Olive oil – the Mediterranean carrier oil with a tradition going back thousands of years

Ancient skincare tradition

Used for thousands of years around the Mediterranean as a skincare oil.

Rich in antioxidants

Vitamin E and polyphenols protect the skin structure from free radicals.

Suits virtually everyone

Very well tolerated, even for sensitive skin and for the whole family.

Profile

INCI Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Plant Olive tree (Olea europaea)
Origin Mediterranean countries (Italy, Spain, Greece)
Extracted from Fruit (cold-pressed)
Main fatty acids Oleic acid 65–80%, linoleic acid ~10%
Texture Medium viscosity, greenish-yellow
Comedogenicity 2 (low)
Use Balms, creams, carrier oil
M
Marc · Product developer at forpeople

Olive oil is the base of many of our balms – tradition meets natural cosmetics.

Olive oil is a classic that has been used in skincare for thousands of years. In our SOS pitch balm it forms the base into which larch resin and beeswax are worked. Many of our solid sunscreens also use olive oil as a nourishing component.

Active in detail

A classic Mediterranean oil with a long history

Olive oil has been pressed from the fruit of the olive tree (Olea europaea) since antiquity. It contains 65–80% oleic acid, antioxidant vitamin E and polyphenols – a make-up that has made the oil a classic in Mediterranean skincare.

Skin-type check

Which skin type is olive oil right for?

Olive oil suits virtually everyone – and it's especially strong on normal and mature skin.

N
Normal skin Top
A classic skincare oil for every skin type.
T
Dry skin Top
Provides lipids and strengthens the skin barrier.
R
Mature skin Top
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant – protecting against skin ageing.
S
Sensitive skin Top
Mild and very well tolerated.
M
Combination skin Mit Bedacht
Use sparingly – it can feel greasy.
O
Oily skin Eher nein
Comedogenic 2 – better avoided on very oily skin.
Science & skincare

How does olive oil work on the skin?

Three ways it works, for classic Mediterranean skincare.

01

Lipid supply

Oleic acid strengthens the skin barrier and makes up for a lack of lipids.

02

Antioxidant protection

Vitamin E and polyphenols neutralise free radicals from UV and the environment.

03

A protective film

Forms a gentle, breathable protective film on the skin's surface.

Olive oil · Ancient tradition · Mediterranean
Use Cases

What can you use olive oil for?

Body oil

Rich skincare after showering

Balm base

A classic carrier oil in pitch balm & bee balm

Hand care

For stressed hands and nails

Baby care

Gentle care for baby skin (extra virgin)

Cleansing oil

A mild make-up remover oil

Component in sunscreens

A nourishing base in solid sunscreen

Science

What does the research say?

Cosmetics 2018

„Olive oil measurably reduces TEWL and improves the skin barrier on dry skin."

Clinical study.
J. Nutr. Biochem. 2014

„Olive oil polyphenols show strong antioxidant activity – protection against UV-induced skin ageing."

Review article.
Pediatr. Dermatol. 2008

„Olive oil in baby care – safe and effective at moderate concentrations."

Paediatric study.
Terms

Glossary

Olea europaea
Scientific name of the olive tree.
Extra virgin
The highest quality grade – cold-pressed, with no heat or chemical treatment.
Oleic acid
A monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid – the main component in olive oil.
Polyphenols
Plant compounds with an antioxidant effect.
INCI
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil – the official cosmetic name.
Carrier oil
A plant oil that carries and disperses other actives (e.g. essential oils) and makes them gentler on the skin.

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