Olive Oil
Olive oil is a classic natural ingredient used in many UK skincare and haircare products for its rich, nourishing qualities. Pressed from ripe olives, it delivers gentle moisture and a silky feel without heaviness. Shoppers often choose it for its antioxidant content and long history in beauty rituals.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, olive oil functions as an emollient and occlusive agent that helps soften the skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. Its fatty acid profile, particularly oleic acid, allows it to integrate well with the skin’s natural lipids, leaving a smooth, supple finish. It is commonly found in cleansing oils, moisturisers, hair masks and lip balms where it provides conditioning benefits and improves product texture.
Key benefits
- Deeply nourishes and softens dry skin
- Helps improve skin elasticity and smoothness
- Conditions and adds shine to dry or frizzy hair
- Acts as a mild, non-stripping cleanser
- Provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors
- Helps soothe and calm irritated skin
Best for
dry skin, mature skin, sensitive skin, normal skin
Where it comes from
Olive oil is obtained by cold-pressing the fruit of the olive tree (Olea europaea), a small evergreen native to the Mediterranean region. The highest-quality cosmetic grades are typically extra virgin olive oil, extracted without heat or chemicals.