Research-backed
Image: MomJunction Design Team
The benefits of olive oil for the skin have been well-recorded in beauty blogs and health guides. They’re an excellent source of long-lasting hydration and even help repair damaged skin tissues. If you’re wondering how to include this ingredient in your daily routine, the best olive oil soaps are an easy solution. You can start your day by revitalizing and strengthening your skin’s elasticity, protecting your sensitive skin, and cleansing it of traces of dirt and grime without it dehydrating your skin. You don’t have to take time out separately in your routine to add this natural element since you can reap most of its benefits in soap form.
Benefits Of Olive Oil
- Olive oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamins A, C, D, and E which help nourish the skin from within, thus revealing naturally radiant skin when used consistently.
- It also helps alleviate acne by de-clogging the pores and exfoliating the skin gently, thus sloughing away acne-causing bacteria and dirt.
- Rich in antioxidants, natural, unrefined virgin olive oil can help keep aging signs at bay, preventing the formation of wrinkles and fine lines on mature skin.
- Olive oil is one of the best ingredients to find in lotions, soaps, and serums as it packs moisture,revitalizes the skin and keeps it hydrated for long hours.
Dr. Safia Munawar, a GP and certified aesthetic physician, says, “Olive oil is one of the best natural oils with moisturizing properties. Therefore, those with dry, sensitive skin should incorporate olive oil soap into their beauty regimen. The best ones are traditional soaps free of nasty chemicals.”
Top Picks
11 Best Olive Oil Soaps
1. Best Cold-Processed: Dr. Squatch Gold Moss Natural Soap
Image: Dr.squatch If you’re looking for a natural olive oil soap crafted exclusively for men, this one from Dr. Squatch is worth checking out. Infused with olive oil and shea butter, it provides sustainable nourishment by naturally softening the skin and making you feel squeaky clean after a shower. This soap with natural ingredients is also rich in antioxidants that flights signs of aging and free radicals to keep the skin youthful. The mineral-rich sea salt helps exfoliate to get rid of dead skin cells while deeply cleansing your pores, offering visible results. It also helps add hardness to the soap so that it stays intact without melting away after several uses. Not sure if this is the right fit for you? Check out this video about a tester’s experience to understand how best to use this quality soap.
Pros
- Cold-processed
- Free of grit
- Sourced sustainably
- Foams up well
Cons
- Contains colorant
"From cleaning to moisturizing my skin, this soap has done it all. While smaller than expected, a small amount goes a long way, making the soap last long. It's also easy to grip, and the scent is charming."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 478 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
2. Best For Babies: Anatolia Daphne Traditional Handmade Olive Oil Soap
Get the goodness of olive oil in its purest form with this handmade olive oil soap that stands out for having no other additional ingredients. If you’re sensitive to essential and mineral oils, this sensitive skin olive oil soap is a safe choice as it contains safe ingredients, including olive oil, soap base, vegetable oil, and water. It not only cleanses but also nourishes your skin on a daily basis when you use it consistently. Each soap bar is cut by hand, ensuring no chemical treatment.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic olive oil soap
- Quality product made from raw organic materials
- Safe to use for babies
- Not tested on animals
- Free of parabens
- Free of sulfates
Cons
- Some may not like the natural scent of the soap.
"I noticed an improvement in my skin and hair texture within a few weeks of using this soap. Its natural ingredients are much appreciated, and the scent, though on the stronger end, keeps me refreshed throughout the day. Overall, it has been a reliable find."
Did you know?3. Best For Sensitive Skin: Marius Fabre Savon De Marseille Olive Oil Soap
One of the best olive oil bath soaps out there, this eco-friendly soap bar is made from 72% olive oil and is preferred by those who keep away from chemical ingredients. The gentle olive oil soap is free of additives, phosphates, added fragrance, or coloring. It’s a fusion of some of the simplest ingredients that are healthy for the skin. Virgin olive oil is a deeply moisturizing ingredient; thus, this moisturizing body wash with olive oil can also be used on your hair or for shaving. Its creamy lather, chemical-free formula, and nourishing ingredients are reason enough for anyone to give this organic olive oil soap a try.
