Olive Oil

Cosmetic Olive Oil is a cold-pressed oil high in oleic acid, with natural squalene, polyphenols and vitamin E that give it a rich, cushioning feel. It richly softens and conditions dry skin, helps reduce moisture loss and leaves skin supple and comfortable — its richer feel makes it best for dry and mature skin. On hair it is a deep-conditioning oil that softens and smooths dry, coarse hair and tames frizz.

• INCI: Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
• Extraction: cold pressed
• Fatty-acid profile: high in oleic acid (omega-9); natural squalene, polyphenols and vitamin E
• Comedogenic rating: 2 (low–moderate; best for dry/mature skin)
• Feel: rich, cushioning
• How to use: up to 100% in soap and body oils, or 3–20% of the oil phase in creams and lotions
• Solubility: oil-soluble · Shelf life: 24 months

Olive oil is one of the oldest cosmetic oils in the world, used since antiquity for skin, hair and soap. A 2018 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences examined how the fatty acids in oils like this behave on the skin.

Working with more than one oil? The Cosmetic Carrier Oil Formulator’s Handbook: 50 Oils Edition compares fatty-acid profiles, comedogenic ratings, absorption, shelf life and stability for 50 popular carrier oils in one reference.

Browse the full range of Cold-Pressed Carrier Oils & Butters, or read our guide to Cosmetic Carrier Oils.

Is this Olive Oil cold pressed? Yes — cold pressed, preserving its squalene, polyphenols and vitamin E.

Can it be used in facial serums? Yes, best in blends, to enrich serums for very dry skin.

Can it be used on hair? Yes — a classic deep-conditioning oil for dry, coarse hair.