Olive Oil Moisturizer Recipes for the Face and Body

Suzanne is a qualified beautician with experience as a freelance makeup artist.

Skin Care Secrets From the Mediterranean

Using olive oil in skin care is an absolute must for its moisturizing, healing and anti-aging properties, for starters! Used for centuries by Mediterranean women, it is a beauty secret that is coming full circle. By turning to the past, we can reap the full benefits that olive oil provides both in terms of skin and health.

Even if all you have is a bottle of good quality olive oil, I will show you that in fact that is all your skin needs. We have such a beneficial skin product at our fingertips; it makes sense to start using it in this way and not just as an ingredient in cooking. The savings this marvelous ingredient provides are immense—wait until you see just how many regular store-bought products may be substituted easily.

Many of us consider Extra Virgin Olive Oil (commonly referred to as EVOO) a staple in the kitchen cupboard, so we have had this wonder ingredient right under our noses all the time without realizing its skin care value.

1. Back to Basics Moisturizer Recipe

This is one super product that does not need any other ingredient in order to be an effective skin moisturizer if you fancy using it solo. Particularly beneficial for dry skins, this oil helps diminish fine lines and plumps out wrinkles, slowing down the ageing process.

Ingredients

• Virgin olive oil

Instructions

Just pour 1–3 drops of oil into the palms of your hand and pat into the skin. It’s as simple as that.

• Start with 1 or 2 drops; a little goes a long way, and it is easier to use a small quantity of oil rather than to overuse and waste it.
• I recommend trying it at nighttime to start with, applying it after a shower or bath or 30 mins before bedtime to allow it absorb into the skin.

What If I Have Oily Skin?

Oily skins tend to age slower as the skin is naturally secreting oil. If you tend to have oily or acne skin, you may still use olive oil as a moisturizer, but do not buy those with a high acidic content such as Greek oils.

2. Age-Busting Moisturizer Lotion

Ingredients

• 1 small cucumber, peeled and deseeded
• 2 tbsp virgin olive oil (organic if possible)
• 1 lime (juice only)

Instructions

1. Combine the ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass jar and screw on the lid tightly.
3. Use morning and night.
4. Store in the fridge and use within 3 days.

3. Infused Face and Body Moisturizer

Do not use flower petals that may have been sprayed with chemicals as they may end up in your moisturizer and be absorbed through the skin.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups flower petals
• 2 cups extra virgin olive oil
• 6 vitamin E capsules (400 IU)
• 2 glass jars with lids

Instructions

1. Put the flower petals into one of the glass jars.
2. Pierce the vitamin E capsules and pour over the petals.
3. Warm the olive oil and pour over the petals and vitamin E.
4. Stir gently, screw on lid and shake well to start infusing the ingredients.
5. Leave for at least two weeks on a shelf in a warm location, shaking daily.
6. Strain the petals and pour the infused oil into the other jar.
7. Use as a body oil after a shower or bath to lock in moisture. It may be used on any excessively dry areas of the skin, such as feet or elbows. You may also use it as a facial moisturizer, taking care around the eye area.

More Skin Care Products to Make With Olive Oil

• Skin Exfoliator – combine 4 tbsp granulated sugar with 3 tbsp of olive oil and use as a skin exfoliating scrub for face, body and feet. This combination is a winner for dry skin in need of smoothing by riding the skin of dead skin cells which promotes blood flow giving a fresh moisturized glow to the skin.
• Cuticle and Nail Cream - These often become brittle and dry through a variety of reasons including health, weather, diet and medication. For a quick and effective DIY repair treatment, soak hands in warm water before leaving them in warm olive oil for 5-10 mins.
• Cleanser – Suitable for all skin types (yes, even oily skins) this homemade cleanser recipe just requires two ingredients, EVOO and Castor oil with the ratio varying depending on skin type. This oil cleanser recipe is worth checking out.
• Eye Makeup Remover – Simple and effective just wipe over the eye area with a few drops of olive oil on a dampened piece of cotton wool (dampened cotton wool prevents dragging the delicate eye area). Use a cotton bud dipped in olive oil to remove hard core eyeliner or mascara.
• Shaving Cream – Yes even this is possible. Keeping the skin ultra smooth and moisturized this will also make it easier for the razor to glide smoothly, preventing nasty nicks.
• Hair Conditioner – For very dry or brittle hair warm ½ cup olive oil and apply all over the hair. Cover with a shower cap or saran wrap. Twist a towel around and leave for 30-45 mins. Rinse off and see your silky, shiny and healthy looking hair.
• Dandruff – Use a couple of drops of olive oil massaged into the scalp and then rinse off. You may combine with your favourite essential oil if you are not a fan of the smell.
• Bath Oil – Use alone or with your favourite natural oil for a soft supple skin.
• Massage Oil – May be combined with oils such as sweet almond or avocado to use as a deep muscle relaxing massage oil or used alone if you prefer.
• Body Butter – Warm olive oil combined with skin friendly shea butter gives a rich, nourishing ultra hydrating body cream.

