You probably know olive oil as that delicious, aromatic light green oil that is used in cooking pasta dishes. You’ve probably also heard of its health benefits. But did you know that it also makes an excellent component in many DIY skincare products? That’s right, you can make your own skincare products with olive oil. You probably have some lying around your house right now.

If you make your scrub, makeup remover or moisturizer yourself, you know that it won’t have any icky chemical ingredients in it. Plus, your product will be cruelty-free (unlike many beauty products lining drugstore shelves).

Olive oil has been in existence for thousands of years. There is evidence of humans harvesting olives up to 10,000 years ago in the Mediterranean, and cultivating olives from over 4,000 years ago on the island of Crete). Legend has it that Cleopatra used olive oil in her skincare regime, and the ancient Greeks used it in sports massage.

So, how exactly can you use olive oil in your skincare?  Read on for some instructions and recipes for simple DIY skincare you can make at home now, using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!

Makeup Remover

Forget the latest drugstore brand makeup remover that is laced with chemicals, artificial scents, and who knows what else. You more than likely have a natural makeup remover in your kitchen right now!  It’s super simple to use olive oil as a makeup remover. All you need to do is dab some oil on a cotton ball or pad and swipe across your face to remove makeup for a natural makeup remover solution. Plus, it moisturizes your skin at the same time!

Hot Oil Hair Treatment

Want shiny, lush hair?  You can create your own hot oil hair treatment out of olive oil, which will leave your locks smooth and sleek. Simply heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in the microwave for 15 or 20 seconds, or by placing the oil in a mug and then putting it in a pot of water and bringing to a simmer.  Carefully test the oil to make sure it’s not too hot (you don’t want to burn your scalp – or your fingers!) and distribute it evenly throughout your locks, then wrap your hair in a towel.  Leave in for half an hour and then wash and rinse your hair a few times until you’ve got all the oil out.

Moisturizer

Simply massage olive oil into your skin for a natural and cheap moisturizer. It may even help prevent wrinkles!

Shaving Cream

Ditch your shaving cream and replace it with olive oil for a shaving product that’s safe enough you could eat it (not that you’d want to, but still it’s a lot safer than traditional shaving cream if you – or your companion animal/baby – accidentally ingest it)!  Just a few drops will offer lubrication for shaving and leave you with soft skin afterwards!

Body Scrub

Finally, you don’t have to waste money on $7 tubs of body scrub when you can easily exfoliate your skin with ingredients you have in your cupboard right now. Simply mix olive oil with sugar (if you have dry or sensitive skin) or salt (for oily skin) to form a paste-like consistency, plus any essential oils (if you want an added fragrance) and you’re good to go!  Simple, cheap and natural!

Lead image source: Brian Solis/ Flickr