may not suit very oily or acne-prone skin.
You can see the full ingredient list on the product page for our whipped cream.