AskScience: Got Questions? Get Answers.

The original post: /r/askscience by /u/b0sw0rth on 2024-10-20 17:10:10.

I know that people that work on car transmissions are encouraged to wear gloves because there are harmful chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin into the body. But it doesn't matter how much water I have in contact with my skin, it won't be absorbed. If I rub olive oil on me is that being absorbed into me in a way that is different than say, taking a shower (with water)? Is it it just that the chemical has to be an "oil" of some kind?