Read More From Bellatory

How Much Should You Tip a Lash Tech?

Why Is Neck Skin Care Important?

How to Battle Dry Winter Skin

Benefits to the Skin From Olive Oil

• Vitamins A and E
• Rich in Antioxidants
• Eliminates Free Radicals
• Removes Blackheads
• Treats Dandruff
• Treats Stretch Marks
• Prevents Stretch Marks
• Dry Cuticles
• Speeds up Cellular Rejuvenation
• Heals Diaper Rash
• Heals Scars, Burns and Cuts
• Natural Moisturizer

Our Olive Trees in Puglia

When we purchased our property in Puglia, a southern region in Italy, we were not fully aware of the valuable olive trees that grew there. Learning about the olives and methods of harvesting was fascinating.

With our small number of trees we were told they would yield enough oil to keep us stocked up for a year, which was music to our ears. My immediate thought was “How amazing to use oil from our own olive trees; it doesn't get much better than this”.

In fact the Puglia region yields the highest levels of olive oil production in Italy. A fact that is easy to understand when all you can see is thousands of proud olive tree groves for miles and that they are given tremendous respect and tender loving care by Italians. In fact it is illegal to dig up one of these trees unless for re-planting purposes. No surprise when you consider the importance of food, traditions and customs of Italy.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Comments

Joanne on February 18, 2019:

Is the age busting moisture lotion for the face.

Lucy S on June 09, 2018:

Hi there! I'm so happy I found your blog.

I have a small bottle of baby oil and thought of adding a few drops of EVOO to it. Would that be a good idea? That way I can pack the bottle for travel etc.

Thanks

Manoj Kurian Jacob PhD on March 02, 2018:

Very fond of olive oil becoz of its fantastic fatty acid oleic acid which is really good for healthy skin and healthy diet too

marah on June 18, 2017:

hello suzie, can I use olive oil even im using water based moisturizer? but I have super oily and acne prone skin..I had used adapalene gel for the last 4 days.,is it okay to use olive oil?..because I want to use all natural now if it's okay?..

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on July 25, 2014:

Thanks mhima for the support and I hope you find it as versatile and useful as I do! Just use a small amount (literally a drop or two is plenty) If your hands are very dry, check out my hub on a fabulous treatment using avocado as the main ingredient . . . it works so well.

mhima on July 25, 2014:

Wonderful information! I love olive oil and have recently been wondering about using it for my dry hands. I am going to use some of your ideas here for using it as a moisturizer many thanks for sharing.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 27, 2013:

Hi Phyllis,

Delighted you enjoyed this and I appreciate your compliment on the writing, as a fairly new writer that is wonderful to hear. Hope you enjoy using this beneficial oil in a host of useful ways!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 27, 2013:

Hi Schoolmom,

Great to hear you are already a fan of this liquid gold! I find it so good for my no make-up days but a bit too heavy for under make-up. Coconut oil and jojoba I love too. In fact there are many oils I now love! LOL Thanks very much for your comments, lovely to hear your experience with olive oil.

Phyllis Doyle Burns from High desert of Nevada. on September 26, 2013:

Awesome! As usual, Suzie, this is yet another of your hubs I have bookmarked. Great hub and well-written. Thank you.

