For years, olive oil has been unfairly labeled as “too heavy” or “pore-clogging” for facial skin. But when it comes to high-quality, unrefined, cold-pressed olive oil, that belief is often based on misinformation, poor-quality products, or misunderstanding how natural oils actually work with the skin.

At Clary Collection, we believe skincare should nourish, protect, and support the skin barrier, not strip it. That’s why unrefined cold-pressed olive oil remains one of the most time-tested and skin-loving ingredients in our Olive Balm and Body Oil.

The Difference Is in the Quality

Not all olive oils are created equal.

Many olive oils found in grocery stores are refined, heated, deodorized, or blended, stripping away many of the antioxidants, vitamins, and beneficial compounds that make olive oil so valuable for skincare.

Unrefined cold-pressed olive oil is completely different.

It is:

• Naturally extracted without harsh heat or chemicals
• Rich in antioxidants and polyphenols
• Full of skin-supporting fatty acids
• Naturally high in vitamin E and squalene
• Gentle and protective for the skin barrier

When the oil is pure, fresh, and unrefined, the skin recognizes it as nourishment, not something harmful to be stripped away.

Our Olive Balm and Body Oil are intentionally formulated with unrefined cold-pressed olive oil because we believe in using ingredients as close to their natural state as possible.

Not only is our olive oil cold-pressed and unrefined, but we also slowly infuse it with calendula, chamomile, lavender flowers, and plantain leaves, allowing the botanical properties of each herb to naturally infuse the oil over time.

Does Olive Oil Actually Clog Pores?

The internet often claims olive oil is “comedogenic,” meaning it may clog pores. But this is overly simplified and doesn’t reflect real-world skincare results.

Pore congestion is usually caused by:

• Damaged skin barriers
• Harsh cleansers
• Heavy synthetic ingredients
• Inflammation
• Product buildup
• Hormonal imbalance
• Poor-quality oils mixed with fillers

Pure, unrefined olive oil behaves very differently from synthetic heavy creams or mineral-oil-based products.

In fact, many people find that using quality olive oil-based skincare like our Olive Balm and Body Oil actually helps:

• Calm irritation
• Reduce dryness
• Support healing
• Improve skin softness
• Strengthen the moisture barrier
• Balance over-stripped skin

Healthy, moisturized skin is often less reactive and less prone to inflammation.

Your Skin Doesn’t Need to Be “Squeaky Clean”

Modern skincare marketing has convinced many people that oils must always be removed immediately or that clean skin should feel tight and stripped.

But healthy skin naturally produces oils for a reason.

Natural oils help:

• Protect the skin barrier
• Prevent moisture loss
• Keep skin supple and resilient
• Support microbiome balance
• Reduce environmental stress on the skin

Over-cleansing and constantly stripping the skin can actually trigger more imbalance, dryness, and irritation.

Unrefined cold-pressed olive oil works with the skin, not against it.

Why Ancient Cultures Used Olive Oil for Skin for Centuries

Long before modern skincare trends existed, olive oil was trusted for skin care across Mediterranean cultures for generations. Why? Because it worked.

People used it to:

• Protect dry skin
• Soothe irritation
• Cleanse gently
• Support healing
• Maintain soft, healthy-looking skin

This wasn’t a trend; it was traditional skin wisdom passed down for centuries.

The Clary Collection Philosophy

We believe skincare should be simple, honest, and deeply nourishing.

Our Olive Balm and Body Oil reflect this philosophy completely, intentionally crafted with minimal ingredients and deeply nourishing plant oils that support healthy-looking skin without overcomplicating your routine.

Pure, unrefined, cold-pressed olive oil is one of nature’s most beautiful ingredients, and when sourced properly, it can be incredibly safe, supportive, and beneficial for the skin.

Sometimes the most effective skincare isn’t complicated at all.