This Mediterraneanian golden liquid has been used by humans for more than 5000 years.

A staple oil in cooking, olive oils also have many benefits for use in cosmetics. Some of the most beautiful women in history such as Cleopatra and Hellen of Troy used olive oil as part of their daily skincare routine.

History of olive oil

Humans collected olives for tens of thousands of years and used them as food. However, olives were first turned into olive oil around 8000 years ago.

Since then olive oil has been used by all advanced civilisations. Ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans all used olive oil as part of their cooking, but also cosmetics, candle making and religious practices.

 

Ancient Egyptians used olive oil to remove makeup and moisturise their skin. They were some of the first civilisations to start using olive oil in cosmetics.

Ancient Greeks believed olive oil has skin healing properties and they regularly used it in cosmetics. They also used olive oil as a hair protectant.

Some of the oldest soaps like Aleppo soap was made with an olive oil base, and the tradition continues to this day.

Olive oil has been traditionally used in cosmetics as:

• Base for soaps
• Skin moisturiser
• Base for balms
• Base for perfumes
• Hair protection oil
• Natural deodorant
• Makeup remover

 RELATED READING: Ancient Egyptians as masters of cosmetics

Extraction process

What's beautiful about olive oil is its simple extraction process that's pretty much the same today as it was 6000 years ago.

Olive oil is traditionally cold-pressed. This means olives are crushed into a paste with purely mechanical methods, like large mill stones. A variation of this method of extraction dates back thousands of years. Reputable olive oil producers in the Mediterranean area still use a similar process to this day.

The paste is then squeezed by being left under the pressure of the stones for a specific time. This produces a pure gold liquid we know as olive oil.

 

Benefits for skin

Olive oil is rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It's an effective natural protectant and moisturiser.

There are many benefits of olive oil for the skin. Let's look into them.

 

1. Moisturisation

Olive oil is an effective natural moisturiser as it contains Squalane and Vitamin E.

Vitamin E & Squalane work together to increase the skin's ability to retain water and support moisture retention.

Olive oil is not comedogenic which means it will not clog pores in most people which makes it a perfect moisturiser for all skin types.

 

2. Skin & hair protection

Being rich in antioxidants olive oil will protect skin and hair from environmental damage. 

Vitamin E prevents skin damage from UV light and restores damaged cells. Phytosterols in olive oil act as antioxidants and promote the production of collagen.

 

3. Effective skin cleanser

Olive oil is probably the most effective natural makeup remover out there. That's why you can always find it as an ingredient in premium makeup removal products.

This is due to its ability to collect oily residue such as makeup while at the same time moisturising the skin.

 

4. Natural anti-age

Olive oil contains four major antioxidants: polyphenols, phytosterols, carotenoids and Vitamin E.

These antioxidants can help reduce signs of ageing by combating oxidative stress.

Vitamin E is effective at restoring damaged cells while phytosterols boost the production of collagen in the skin which helps it to retain that young look and feel.

 

5. Wound healing

And when you think it's over, the Mediterranian liquid gold continues to surprise.

Olive oil is effective at treating a number of skin conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea and eczema. When applied topically olive oil helps to deeply moisturise the skin.

Due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties olive oil will help to heal wounds and damaged skin.

Hydroxytyrosol found in olive oil can help skin take more sun exposure without damage.

 

6. Great for hair

Due to all the above-mentioned benefits, olive oil is also a superb hair conditioner and protectant.

Vitamin E will repair damaged hair and make it stronger. Olive oil will also moisturise the scalp which directly leads to healthier hair.

It will reduce frizziness, help with split ends and make the hair feeling silky smooth.

 

Conclusion

Once again ancestral wisdom prevails. Olive oil has been used in cosmetics for thousands of years and is a staple in many modern cosmetics products to this day.

Whether you are looking to moisturise, protect or treat your skin condition olive oil will deliver.

That's why we use olive oil in our formulations. Check them out below.