Olive Oil
Olive oil: what a large meta-analysis shows for heart disease and diabetes as a food, and why a small trial found olive oil damaged the adult skin barrier, so it is not a proven moisturizer.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
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Overview and identity
Olive oil is a fixed oil from olives and a food. As a food it has large observational evidence; as a skin product the evidence is different and less favorable. This page keeps the two apart.As a food
A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis (36 studies; 27 in meta-analyses, mostly prospective cohorts plus one randomized trial) found that each additional 25 g per day of olive oil was associated with a 16% lower relative risk of cardiovascular disease, a 22% lower risk of type 2 diabetes and 11% lower all-cause mortality, with no association with cancer risk. Most data were from observational studies, so this is association, not proof, and heterogeneity was present for several outcomes. [1]On skin
Olive oil is widely used on skin, including infants. In a small randomized forearm study of 19 adult volunteers, olive oil applied twice daily for 4 weeks significantly reduced stratum corneum (outer skin layer) integrity and caused mild redness, in people with and without atopic dermatitis, while sunflower seed oil preserved integrity and improved hydration. The authors concluded olive oil use for dry skin and infant massage should be discouraged. [2] This is one small mechanistic study in adults, so it does not prove harm in everyone, but it is a reason not to assume that "natural oils" are good for skin barrier care.Safety
We found no source we could read on olive oil allergy or interactions. Do not swallow oils sold for cosmetic use.Frequently asked questions
Is olive oil good for skin?
One small randomized study found it reduced skin barrier integrity in adults, and its authors discouraged it for dry skin and infant massage. [2]
Is olive oil good for your heart?
A large meta-analysis of mostly observational studies found lower cardiovascular risk with more olive oil. [1]
References
- Martinez-Gonzalez MA, et al. Effect of olive oil consumption on cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Nutr. 2022;41(12):2659-2682. PubMed 36343558.
- Danby SG, et al. Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier: implications for neonatal skin care. Pediatr Dermatol. 2013;30(1):42-50. PubMed 22995032. Nineteen adult volunteers.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.