Pros
- Gentle on skin
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Free of animal fats
- Free of petroleum products
Cons
- Some may find the scent undesirable.
"The absence of artificial coloring and fragrances has been a big plus for my sensitive skin. Its make is a bit slippery, but the soap has been ideal for washing away dead skin and keeping my hair and body clean."
Dr. Squatch Natural Soap Best Cold-Processed | Aleppo Handmade Soap Best For Acne-Prone Skin | Papoutsanis Olive Oil Soap Best Dermatologist-Tested | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Sensitive | Sensitive | - |
| Dimensions | 3 x 1 x 3 inches | 3.15 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches | - |
| Weight | 5 Ounces | 1.32 Pounds | 1.65 Pounds |
| Package Dimensions | - | - | 7.13 x 3.98 x 2.56 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 478 | 111 | 416 |
| Price | $19.23 | $12.99 | $9.88 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best For Acne-Prone Skin: Aleppo Handmade Soap
The Aleppo Handmade Soap is infused with 80% natural virgin olive oil that imparts impressive moisturizing properties along with 20% laurel oil. Each soap passes through the traditional process of curing and is hand-crafted with utmost care to retain the natural ingredients while keeping away from additives. The tried-and-tested soap is dried for 6 months after it cures, which gives it the signature green color on the inside and golden hue on the outside from the process of oxidation. Suitable for all skin types, this natural olive oil soap for acne-prone skin is worth a try if you’re on the lookout for a healthy soap for sensitive skin. Check out this simple video to understand the product and how it works.
Pros
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
- Soft and gentle formula
- Free of parabens
- Free of fillers
- Non-GMO
- Alcohol-free
Cons
- It may not lather much.
"The Aleppo soap caters to all my personal care needs without leaving my skin parched. It relieves me from skin irritations and rash breakouts while offering a mild, earthy scent. Overall, a good product."
5. Best Dermatologist-Tested: Papoutsanis Traditional Olive Oil Bar Soap
This natural soap from Papoutsanis is an ideal olive oil soap for face, body, and hair. Each soap is manufactured the traditional way and the soap cures for a while to form an intact shape and reach the right consistency before being packed. It contains high levels of olive oil that helps make the skin soft while preventing the chances of skin reactions. As it is free of chemical ingredients, this olive oil bath soap is well-suited for almost all skin types.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Dermatologist-tested
- Free of animal-origin ingredients
- Free of synthetic colors
Cons
- Some may not find it moisturizing enough
"This soap produces a rich lather and cleanses my skin without any sticky residue. I love its earthy scent, and the quantity is impressive. While it could benefit from some moisturizing properties, the lack of harmful additives has made it my everyday soap."
Quick tip6. Best For All Skin Types: Olivia Care Natural Verveine Natural Moisturizing Olive Oil Soap
Image: Olivia Care If your skin woes include dryness and scaliness, this natural olive oil soap bar with verbena can help you maintain your skin’s moisture levels. It is enriched with hydrating ingredients from olive oil, palm kernel oil to verbena that impart a buttery feel to the soap. While olive oil reduces the effects of oxidative stress that can cause dullness of the skin, verbena offers visible results by brightening the skin tone and treating puffiness of the skin. This non-irritating formula lathers well and can make your shower routine a lot more relaxed, healthy, and rejuvenating.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Free of parabens
- Alcohol-free
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Some may find the scent intense
"Having tried all versions of this soap, I can vouch for its creaminess and hydrating properties. However, some scents may be stronger than expected, so be mindful when picking one. Nevertheless, they have proven to be very long-lasting and gentle."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 344 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
7. Best For Reducing Rashes: Ancient Greek Remedy Handmade Soap
This pure olive oil soap blesses your skin with a host of benefits that come from olive oil, right from moisturizing your skin to reducing rashes, acne, itchiness, and minor skin discoloration. You can also use it for dry and patchy feet and hands to rid them of flakiness. What we love the most about this moisturizer soap is that it is not loaded with chemicals that can dry your skin. Since it is made from cold-processed olive oil, it retains all the powerful properties of the oil in its natural form.
Pros
- Unrefined
- Free of gluten
- Free of parabens
- Not tested on animals
- Includes coconut oil, lavender oil, and castor oil as key ingredients
Cons
- The soap may lose its shape after a while.
