Why doesn't oil soak in to the skin?

Answer 1

It does. It's a question of how much. Most oils we get on us combine with the oils present on our skin. Some of the "foreign" oil will penetrate our pores or try to make its way across the barrier of the skin. If you take some olive oil, which you can detect somewhat easily by smell or by taste and rub in into your hands, you will find that you can usually detect some of it still there after washing. Certainly a product like WD-40 will be detectable because of the unique and aromatic smell that is characteristic of this Rocket Chemical Company product. But please use your head and avoid allowing petrochemical oils (like WD-40) from coming into contact with your skin. If you wish to experiment, use an oil that is "body friendly" and has a perfume in it. It will probably still be detectable after rubbing it on your hands and then washing. Probably after several washings. They type of oil and the quantity in contact with the skin, as well as the time the oil is in contact, will determine how much will "soak in" or be absorbed. Lighter oils will pass more quickly into pores and through dermal barriers, as you might expect.