Oil Loosen Ear Wax New!: Does Olive

Another study published in the British Journal of General Practice in 2018 found that using olive oil ear drops for 3-5 days helped to significantly reduce ear wax buildup.

Yes—but not instantly. Olive oil helps soften hard, dry ear wax over a few days, making it easier for the wax to naturally migrate out of the ear. It doesn’t “dissolve” wax the way commercial drops might, and it won’t flush wax out on its own.

While olive oil is generally considered safe, there are some precautions and contraindications to be aware of: