Used for centuries across the Mediterranean, olive oil has earned its status as one of nature’s most nourishing gifts. Packed with antioxidants and skin-softening fatty acids, this golden oil hydrates deeply, protects gently, and adds a silken touch to both skin and hair.
Let’s explore why olive oil deserves a place in your routine—and how we use it in Aardvel’s most-loved cleansing and moisturising Bloks.
Why Olive Oil Works
Extra virgin olive oil is rich in oleic acid, a healthy fat that closely mimics the natural oils found in your skin. This makes it a powerful moisturiser—one that absorbs easily and helps strengthen the skin barrier.
But olive oil’s benefits don’t stop there. It also contains:
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Vitamin E, to soften and soothe dry or irritated skin
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Polyphenols, antioxidants that help fight environmental damage
- Squalene, a naturally occurring lipid that hydrates and adds glow
Its texture is silky and grounding. Applied to the skin, olive oil creates a breathable layer that locks in moisture while allowing the skin to function and repair naturally.
We use organic olive oil in every Aardvel Blok, from skin-cleansing bars to solid moisturisers. It’s one of our most foundational ingredients—for good reason.
For Skin: Soft, Supple and Strong
Olive oil is especially well suited to dry, sensitive, or maturing skin. It helps:
✔️ Calm irritation and reduce flakiness
✔️ Prevent water loss from the skin barrier
✔️ Improve skin elasticity over time
While pure olive oil can be used directly on the body, it can feel heavy on facial skin. That’s why we combine it with lighter plant oils, essential oils, and natural clays—so you get all the benefits, without the greasiness.
Try our Buchu & Rosemary Skin Cleansing Blok—a cold-process bar that gently detoxes with activated charcoal while olive oil replenishes the skin’s moisture. It’s a daily cleanser designed for softness, not stripping.
For Hair: Nourishment from Root to End
Olive oil has long been used as a natural hair remedy. It coats each strand to:
- Reduce breakage
- Smooth frizz
- Add healthy shine
- Soothe a dry, itchy scalp
When massaged into the scalp, olive oil also helps support healthy circulation—an important part of any haircare ritual.
Our Buchu & Rosemary Hair Cleansing Blok uses olive oil to gently cleanse without drying your roots. Paired with rosemary, a botanical known for stimulating scalp vitality, it’s a minimalist approach to long-term hair health.
Is Olive Oil Right for Your Skin?
Most skin types benefit from olive oil, particularly when used in balanced formulations. If you’re prone to breakouts or have oily skin, we recommend using it in a cleanser or moisturising bar rather than applying it neat.
As with all botanical oils, patch testing is always a good idea—especially for sensitive skin or if you’re trying a new routine.
Final Thoughts
At Aardvel, we use olive oil not as a trend, but as a timeless essential. It’s an ingredient that reflects our values: simple, effective, and deeply rooted in nature.
Whether you’re reaching for a bar to cleanse or a balm to moisturise, we believe olive oil offers more than softness. It offers a return to balance.
Ready to experience its glow-giving magic? Browse our Aardvel range and discover how olive oil—and plants like rosemary and buchu—can transform the way you care for your skin and hair.
References
- Leonard, J. (2023). What are the benefits of olive oil for the skin? Medical News Today.
- Budiyanto, A. et al. (2000). Protective effect of topically applied olive oil against photocarcinogenesis following UVB exposure of mice. Carcinogenesis, 21(11), 2085–2090.
- Cleveland Clinic (Dermatology). Is Olive Oil Good for Your Skin? Health Essentials Blog.
- Healthline Editorial Team. (2019). Olive Oil for Hair Growth: Research, Efficacy, and More.
