Can You Use Olive Oil as a Makeup Remover? Yes — Here Is How

Yes, you can use olive oil as a makeup remover — and it works well. As a pure oil, it dissolves heavy makeup including waterproof mascara, thick eyeliner, and long-wear foundation without harsh chemicals or alcohol. It also leaves skin moisturized rather than stripped. Here is how to use it correctly and what to know before you start.

Why Olive Oil Works as a Makeup Remover

The science behind it is straightforward. Makeup — especially waterproof formulas — is oil-based. Oil dissolves oil. When you massage olive oil onto your skin, it binds to the oils and waxes in your makeup and lifts them away from the skin surface, making it easy to wipe off with a warm cloth.

Unlike many commercial removers that rely on alcohol or surfactants to strip the skin, olive oil leaves behind a conditioning layer rather than disrupting the skin barrier. Based on articles retrieved from PubMed, research on topical olive oil formulations (*Pharmaceutical Development and Technology*, 2017) confirmed that olive oil has strong moisturizing properties and photoprotective potential when applied to skin — and that its polyphenol content contributes meaningful antioxidant activity. The same health and skin benefits of olive oil documented in clinical literature — antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and emollient properties — apply topically as well as internally.

How to Choose the Right Olive Oil for Your Skin

Use extra virgin olive oil — not refined, not light, not a blend. Extra virgin is the least processed grade and retains the most natural antioxidants and polyphenols. Read what makes a product extra virgin here.

Refined olive oil has been stripped of most of its beneficial compounds through heat and chemical processing. For cooking, refined oil works fine. For your skin, it offers very little beyond basic lubrication. If you are going to use it on your face, use the good stuff.

In terms of cost: a 500ml bottle of premium EVOO compared to a bottle of dedicated makeup remover is often more affordable per use, and you get the versatility to cook with it too.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Makeup With Olive Oil

1. Patch test first. Before applying anything new to your face, test a small amount on your inner arm or jawline and wait 24 to 48 hours. If you notice redness, itching, or any reaction, do not use it on your face.
2. Start with dry skin. Apply a few drops of EVOO directly onto dry skin — not wet. Water and oil do not mix, and applying it to wet skin reduces its effectiveness at dissolving makeup.
3. Massage gently. Work the oil into your skin in circular motions, focusing on areas with makeup. Spend a little extra time on eye makeup, mascara, and any waterproof products. The oil will begin dissolving the makeup.
4. Remove with a warm, damp cloth. Wet a soft washcloth with warm water and gently wipe away the oil and makeup. Rinse the cloth as needed and continue until your skin feels clean. Warm water helps emulsify the oil, making it easier to remove.
5. Follow with a gentle cleanser. Always double cleanse — use a water-based cleanser suited to your skin type after the oil step. This removes any residual oil and prevents clogged pores.
6. Moisturize as usual. Continue with your regular skincare routine. Your skin should feel soft and clean, not greasy.

Benefits of Using Olive Oil as a Makeup Remover

• Dissolves stubborn makeup. Particularly effective on waterproof mascara, long-wear foundation, and thick eyeliner — products that resist water-based removers.
• Moisturizing. Unlike alcohol-based removers that strip natural oils, EVOO conditions while it cleanses. Skin feels hydrated after use rather than tight or dry.
• Gentle and natural. Free of alcohol, parabens, and synthetic fragrances — common irritants in commercial removers. Generally well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin.
• Rich in antioxidants. The polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil offer antioxidant protection that most commercial removers do not.
• Cost effective. One product, many uses — cooking, finishing dishes, skincare, and makeup removal.

Potential Concerns

• Oily residue. If you skip the double cleanse step, olive oil can leave a greasy film on the skin. Always follow with a gentle cleanser.
• Pore congestion. For some skin types — particularly acne-prone skin — adding more oil to the skin may not be ideal. Monitor your skin's response and stop if you notice breakouts.
• Eye sensitivity. Olive oil is safe around the eyes for most people but go slowly the first time. If you experience any stinging or irritation, rinse immediately with water.
• Towel staining. EVOO has a slight yellow tint and can stain light-colored towels over time. Use a dedicated washcloth for this step.

The Oil Cleansing Method

Using oil to cleanse skin is not a new idea — it is a well-established skincare technique known as the oil cleansing method (OCM), practiced across Korean and Japanese skincare traditions for decades. The principle is that oil dissolves oil, lifting impurities, makeup, and excess sebum without disrupting the skin's natural moisture barrier. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends gentle, fragrance-free cleansing methods for sensitive skin — oil cleansing aligns well with this guidance for many people.

Olive oil is one of the more accessible and well-studied oils for this method. For a comparison with other facial oils, read our guide comparing argan oil vs. olive oil for skin here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does olive oil clog pores?

Olive oil has a comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5, meaning it is low to moderately likely to clog pores. Most people tolerate it well, but those with acne-prone or very oily skin may want to patch test carefully and monitor their skin's response. Always double cleanse after using oil to remove makeup.

Can I use olive oil to remove eye makeup?

Yes — olive oil is gentle enough for the eye area and is effective at removing mascara and eyeliner, including waterproof formulas. Apply with a cotton pad or fingertips, press gently against closed eyes, and wipe away slowly. Rinse with water if any oil gets into the eye itself.

Is olive oil good for all skin types?

It works well for dry, normal, and combination skin. Those with oily or acne-prone skin should proceed with caution and always double cleanse. If breakouts increase after starting, discontinue use.

What is better — olive oil or coconut oil for makeup removal?

Both work. Olive oil has a slightly lighter texture and a lower comedogenic rating than coconut oil, making it a better choice for those prone to breakouts. Coconut oil is more solidified at room temperature, which some people find easier to apply. Both dissolve makeup effectively — personal preference and skin type will guide the best choice.

Do I need to wash my face after using olive oil?

Yes, always. Double cleansing is essential — the oil step removes makeup, and the cleanser step removes the oil. Skipping the second step leaves residual oil on the skin that can lead to clogged pores over time.

Shop our 100% Italian extra virgin olive oil, made in Calabria, single origin, and family farmed since 1927.

We wrote a book called The Olive Oil Enthusiast. Order your copy today.

You May Also Like:

Argan Oil vs. Olive Oil for Skin: Which Is Better?

Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil: What It Means and Why It Matters

How to Cook With Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Tried using olive oil as a makeup remover? Leave a comment below. Tag your skincare on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook with #EXAUoliveoil.