Is olive oil safe to put inside you? Exploring Dietary and Topical Uses

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2018 study, extra virgin olive oil is one of the most stable and safest cooking oils available, with its consumption linked to numerous health benefits. However, the question of "Is olive oil safe to put inside you?" carries different considerations depending on whether you mean for dietary consumption or topical use.

Quick Summary

Olive oil is highly beneficial when consumed as part of a balanced diet, offering healthy fats and antioxidants, and is safe for most cooking. However, using it as a topical lubricant, particularly with latex condoms, poses significant health risks including breakage and infection. Better alternatives exist for non-culinary applications.

Key Points

Oral Consumption is Highly Beneficial: Consuming olive oil as part of your diet provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, powerful antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is Best: The highest quality, extra virgin olive oil, is minimally processed and retains the highest concentration of health-promoting compounds.
Unsafe for Topical Lubrication: Do not use olive oil as a sexual lubricant, especially with latex condoms, as it can cause them to break and lead to increased risk of infections.
Cooking is Safe and Healthy: Olive oil is stable and safe for common cooking methods like sautéing and roasting, with modern research debunking older myths about heating it.
Moderation is Key: While healthy, olive oil is high in calories, so excessive consumption could lead to weight gain.
Topical Alternatives Exist: For intimate lubrication, opt for water-based or silicone-based products that won't compromise condoms or increase infection risk.

The Culinary Truth: Olive Oil for Internal Consumption

For centuries, olive oil has been a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, a style of eating consistently linked to positive health outcomes. When consumed orally, olive oil is not only safe but also highly beneficial, thanks to its composition of healthy fats and antioxidants. The type of olive oil matters, with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) offering the most potent health advantages due to its minimal processing and higher concentration of beneficial compounds, such as polyphenols.

Health Benefits of Dietary Olive Oil

Cardiovascular Health: Regular consumption of olive oil, especially EVOO, has been shown to improve cardiovascular health. The monounsaturated fats help reduce levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol while increasing 'good' HDL cholesterol, and its antioxidants reduce inflammation, all of which lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Chronic inflammation is a key driver of many diseases. Olive oil contains compounds like oleocanthal, which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects similar to ibuprofen.
Digestive Aid: Olive oil can act as a lubricant for the intestinal tract, helping to soften stools and relieve constipation. Taking a small amount, such as a tablespoon, can stimulate the digestive system and improve regularity.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Studies suggest that olive oil may help with glycemic control, especially for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

The Topical Caveat: Risks of Using Olive Oil as a Lubricant

While safe and beneficial for eating, olive oil is not recommended for use as a sexual lubricant, especially when using latex condoms. Its oil-based nature can cause serious issues and undermine the effectiveness of certain protections.

Potential Risks of Topical Use

Latex Condom Damage: This is the most critical risk. Oil-based products degrade latex, causing condoms to weaken, break, or tear. This significantly increases the risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Increased Risk of Infection: Olive oil can disrupt the natural pH balance and microbiome of the vagina, potentially creating an environment where bacteria and yeast can thrive. This raises the risk of infections like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.
Clogged Pores and Irritation: The thick, heavy nature of olive oil means it is not easily absorbed by the skin. It can clog pores in sensitive areas, leading to breakouts and irritation. Furthermore, some studies indicate it could potentially damage the skin's protective barrier.
Difficult Cleanup: Olive oil is not water-soluble, making cleanup challenging and potentially leaving stains on clothing and bedsheets.

Cooking with Olive Oil: Dispelling the Myths

A common myth is that cooking with olive oil at high temperatures makes it unsafe or toxic. This is largely unfounded. Research confirms that olive oil, particularly EVOO, is remarkably stable under heat due to its high monounsaturated fat content and protective antioxidants. The "smoke point" of an oil is not the sole indicator of its safety when heated; oxidative stability is more important.

A Deeper Look at Cooking Stability

A 2018 study found that EVOO produced the lowest level of harmful polar compounds compared to a wide range of other cooking oils when heated. While some heat-sensitive antioxidants may decrease, the core benefits and stability of the oil remain intact, making it a safe and healthy choice for most home cooking methods, including pan-frying, sautéing, and roasting.

Cooking Oil Comparison Table


Cooking Oil	Primary Fat Type	Oxidative Stability When Heated	Notes on Culinary Use
Extra Virgin Olive Oil	Monounsaturated	High (antioxidant protection)	Safe and flavorful for medium heat cooking, great for dressings. Retains nutritional value well.
Canola Oil	Polyunsaturated	Lower (less resistant to heat)	High smoke point, but less stable due to higher polyunsaturated fat content.
Coconut Oil	Saturated	Very High	Less stable than EVOO when heated for extended periods despite high saturated fat content.
Vegetable Oil	Polyunsaturated	Low (can degrade easily)	Often highly refined; lacks the antioxidants that protect EVOO from breakdown when heated.
Avocado Oil	Monounsaturated	High	High smoke point, very stable, but can be more expensive.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to "Is olive oil safe to put inside you?" depends on the context. For dietary purposes, consuming olive oil, particularly high-quality extra virgin olive oil, is not only safe but also provides a wealth of health benefits. This includes supporting heart health, providing antioxidants, and aiding digestion. It is also a stable and healthy choice for cooking. However, when considering topical applications, such as using it as a personal lubricant, the answer is a firm no. The risks of compromising latex condoms and increasing the likelihood of infections make it a dangerous choice for intimate applications. For these uses, it is best to stick to products specifically designed for that purpose, like water- or silicone-based lubricants. Your body and health depend on understanding the proper application for this versatile oil.

For more information on the health benefits of olive oil, visit Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, drinking a tablespoon of high-quality extra virgin olive oil daily is safe for most people and can provide cardiovascular and digestive benefits. However, start with a smaller amount if you have a sensitive stomach, as it may cause digestive upset.

No, it is not recommended to use olive oil as a personal lubricant. It can damage latex condoms and disrupt the body's natural pH balance, which increases the risk of bacterial and yeast infections.

Yes, olive oil is a very healthy oil for cooking, including for sautéing, pan-frying, and roasting. It is highly stable and more resistant to forming harmful compounds at high temperatures compared to many other oils.

No, heating olive oil during typical home cooking does not make it toxic. The oxidative stability of extra virgin olive oil is high, and while some antioxidants may decrease, the core healthy fats remain intact.

Only use water-based or silicone-based lubricants with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants, including olive oil, cause latex to break down.

While generally safe, consuming excessive amounts can lead to weight gain due to its high calorie content. Some individuals may also experience mild digestive issues like diarrhea.

Yes, olive oil can aid digestive health. It acts as a lubricant for the intestinal tract, helping to promote regular bowel movements and can stimulate bile production for better fat digestion.