Olive Oil/Olive Fruit Oil
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Olea Europaea Oil Unsaponifiables
An emollient, non-fragrant plant oil also called Olea Europaea (Olive) fruit oil | Beneficial for dry skin because of its fatty acid content
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Olive Oil/Olive Fruit Oil?
Olive oil/olive fruit oil is an emollient plant oil (Latin name Olea europaea) with benefits similar to several other non-fragrant plant oils.
Olive oil is beneficial for dry skin because of its fatty acid content, some of which comes from the emollient squalene. Olive oil contains essential fatty acids dry skin needs, including oleic, palmitic and linoleic acids. It also contains phenolic compounds that provide antioxidant benefits.
A small number of animal tests show that topically applied olive oil can protect against environmental damage, too.
This plant oil maintains a low potential for sensitivity.
To be very clear: When olive oil is mixed in a formula in small amounts with other beneficial ingredients, you get the benefit of its slip and emollient properties along with some antioxidant benefit. The negative effects of olive oil are apparent only when used alone on skin.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Scientia Pharmaceutica, April-June 2012, pages 133-154 []
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International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, 2009, issue 3, pages152-165 []
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Talanta, 2008, issue 2, pages 924-934 []
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Alternative Medicine Review, November 2007, pages 331-342 []
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Carcinogenesis, November 2000, pages 2,085-2,090 []
Frequently Asked Questions
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Oleyl Erucate
Ester of oleyl alcohol and erucic acid | Serves as a humectant
Oleyl Oleate
A lightweight ester that softens and conditions skin without a greasy residue
Olive Oil Decyl Esters
A plant-derived ester that helps restore skin's lipid barrier
Olus Oil
A lightweight plant oil that softens and conditions the skin barrier
Omental Lipids
A lipid-rich emollient derived from omental tissue, designed to soften and moisturise skin
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil
A lightweight plant oil rich in linoleic acid, traditionally used to support skin soothing
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