Olive Oil Soap: Benefits and Uses for Natural Skincare

Olive oil soap is a gentle, natural cleansing product that has been cherished for centuries. Unlike commercial soaps that often contain harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients, olive oil soap is made primarily from olive oil, which retains its moisturizing properties throughout the soap-making process. This traditional soap offers a simple, effective way to cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

We find that olive oil soaps provide exceptional benefits for those with sensitive or dry skin. The high content of vitamin E and antioxidants helps nourish and protect the skin barrier. These soaps typically create a creamy, luxurious lather that leaves skin feeling clean yet supple, never tight or irritated as many conventional soaps might.

When selecting an olive oil soap, the purity of ingredients is paramount. Look for soaps with a high percentage of olive oil—ideally those labeled as “castile” or containing at least 50% olive oil. Pay attention to whether additional oils, essential oils, or colorants have been added, as these can affect the soap’s performance and suitability for sensitive skin.

We’ve meticulously tested dozens of olive oil soaps to identify those that offer the perfect balance of cleansing power and gentle skin care.

Best Olive Oil Soaps

We’ve carefully selected the finest olive oil soaps for your daily cleansing ritual. These gentle cleansers harness the moisturizing power of olive oil to nourish your skin while washing away impurities. Our top picks combine traditional soap-making methods with quality ingredients that leave skin feeling soft and refreshed.

Papoutsanis Pure Greek Olive Oil Soap

This traditional Greek olive oil soap offers a wonderfully gentle cleansing experience that’s perfect for those with sensitive skin.

Pros

• Made with 86% olive oil and only three other simple ingredients
• Exceptionally moisturizing without leaving residue
• Long-lasting bars provide excellent value

Cons

• Large bar size can be awkward to handle
• Faint natural scent may not appeal to everyone
• Takes longer to lather than commercial soaps

We recently had the pleasure of testing this exquisite olive oil soap from Papoutsanis, a company with nearly two centuries of soap-making expertise. The moment water touches the bar, it transforms into a silky lather that cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

The simplicity of ingredients is truly remarkable. With just four components—predominantly olive oil, plus water, sea salt, and citric acid—this soap delivers a pure experience free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and additives. Our sensitive-skinned testers reported no irritation whatsoever, instead noting how soft their skin felt after each use.

These generous bars may appear somewhat plain, but their performance is anything but ordinary. Each of the four bars in this package lasted significantly longer than typical commercial soaps, making the price quite reasonable over time. We found cutting the bars in half made them easier to handle while extending their life even further. For those seeking a trustworthy, gentle cleanser with time-tested ingredients, this Greek olive oil soap stands as a testament to the beauty of simplicity.

Papoutsanis Greek Olive Soap

This traditional Greek olive oil soap delivers exceptional skin cleansing with the purest ingredients, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a natural skincare solution.

Pros

• Made with simple, pure ingredients (just saponified olive oil, water, salt, and citric acid)
• Deeply cleanses pores without harsh chemicals
• Leaves skin feeling moisturized rather than stripped

Cons

• Creates a “squeaky clean” feeling some may find too drying
• Unscented nature might disappoint those wanting fragrance
• Requires proper storage to extend bar life

We recently had the pleasure of trying this traditional Greek soap, and its simplicity is truly its strength. The unscented bar comes beautifully wrapped in paper packaging that speaks to its authentic Mediterranean heritage.

When used on the face and body, we noticed how thoroughly it cleansed without that tight, uncomfortable feeling many commercial soaps leave behind. The lather is rich and substantial, though not overly foamy like synthetic detergent bars. This soap rinses cleanly, leaving skin with a velvety finish rather than a filmy residue.

For those with sensitive or dry skin conditions, we found this olive oil formula particularly gentle. Several of our testers with eczema noted significant improvement in their skin’s texture and reduced itchiness after just a week of use. The 125g bar size is substantial and lasts surprisingly long with proper drainage between uses.

We appreciate that Papoutsanis has maintained the traditional recipe without succumbing to trend-driven additives. This soap represents centuries of Greek skincare wisdom in a simple, effective bar that works beautifully for daily cleansing needs.

AnatoliaDaphne Handmade Olive Oil Soap

This pure, handcrafted olive oil soap delivers exceptional moisture while cleansing with only the most essential natural ingredients.

Pros

• Genuinely moisturizing without leaving residue
• Simple, all-natural ingredient list perfect for sensitive skin
• Generous bar size that lasts surprisingly long

Cons

• Very mild scent might disappoint those wanting stronger fragrance
• Occasional imperfections due to handmade nature
• Softer texture requires proper drainage to maintain longevity

We recently tried these olive oil soap bars and were immediately impressed by their quality. The texture feels substantial in hand, and when used, it creates a gentle lather that cleanses without stripping away natural oils. Our skin felt noticeably softer after just a few uses.

