Olive Oil: A Simple Start to Natural Skincare and Nourishing Remedies
The first time I swapped a store-bought facial cleanser for something natural, I reached for the olive oil in my kitchen. What started as a simple experiment turned into a foundational part of my herbal and natural lifestyle. From skincare to cooking to infusing herbs, olive oil has remained a staple in my home—and with good reason.
This one simple oil has proven itself over and over again, whether I’m caring for my skin, making a soothing ear remedy, or dressing up a garden-fresh salad. Here’s why olive oil is one of the first ingredients I recommend for anyone beginning their herbal journey.
A Natural Skincare Staple
When I first began replacing store-bought skincare products, olive oil was the easiest—and gentlest—place to start. I used it as a cleanser, massaging it into my skin to dissolve makeup, dirt, and excess oil. Later, I started using it as a moisturizer too. My skin loved the simplicity.
Because it’s thick and rich, a little goes a long way. To make it easier to apply, I would mix it with a bit of water—just enough to help it glide on more easily and avoid feeling too heavy. You can also mix it with a hydrosol or herbal water if you have one on hand.
Olive oil is naturally antibacterial and antioxidant-rich, which can be helpful for irritated or dry skin. While it works beautifully for many people, everyone’s skin is different—so if you have acne-prone or oily skin, you might want to test it in a small area first or try mixing it with a lighter oil like jojoba or grapeseed.
💧 Using Olive Oil for Skincare
I like to rinse my face with warm water first, then smooth on 2–3 drops of olive oil while my skin is still damp. It helps lift dirt, makeup, and excess oil without stripping the skin. After massaging it in gently, I rinse with a warm, damp cloth to wipe everything away. It leaves my skin feeling soft and clean—never tight or dry.
🌿 Herbal and Home Remedies
Olive oil is the perfect base for all kinds of herbal infusions. Whether you’re making a simple calendula oil for soothing skin or a kitchen-friendly garlic-and-rosemary oil for cooking, olive oil extracts herbal goodness beautifully and holds onto it well.
One of the first things I infused was garlic—for both cooking and for earaches. I’ve used a drop or two of warm (not hot!) garlic-infused olive oil in the ear when I’ve had an earache, and it’s worked wonders. Garlic’s antibacterial properties, paired with the gentle soothing nature of olive oil, make it a classic home remedy.
🌼 Want to learn how to infuse herbs into olive oil?
Check out my guide to herbal infusions here. It’s easier than you think—and you probably have what you need already. Or if you’d like to go deep into herbal infused oils check out my Infused Oil course here.
Just a reminder: fresh garlic-infused oils should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a week, or frozen in small portions to stay safe.
🔥 Flavor and Function in the Kitchen
Olive oil has a moderate-to-high smoke point (375–420°F depending on the type), which makes it a solid option for most cooking methods—especially sautéing, roasting, and baking.
But let’s be honest—sometimes the best way to enjoy olive oil is raw and unbothered.
When you’ve got a good-quality extra virgin olive oil, a drizzle is all you need. Just a little bit over roasted vegetables, warm bread, fresh tomatoes, or a bowl of beans can completely elevate a dish. The flavor is smooth and rich—almost buttery—and it doesn’t take much to make a big difference. A drizzle really is enough.
Of course, it also makes a beautiful base for homemade salad dressings. Add a splash of vinegar, a squeeze of lemon, a little mustard, or even a touch of honey and herbs—whatever your tastebuds crave.
🧬 Nutritional Goodness in Every Spoonful
Aside from its uses in skincare and cooking, olive oil is incredibly nutritious. It’s rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, especially oleic acid, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.
It’s a key part of the Mediterranean diet for good reason—delicious, nourishing, and versatile.
🥗 Simple ACV + Olive Oil Salad Dressing
This is my everyday go-to. It’s endlessly customizable and a beautiful way to use your infused or plain olive oils.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup raw apple cider vinegar (try an infused vinegar)
- 1 tsp mustard (Dijon or spicy brown)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl or shake in a jar until well combined.
- Taste and adjust as you like. Add herbs, more sweetness, or extra garlic if you’re feeling bold.
🍋 Looking for more ways to use apple cider vinegar?
You’ll find tips and remedies in this ACV post where I share how I use it in everything from dressings to daily wellness.
A Note on Storage
Olive oil can go rancid if it’s exposed to heat, light, or air for too long. Keep it in a dark glass bottle in a cool, dark place, and always cap it tightly after use. If you’re making herbal infusions, label them with the date and ingredients, and always refrigerate any fresh (especially garlic) infusions for safety.
🌱 A Beautiful First Step
Olive oil was the gateway for me into homemade skincare, herbal infusions, and more mindful cooking. It’s gentle, affordable, and easy to find—making it one of the best starting points for anyone curious about herbal living or just wanting to simplify their routine a little.
Whether you’re massaging it into your skin, blending it into a healing oil, or drizzling it over a warm slice of sourdough, olive oil really can do it all.
