Olive Oil/Olive Fruit Oil

Good

Emollient

Olive Oil/Olive Fruit Oil at a glance

  • An emollient, non-fragrant plant oil also called Olea Europaea (Olive) fruit oil
  • Beneficial for dry skin because of its fatty acid content
  • Contains phenolic compounds that provide antioxidant benefits
  • The negative effects of olive oil are apparent only when used alone on skin

Olive Oil/Olive Fruit Oil description

Olive oil/olive fruit oil is an emollient plant oil (Latin name _Olea europaea_) with benefits similar to several other non-fragrant plant oils. Olive oil is beneficial for dry skin because of its fatty acid content, some of which comes from the emollient squalene. Olive oil contains essential fatty acids dry skin needs, including oleic, palmitic and linoleic acids. It also contains phenolic compounds that provide antioxidant benefits. A small number of animal tests show that topically applied olive oil can protect against environmental damage, too. This plant oil maintains a low potential for sensitivity. To be very clear: When olive oil is mixed in a formula in small amounts with other beneficial ingredients, you get the benefit of its slip and emollient properties along with some antioxidant benefit. The negative effects of olive oil are apparent only when used alone on skin.

Olive Oil/Olive Fruit Oil references

  • Scientia Pharmaceutica, April-June 2012, pages 133-154
  • International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, 2009, issue 3, pages152-165
  • Talanta, 2008, issue 2, pages 924-934
  • Alternative Medicine Review, November 2007, pages 331-342
  • Carcinogenesis, November 2000, pages 2,085-2,090

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.