Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, commonly known as olive oil, is a natural oil extracted from the fruit of the olive tree (Olea europaea). It is highly valued for its moisturizing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular ingredient in cosmetics and skincare products.

Chemical Composition and Structure

The chemical composition of Olea Europaea Fruit Oil includes:

• Fatty Acids: Primarily oleic acid (55-83%), along with palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acids, which contribute to its moisturizing properties.
• Phenolic Compounds: Such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, which provide antioxidant benefits.
• Vitamins: Particularly Vitamin E (tocopherols), which support skin health and protect against oxidative stress.

Structurally, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil is composed of triglycerides, which are esters formed from glycerol and fatty acids, along with various bioactive compounds.

Physical Properties

• Appearance: A clear to slightly cloudy yellow to greenish liquid.
• Solubility: Soluble in oils and alcohol; not soluble in water.
• pH: Neutral, typically around 6-7.
• Odor: Mild, fruity, and slightly nutty aroma.
• Stability: Relatively stable but should be stored away from light and heat to prevent rancidity.

Production Process

• Extraction: Olive oil is obtained through mechanical pressing or cold pressing of ripe olives.
• Purification: The crude oil may undergo filtration to remove solid residues and enhance clarity.
• Formulation: The purified oil is incorporated into cosmetic and personal care products, often combined with other ingredients to enhance performance and stability.

Applications

• Medical: Used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Cosmetics: Widely included in skincare products, hair care products, and soaps for its moisturizing and nourishing effects.

INCI Functions:

Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it allows perfume to be enhanced, masked or added to the final product, improving its commercial viability. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant scent in a cosmetic product.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment by restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants.

CAS   8001-25-0

EC number   232-277-0

• Food: Used as a cooking oil and salad dressing, valued for its health benefits and flavor.
• Industrial Uses: Occasionally used in formulations for natural products and as a base for herbal extracts.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Olea Europaea Fruit Oil is generally regarded as safe for topical application in cosmetics when used according to recommended guidelines. It is well-tolerated by most skin types, but individuals with specific allergies to olives should exercise caution. Responsible sourcing and production practices are essential to ensure that the oil is free from harmful contaminants and produced sustainably.