Latin Name: Olea Europaea
Olive Oil (also called 'liquid gold by Homer) has long been considered a staple for cooking with, but have you considered making it must-have in your skincare regime too?
Obtained by cold-pressing olives (traditionally from Italy), Olive Oil is packed full of proteins, minerals and Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C and E, AND fatty acids Oleic acid, Palmitoleic acid, Linoleic acid, Linolenic acid, Omega-3, Omega-6and very high Omega 7 - phew!
By containing all these amazing vitamins, minerals, proteins and fatty acids, Olive Oil is not only richly moisturising and nourishing, but also provides antioxidant protection - antioxidants, when applied topically, can help prevent premature ageing. Vitamin E partly accounts for this, as it protects against ultraviolet light and restores skin smoothness. Free radical damage to the skin is also prevented by olive oil, as it contains the rate compound hydroxytyrosol.
Despite being incredibly rich, olive oil does not clog pores and penetrates deeply into the skin to promote healthy, radiant skin.
Jeanne Calment, who holds the Guiness World Record for the world's oldest person (she was 122 years and 164 days when she died in 1997), reportedly attributed her long life, health and relatively youthful appearance partly to olive oil - and chocolate!
You can find it in:
- Comfort Cleansing Balm - a key ingredient in our cleansing balm, both olive oil and olive wax help prevent dryness in the cleansing process.