Olive oil soap benefits can have a major impact on your life when used regularly, giving you healthier skin, a glowing complexion, and much more.
Olive Oil Soap
Since ancient Greece, people have used olive oil, the fatty liquid extracted from olives, as a kind of body wash or shampoo. Castile soap is a popular kind of soap that is derived from olive oil, which has been manufactured in the Mediterranean for centuries. Marseilles soap is a hard bar of vegetable oil soap traditionally made in France that heavily incorporates olive oil. Aleppo and Nabulsi soaps are also regional versions of castile made in the Middle East. In the United States, castile soap has seen a resurgence of popularity due to Dr. Bronner’s brand, which markets liquid olive oil soap benefits to health-conscious consumers. [1]
Olive oil soap is considered to be one of the best treatments for dry skin. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Olive Oil Soap Benefits
Let us look at the most important benefits of using olive oil soap.
Hypoallergenic
Olive oil soap is hypoallergenic, and therefore much less likely to cause allergic reactions or irritate sensitive skin. Commercial soap often contains ingredients like sodium laurel sulfate, which is a potential toxin and known irritant. Olive oil soap sold in stores will often contain only natural ingredients. Olive oil is also so mild that it’s an approved ingredient for use on baby skin by pediatricians. [2]
Super Moisturizing
Unlike commercial soaps, which can dry out skin with high pH levels and oil-stripping formulas, olive oil soap preserves your skin sebum. Sebum is the very thin layer of natural oils that help your skin stay moisturized, and helps prevent bacterial infections. Research published in the Journal of Chemical Education, by Walter C. Preston, suggests that while olive oil does not lather as heavily as other soaps, it does improve moisture absorption in the skin. Many people go overboard with harsh products designed to pull all the oil from your pores and skin, which can leave your skin dry and unprotected. Olive oil soap keeps your skin’s natural oils in balance while cleaning away any dirt and grime. [3] [4]
Rich in Antioxidants
Historically, women have used olive oil on their skin for millennia because it really does work to help keep skin looking youthful and elastic. Part of that is its ability to retain the skin’s natural oils. However, olive oil soap also contains hefty doses of vitamin E and A, which are powerful free radical fighters. Olive oil also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help balance skin tone and texture. [5]
Longer Use
Commercial beauty bars can seem like they entirely dissolve after only a few uses. Olive oil soap does not lather as much as commercial soap, so it lasts longer. Many people prefer olive oil soap because, not only does it have a long lifespan, but most olive oil soaps also come unscented, making it a less obtrusive choice for people with sensitivities to perfume. [6]