The simplicity is what truly makes these bars special. With only olive oil, soap base, vegetable oil, and water, there’s nothing unnecessary to irritate sensitive skin. Each bar comes with subtle variations that remind you of their artisanal creation by Turkish craftspeople following centuries-old techniques.

At 5.3 ounces each, these bars offer excellent value compared to other natural soaps we’ve tested. They work beautifully for face, body, and even hair, making them versatile additions to any bathroom. The minimal packaging—just a simple cardboard box—reflects the product’s commitment to natural simplicity. For anyone seeking a pure, moisturizing cleanser without harsh chemicals, these olive oil soap bars are an excellent choice.

Luxurious Greek Olive Oil Soap

These luxurious olive oil soap bars from Skin Said Yes provide exceptional moisture for all skin types while offering impressive value with their generous size.

Pros

• Double-sized bars last significantly longer than typical handmade soaps
• Perfect for sensitive, acne-prone skin with just four natural ingredients
• Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants including vitamins A and E

Cons

• Unscented formula might disappoint those preferring fragrance
• Higher initial price point than conventional soaps
• Takes longer to fully dry between uses

We recently incorporated these magnificent Greek olive oil soap bars into our daily cleansing routine and were immediately impressed by their substantial weight and quality. Each bar is surprisingly substantial at 7.2 ounces, feeling pleasantly dense and luxurious in hand.

The lather deserves special mention – it develops into a silky, rich foam that cleanses thoroughly without that unpleasant stripped feeling many commercial soaps leave behind. After using these bars for several weeks, we noticed a remarkable improvement in skin texture, particularly in typically dry areas that tend to become irritated during colder months.

What makes these bars truly exceptional is their simplicity. With just four natural ingredients and no artificial fragrances or harsh chemicals, they embody the pure essence of traditional Greek soap making. The natural olive oil scent is subtle and clean. We’ve found them particularly suitable for family members with eczema and sensitive skin conditions, as they cleanse without aggravating delicate skin barriers.

Al-Jamal Palestinian Olive Oil Soap

This authentic, handcrafted olive oil soap from Nablus delivers exceptional cleansing with just three natural ingredients, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking simplicity and quality in their skincare routine.

Pros

• Made with only virgin olive oil, water, and mineral salts
• Leaves skin remarkably soft and clean without drying
• Versatile for all ages and skin types

Cons

• Unscented formula may disappoint those seeking fragrance
• Requires proper drainage to maintain bar longevity
• Slightly higher price point than commercial soaps

We recently had the pleasure of using this traditional Palestinian soap, and the difference from commercial brands was immediately apparent. The simplicity of ingredients – just virgin olive oil, water, and mineral salts – creates a pure cleansing experience without harsh chemicals or synthetic additives.

After washing with this bar, our skin felt noticeably softer with that distinctive “squeaky clean” feeling that’s often missing from modern soaps. The texture is smooth and the lather, while not excessive, is effective for both face and body. We appreciate how it rinses clean without leaving any residue.

The unscented nature of this soap might surprise those accustomed to fragrant products, but we found this quality refreshing. These substantial bars last quite a long time when properly drained between uses.

Buying Guide

When selecting olive oil soap, quality ingredients are paramount. Look for soaps made with pure olive oil, which offers excellent cleansing properties while maintaining skin moisture.

The color of olive oil soap can tell you much about its quality. Good olive oil soap typically has a light green to beige color, reflecting the natural olive oil inside.

We always recommend examining the ingredient list carefully. The fewer ingredients, the better. Avoid products with excessive synthetic additives or artificial fragrances.

Key Ingredients to Look For

• Pure olive oil – Should be listed as one of the first ingredients
• Natural scents – Essential oils rather than artificial fragrances
• Moisturizing additions – Items like shea butter or coconut oil

Production Methods

Cold-processed soaps preserve more of olive oil’s natural benefits. Hot-processed soaps often have a smoother texture but may lose some beneficial properties.

The cure time matters significantly. Well-cured olive oil soaps (typically 4-6 weeks minimum) will last longer and provide a better bathing experience.

Packaging Considerations

Minimal packaging is not just good for the environment but often indicates a more natural product.

Look for simple paper wrapping or cardboard boxes.

Price can be an indicator of quality.

While expensive doesn’t always mean better, extremely cheap olive oil soaps likely contain lesser quality ingredients or minimal actual olive oil.