Schoolmom24 from Oregon on September 26, 2013:

I started using olive oil as a face moisturizer two yrs ago and though I'll occasionally use over the counter moisturizer touted for making us look younger, the majority of the time I use simple olive oil and I really like the benefits. Great job showing all the benefits of this simple, natural product!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on June 11, 2013:

Hi Thelma,

Welcome back to Europe! It must be the best of both worlds spending time at home and in your new adopted country. If you have some cucumber handy and aloe vera they make a great eye gel for tired dehydrated eyes after travelling, even a cucumber on it's own. Check out my new eye gel hub as it may be helpful for you right now from travelling my friend. Olive oil is a wonder product as you know so good you have some on hand. Cheers for checking in so quickly after landing! Love receiving your comments and support!!

Thelma Alberts from Germany on June 10, 2013:

Hi, Suzie! I have to come back. I just arrived yesterday in Germany and my skin is drying out due to the change of the weather. I´m still so tired from my long travel and don´t like to shop a body lotion. So I thought, why not drop by and see what I can find from your beauty hubs so I can make a beauty recipe right away. Thanks God, I still have a bottle of olive oil in my pantry. I´ll try this age busting moisturizer. Of course thanks to you too my dear friend;-) Take care.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on June 09, 2013:

Hi Vix, Coconut oil is a great product for skin for sure.

Vix on June 09, 2013:

Coconut oil is even better.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on June 09, 2013:

Hi younghopes,

Delighted you stopped by on this, I love olive oil and it is such a beneficial oil for skin, hair and health. Cheers for the votes, as always, much appreciated!

Shadaan Alam from India on June 09, 2013:

As always an awesome hub by you, yours is such a detailed hub, liked it voted up

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on May 17, 2013:

Hi livingsta,

Many thanks for dropping by, so appreciate your visits and comments! Thanks so much for votes up and sharing . . olive oil is such a great skin care ingredient, a must for us all!!

livingsta from United Kingdom on May 17, 2013:

Awesome information Suzie. Thank you for this. Now I know the many benefits of this oil. Thank you for sharing this with us. Voted up, useful, awesome and sharing.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on May 17, 2013:

Hi Kathryn,

Olive Oil is one of the top ingredients we all seem to have that is used in cosmetic recipes or even on it's own! I love it and the first time I went to put a few drops on my face did feel strange but it did feel good!! It is a heavier oil than others (Jojoba for example) and I find perfect for the no makeup day or for night time but not under makeup. Thanks for your comments and interest!

Kathryn from Windsor, Connecticut on May 16, 2013:

It's been nice to learn so much about olive oil. I always have it on hand!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on January 30, 2013:

Hi Thelma,

Remember now you do massage, how great! I do miss doing it regularly although my back probably wouldn't complain with the extra years since my last full top to toe body massage!! Glad you are a fan of olive oil and lavender oil is a favorite of mine too. Appreciate the comments and generous votes and shares Thelma..

Thelma Alberts from Germany on January 29, 2013:

Wow! Awesome! There´s a lot of information for me here. I love olive oil not only for the kitchen but also for my homemade cosmetics for facials, massages and hair treatment. I´m giving spa treatments at home in the Philippines as a hobby and I use olive oil mixed with essential oils like lavender. I believe the all round benefits of olive oil and I can´t stop promoting it to others. Thanks for sharing. Voted up and shared here and in FB.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on January 13, 2013:

Hi kittyfree,

Many thanks for checking this out! Great to hear you already are converted to wonderful olive oil in beauty! I have been using it as a face moisturizer and find it fabulicious!!! Cannot rave enough about my EVOO. Thanks again!

Kitty K. Free on January 12, 2013:

Great hub! I use olive oil for EVERYTHING! I love the way it makes my skin and hair feel. And love it for food. It's my wonder oil:)

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on December 22, 2012:

Hi Kris,

Many thanks for visiting and delighted to hear you are a fan of natural alternatives - me too! Looking at so many different products we buy but could make better and cheaper is an eye opener I am loving!!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on December 22, 2012:

Hi sg,

Thanks so much for your lovely comments. try warm olive oil for the hands it works great and good to do at night before bed. it is a wonder product for so many skin conditions never mind as an essential for cooking!

Many thanks for your votes and shares, much appreciated!!

