The Blunt Truth: Why Many Brands Use Olive Oil Instead of the Oils We Use
If you’ve ever looked at a “natural” skincare product and noticed olive oil listed as a key ingredient, you might assume it’s there because it’s great for your skin. The truth? For many brands, olive oil is chosen not for skin benefits, but for convenience and cost savings—and that can leave your skin less nourished than you think.
Olive Oil Is Cheap—and Brands Know It
High-quality, nutrient-dense oils like tallow or specialty plant oils cost more, take time to source, and require careful formulation. Olive oil, by contrast, is inexpensive, easy to source in bulk, and widely available year-round.
This makes it a go-to for brands looking to:
Maximize profit margins
Produce products cheaply at scale
Avoid the complexities of using more functional ingredients
In other words, it’s often a shortcut, not a deliberate skin-first choice.
It’s Not Always Skin-Friendly
While olive oil has some benefits, it isn’t universally compatible with all skin types. In excess, it can:
Leave a greasy residue
Clog pores for acne-prone skin
Feel heavy and uncomfortable on sensitive skin
Yet many brands load it into products anyway, because it’s cheap and easy to formulate with—regardless of how it actually performs on your skin.
Convenience Over Function
Olive oil blends well, emulsifies easily, and behaves predictably in creams, soaps, and lotions. For brands, this is a huge advantage: it reduces production errors and speeds up manufacturing.
For your skin, however, convenience doesn’t always equal results. Products formulated around olive oil often prioritize ease of production over long-term skin health.
Marketing Can Make It Look Good
“Rich in antioxidants” or “infused with extra virgin olive oil” sounds appealing, but marketing can hide the fact that olive oil is used primarily as a cheap filler. Many brands rely on this ingredient to bulk up products, giving the appearance of richness while cutting corners elsewhere.
The Difference With Oils We Use
Unlike olive oil-based formulations designed for cost efficiency, the oils we choose are selected because they work with the skin. They absorb properly, support barrier function, and nourish deeply—without cutting corners.
Don’t be fooled by products that list olive oil as a “natural” hero while cutting corners elsewhere. Cheap shortcuts may save brands money, but your skin pays the price. Choosing products made with thoughtfully selected, skin-focused oils ensures you’re giving your skin the nourishment it truly deserves—no compromises, no gimmicks.