The olive tree (Olea europaea), from the Oleaceae family, originates in the Mediterranean region. Olive oil is extracted by pressing the olive, an edible, oleaginous fruit.
Olive oil has high levels of oleic acid, which has emollient properties. This oil makes the skin soft, supple, and more radiant.
It is used in cosmetics for its moisturizing properties, since its composition is very close to that of the skin’s sebum.
Olive oil also has high levels of unsaponifiable compounds: tocopherols, polyphenols, sterols, and squalene. These compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing functions, giving olive oil its anti-ageing properties. Olive oil is used for hair care and body care products, and it is an ingredient in many veterinary and pharmaceutical products.
It is a favorite ingredient in food products due to its nice fragrance and low concentration in saturated fatty acids.