Kris Heeter from Indiana on December 22, 2012:

I've been using almond oil mixed with a few drops of essential oils as a moisturizer but hadn't considered olive oil. I might have to try that at some point too! I love all natural alternatives like this.

Sheila Brown from Southern Oklahoma on December 22, 2012:

Wonderful information! I love olive oil and have recently been wondering about using it for my dry hands. I am going to use some of your ideas here for using it as a moisturizer. Voting up, useful and sharing! Have an awesome day! :)

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on December 14, 2012:

Hi Rachel,

Great to have you check this out! Another fan, great to hear!! It is so good it would even make a great pressie for someone with a list of beauty uses!! Appreciate your input my friend . . .CHEERS!

rmcleve on December 14, 2012:

Awesome! I love this. Every few weeks or so, I use olive oil to hydrate my skin. It can cause me to break out a bit, but it works so well overall that I don't mind!

Great hub, lady! :)

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on December 14, 2012:

Hi Vespa,

Wow, so cheap there for good olive oil. I know the thought of having our own is wonderful. Glad you are enjoying the ideas I am putting forward :-)

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on December 13, 2012:

I know what you mean about internet. We were off the grid for 24 hours! It felt like an eternity. About the olive oil--we buy direct for $2 a litre. How nice that yo'll be able to harvest your own. I'm so excited for you. What a dream! I think the shaving oil is a great idea, too. Love your ideas!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on December 13, 2012:

Hi Vespa,

Oh do make me jealous and tell me HOW cheap you can buy gorgeous olive oil then?? I cannot wait to be harvesting our own and getting them pressed locally. Maybe another use is for your hubby if he shaves, I believe it really makes it easier for blades for smooth shaving. Great to hear you are converted and keen to try a few more ideas! You will end up with your own beauty olive oil in the bathroom and one in the kitchen!! Delighted you enjoyed my friend, great to have you here as always!!! I have had no internet today, hence my delay replying!:-)

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on December 13, 2012:

We live in Southern Peru, right where olives are grown and olive oil is produces. We go right to the factory and get it for a bargain! I use it for everything. I've even tried the oil cleansing method, although I didn't stick to it. Maybe I should try it again. I also use olive oil to take off eye makeup and to condition my hair sometimes and smooth flyaways. You have me convinced to use it even more! I'll have to see if I can get rose petals that haven't been sprayed. I'd love to try the moisturizer. This is another great hub, Suzanne!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on December 07, 2012:

Hi Bill,

One for the boys hopefully! It is amazing how useful this "LIQUID GOLD" is. Yes, it is so great to have the olive trees already matured and yielding the oil producing olive variety. All the other types of fruit trees we want will have to be grown but I look forward to designing and planting our beauty supplies!!! Thanks so much for all your votes, shares etc .. . Have a great weekend my friend!

Bill De Giulio from Massachusetts on December 07, 2012:

Hi Suzie. Now we're taking about something I can relate to. Liquid gold. Never realized it had so many uses. Lucky you to have your own olive trees! Great job Suzie. Voting up, sharing everywhere, etc.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on December 07, 2012:

Hi Sharkye11,

Many thanks for your great comments, I love the smell too of good olive oil, hopefully you will give skin care a go witth it now. Appreciate you stopping by! :-)

Jayme Kinsey from Oklahoma on December 07, 2012:

Wonderful and useful hub. I love the smell of olive oil, so I wouldn't mind one bit using it in place of all my lotions and creams! Great information here...the exfoliating scrub sounds delightful!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on December 07, 2012:

Hi lemonkerdz,

Many thanks for your visit, lovely to see you! Appreciate your great comments, glad you enjoyed so much! It is such a versatile product and well worth getting an extra bottle when you go south just to have for skin care, bath or so much more! Thanks for your votes and share, have a great trip down south!! I am sooo jealous!

lemonkerdz from LIMA, PERU on December 07, 2012:

suzie HQ love the hub and very well set out. I love olive oil but have used it more for cooking than anything else. Love the many different uses you have put in the hub. I´m off to see some friends in southern peru wednesday where they produce Olive Oil, you have just reinded me to get hold of a few bottles and put it to good use. Voted up and shared