"This hydrating soap has significantly reduced my reliance on moisturizers and other creams. While it needs to be used sparingly in sensitive areas like the under eye, its natural ingredients have prevented any acne flare-ups. Additionally, I've found it suitable for use on my hair."
Quick tip8. Best For Cleansing Skin: Holy Land Original Soap
Image: Holy Land This set of 2 soaps with olive oil from the Holy Land is a holy grail for various skin conditions such as dryness, roughness, patchy, and pigmented skin. The Holy Land is one of the most popular brands of olive oil soaps. These soaps are manufactured in Nablus, Palestine, known for the traditional methods and natural formulation used for crafting pure and unadulterated cold process soaps. In addition to the premium olive oil, these soaps are also rich in salts to cleanse away impurities. If you’re looking for soaps in their purest forms, the Holy Land olive oil bar soaps will definitely not disappoint you.
Pros
- Free of preservatives
- Free of scents
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Has a high oil content
Cons
- May not lather well
"Even after using this soap for months, it amazes me how effective it is. It cleanses my skin and hair without stripping its natural moisture levels, and the fragrance is also subtle. Although a bigger bar size would have been nice, the soap has been a reliable addition to my bathing routine."
9. Best With All-Natural Ingredients: A La Maison Unscented Olive Oil Soap
Image: Ala Maison If you’re sensitive to intense fragrances that characterize most commercial soaps, this fragrance-free olive oil soap has your back. It is a blend of highly moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, argan oil, and olive oil that pack hydration while also smoothening and softening your skin. These tried-and-tested soaps are French milled, which is a traditional soap making process to transform the vegetable oils into glycerin-rich soaps that lather well. As this soap can be used for any part of the body, it also doubles as a facial and hand soap with olive oil that you can use on a daily basis.
Pros
- All-natural formula
- Free of SLS
- Smooth texture
- Free of parabens
- Free of phthalates
Cons
- May not be suitable for extremely oily skin
"The soap’s hypoallergenic formulation has offered a gentle yet thorough cleaning every time I have used it. The mild scent may be disappointing for some, but I like my soaps that way. Plus, its dense lather has allowed me to use it as a bathing and hand soap."
10. Best Fragrance-Free: Compagnie De Provence Olive Oil Soap
Image: Compagnie De Provence Made in Provence, this olive oil soap bar is enriched with 72% olive oil and natural glycerin. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, D, and E, and delivers a plethora of skin benefits such as softening and nourishing the skin while keeping early signs of aging at bay. Natural glycerin in the soap is derived from the process of saponification which gives it a beautiful form and consistency to work with. Glycerin is also known for a variety of its skin-loving properties as it improves skin elasticity and protects the skin against environmental aggressors. So, give your skin the love and care it deserves in the form of this nourishing olive oil soap.
Pros
- Biodegradable formula
- Free of palm oil derivatives
- Lathers well
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Contains sodium hydroxide, which can irritate sensitive skin
"Although the unconventional shape took some time to get used to, the soap has come in handy to keep my skin clean and soft. Its gentle scent does not irritate my skin, and the hydrating elements keep dryness at bay. Hence, it gets my approval."
11. Best for Daily Use: Baronessa Cali Moisturizing Olive Oil Soap
This pack of three mild olive oil soap bars is infused with Italian olive oil that offers deep moisturization. It works as an incredible choice of aromatic olive oil soap that leaves you smelling fresh. It is formulated to offer deep cleansing while leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth. What’s more is that it also contains olive leaf which offers mild exfoliation. When you use it on a regular basis, you will see visible results as it helps gently slough off the dead skin cells, revealing regenerated cells and yielding bright, radiant, nourished, and healthier skin.
Pros
- Free of parabens
- Free of sulfates
- Has a mild natural fragrance
- Rich lather
Cons
- Contains EDTA
"My skin feels soft, smooth, and well-nourished after using this creamy soap. Its soothing, fresh, gender-neutral aroma makes it a comfortable choice for me and my husband for regular showers. I would recommend it."
How To Choose The Right Olive Oil Soap?
Keep these pointers in mind when choosing an olive oil soap
- Cold-pressed: When buying olive oil soaps purely for the purpose of nourishing your skin, it is recommended to opt for a cold-pressed olive oil soap that is made using natural formulations. When treated with heat, olive oil may not retain all its nutrients, burning away fatty acids, vitamins E and K, and natural antioxidants that are actually good for the skin.
- Unrefined: Consider extra virgin premium olive oil soaps to treat your skin in the most natural way. This is because when olive oil is processed, it is stripped of its antioxidants and vitamins, leaving you with only a little amount of nourishing nutrients.
- Free of chemicals: An olive oil soap will bestow your skin with all its goodness only when other chemicals and preservatives such as parabens, phthalates, and mineral oils don’t counteract its beneficial properties for the skin. Moreover, these chemicals may not be the best choice for those with sensitive, dry, and allergy-prone skin.
- Additional ingredients: If you’re investing in an olive oil soap for its moisturizing properties, a range of essential ingredients such as shea butter and glycerin can help give you visible results as they pack more hydration to keep your skin moisturized and glowing. So, look for these key ingredients in your olive oil soap for that long-lasting moisturization.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I wash my face with olive oil soap?
Olive oil soaps are non-greasy, so they won’t clog your pores or make the skin dark. They are also generally hypoallergenic, irritant-free, and loaded with natural antioxidants that brighten the skin.
2. Can I use olive oil soap to wash my hair?
Yes, olive oil soaps are ideal to use both on the skin and hair. They can keep the scalp hydrated and detangle the hair for healthy hair growth. Olive oil can also act as a conditioner.
3. Is olive soap good for eczema?
Olive oil has moisturizing properties that offer intense hydration to dry skin. In addition, they also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may provide relief from eczema. However, research suggests that topical application of olive oil should be discouraged as it may damage the skin barrier (1).
4. Does olive oil-based soap feel good?
Olive oil soap makes the skin soft, keeps the skin hydrated for a longer time, and nourishes your skin.
5. Is olive oil soap antibacterial?
Olive oil has some polyphenols that inhibit the growth of certain bacteria (2). Certain soaps are infused with olive oil and other powerful ingredients and can have antibacterial properties.
6. Is olive oil soap good for sensitive skin?
Although olive oil has low comedogenic ratings, topical application of olive oil may affect the skin barrier (1). So it is not recommended to use olive oil soaps for sensitive skin on a regular basis.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag has experience reviewing and writing about beauty and personal care products. In this post, she has compiled a list of the best olive oil soaps after comparing and analyzing several products and considering trusted reviews and ratings. Poulami has also included the pros and cons of each product to help you make an informed choice. Besides, she tells you about the benefits of olive oil soaps and gives you handy tips on choosing the right soap.
The Bottom Line
Olive oil is an active ingredient used in several skincare products and is one of the most hydrating ingredients that adds softness and a glow to the skin. The best olive oil soaps keep your skin hydrated and nourished after every shower. When choosing a soap, ensure it is cold-pressed, unrefined, and pure. Also, look for additional ingredients such as shea butter, vitamin E, and glycerin, which nourish the skin. Ensure the soap is dye-free and devoid of harsh chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and SLS. Our top picks include the Olivia Care Natural Verveine Natural Moisturizing Olive Oil Soap for its hydrating properties and the antioxidant-rich Dr. Squatch Gold Moss Natural Soap, which is exfoliating and softening. We also like the Ancient Greek Remedy Handmade Soap, which helps treat skin irritations and dry patches.
Infographic: What Are The Advantages Of Using Olive Oil For The Skin?
Olive oil, known for its nourishing properties, has been a staple in skincare routines for centuries. It is commonly included in skin and hair products to promote their health. The following infographic shares some notable benefits of olive oil for your skin.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier: implications for neonatal skin care
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22995032/ - Antibacterial Activity of Three Extra Virgin Olive Oils of the Campania Region Southern Italy Related to Their Polyphenol Content and Composition
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6780878/ - Topical application of natural honey, beeswax and olive oil mixture for atopic dermatitis or psoriasis: partially controlled, single-blinded study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15022655/ - How To Test Skin Care Products
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/prevent-skin-problems/test-skin-care-products
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