Ingredient's Bio Activity

OLIVE LEAF (Olea Europaea Leaf Extract)


ABOUT THE INGREDIENT

The olive tree is a long-lived evergreen tree belonging to the Oleaceae family. Olive trees grow abundantly around the Mediterranean and were cultivated by ancient societies such as the Greeks and Romans. Olive trees have been cultivated for over 3,000 years, with the fruit as food and the leaves as a source of plant medicine. It was even referenced in ancient religious writings as a symbol of peace, purity and wellness. The olive leaf extract is a natural product, extracted from the olive trees and it has contributed to health since ancient times.


ACTIVE COMPONENTS

Rich in vitamins A & E, polyphenols, oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol & oleocanthal.


BENEFITS IN COSMETICS

 

ANTIOXIDANT

Olive leaves have strong antioxidant activity due to the presence of flavonoids, such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol. Oleuropein’s antioxidant potential is mainly related to its ability to improve radical stability through the formation of an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the free hydrogen of the hydroxyl group and its phenoxyl radicals.

It has a scavenging capacity against reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. Consequently, olive leaves neutralize oxidative stress to protect the skin from harsh environmental factors like UV exposure that lead to premature aging, dullness, dark spot, hair weakness and loss.

Due to its potent antioxidant properties, olive leaves can protect the cellular lipids from being oxidized to slow the appearance of the signs of aging.

 

MOISTURIZING

Olive leaf extract helps moisturize and hydrate the skin & hair to improve their texture. It absorbs moisture from the surrounding environment and retaining it by reducing the transepidermal water loss.

Skin products: Olive leaf extract moisturizes and soothes skin without clogging pores. It is considered to be an anti-aging product by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.

Hair products: Olive leaf extract contributes moisture to the hair follicle and adds shine to the hair while working to smooth out the strands, as well as protect it from the sun’s UV rays damage. Therefore, it is believed to discourage hair loss and promote hair growth.

 

ANTIMICROBIAL

Olive leaf extract has antimicrobial properties that eliminate harmful bacteria from developing an infection, making it beneficial for soothing conditions such as dermatitis. It exerts a broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria by damaging the bacterial membrane and/or disrupting cell peptidoglycans.

It also exerts an antifungal effect against Candida strains infections. The olive leaf extract, oleuropein, causes a reduction in total sterol content in the membrane of C. albicans cells, which might be involved in the mechanism of its antifungal activity.

 

WOUND HEALING

Olive leaf extract can be applied to rash and wound to facilitate their healing while strengthening the afflicted skin area. Oleuropein, the main component of olive leaf extract, accelerates wound healing through stimulating skin epithelization and enhances blood circulation.

Oleuropein exerts a positive effect on type 1 collagen fiber synthesis which is a predominant feature of the skin that determines its tensile strength and increases the rate of epithelization.

Oleuropein, known as an antioxidant, reduces cellular damage to a minimum allowing improvement of wound healing.

 

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Olive leaf extract is known to purify, protect and calm the skin due to its soothing and hydrating properties. Oleuropein is responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of olive leaf thus soothes skin irritation, reduces redness and facilitates healing.

 

REDUCES ACNE BREAKOUTS

Olive leaf extract is capable of preventing acne breakouts by cleaning the pores, absorbing excess sebum, and eliminating acne-causing bacteria.

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, olive leaf extract can significantly reduce the intensity of acne pimples' inflammation.


SAFETY

PATCH TEST; the product was applied as it is (pure extract) on an occlusive patch for 48 hours on the back of 20 healthy volunteers. Evaluation of cutaneous reactions was done after 15 minutes and 24 hours from patch removing. The product, according to the obtained results, may be considered not irritant. Toxicity from literature data: product is edible, and LD 50 is not detectable.