Ingredient spotlight: Olive Oil
Did you know that olive oil isn’t just for cooking? This liquid gold holds a wealth of benefits for your skin and hair too! Explore it’s nourishing hydration, rich natural goodness that not only flavours our favourite mediterranean foods, but can also deeply moisturizes your skin, leaving it soft, smooth, and oh-so-supple! Say goodbye to dryness and hello to a radiant glow!
Olives, the magic of the small green fruit
Olive oil is a type of oil extracted from the fruit of the olive tree (Olea europaea). It is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and has been used for thousands of years for various purposes, including cooking, skincare, and medicinal applications. Olive oil is produced primarily in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as Spain, Italy, Greece, and Tunisia.
South Africa is suitable for cultivating and producing olive oil. Olive trees require specific climate conditions to thrive, and certain regions of South Africa offer suitable environments for successful olive cultivation.
The Western Cape region, in particular, is well-known for its olive production. The Mediterranean climate of the Western Cape, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, closely resembles the conditions found in traditional olive-growing regions. These conditions are favorable for olive trees to flourish and produce high-quality olives for oil extraction.
How is it extracted?
Olive oil is extracted from olives, the fruits of the olive tree (Olea europaea), using mechanical methods that preserve the oil’s quality and purity. The extraction process involves several stages, and the most common methods are:
- Harvesting: Olives are harvested from the trees when they reach their desired ripeness. The timing of the harvest can influence the flavor and quality of the resulting oil.
- Sorting and Cleaning: After harvesting, the olives are sorted to remove any damaged or spoiled ones. They are then thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, leaves, and other debris.
- Crushing or Grinding: The cleaned olives are crushed or ground into a paste using mechanical processes. Traditionally, large stone mills were used for this purpose, but modern olive oil production facilities often use stainless steel or centrifugal mills.
- Malaxation: The olive paste is stirred or mixed in a process called malaxation. This step helps break down the oil droplets, allowing the oil to coalesce more efficiently.
- Separation: The malaxed olive paste is then pressed or processed to separate the oil from the other components, such as water, pulp, and solids. The separation can be achieved using one of the following methods:a. Pressing: Traditional methods involved using hydraulic presses to extract the oil from the paste. However, modern production often employs more advanced technology to extract the oil gently.
- b. Centrifugation: This is the most common method used today. The olive paste is placed in a centrifuge, which spins rapidly, separating the oil from the water and other components based on their densities.
- Filtration: After separation, the olive oil may undergo filtration to remove any remaining particles or impurities, resulting in a clearer and more refined product.
- Grading and Bottling: The extracted olive oil is graded based on its quality and acidity levels. The highest-quality oil is classified as extra virgin olive oil, while lower grades include virgin olive oil and olive oil (a blend of refined olive oil and virgin or extra virgin olive oil). The oil is then bottled for distribution and consumption.
It’s important to note that extra virgin olive oil is considered the highest quality and most flavorful, as it is produced solely by mechanical means without the use of heat or chemicals. This preserves the true taste and aroma of the olives and retains the oil’s natural health benefits and antioxidant properties.
Is the olive oil intended for skincare use harvested and processed differently?
Olive oil intended for use in skincare products is typically extracted using the same methods as olive oil for culinary purposes. The process involves mechanical extraction to preserve the oil’s quality and beneficial properties. Here’s how olive oil is generally extracted for use in skincare products:
- Harvesting: The olives are harvested from the olive trees when they are at their peak ripeness.
- Sorting and Cleaning: The harvested olives are sorted to remove any damaged or spoiled fruits. They are then thoroughly cleaned to eliminate dirt, leaves, and other debris.
- Crushing or Grinding: The cleaned olives are crushed or ground into a paste using mechanical means, just like in the culinary process.
- Malaxation: The olive paste is mixed or stirred in a process called malaxation. This step helps to break down the oil droplets and improve the extraction process.
- Separation: The malaxed olive paste undergoes a separation process to extract the oil from the other components. For skincare products, the gentlest methods are often preferred to maintain the oil’s quality and beneficial compounds:a. Cold Pressing: This method involves pressing the olive paste without the use of heat. Cold pressing is commonly used for extracting extra virgin olive oil for skincare, as it retains the oil’s natural antioxidants and nutrients.
- b. Centrifugation: Similar to the culinary process, centrifugation may be used to separate the oil from the other components, although the process might be optimized for smaller batches and lower temperatures to preserve the oil’s quality.
- Filtration: After extraction, the olive oil may be filtered to remove any remaining particles or impurities, ensuring a pure and clear product.
- Bottling: The extracted olive oil intended for skincare products is then bottled and packaged for distribution and use in various skincare formulations.
When olive oil is used in skincare products, it is often labeled as “Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil” in the ingredient list. Olive oil is valued in skincare for its moisturizing and nourishing properties, as well as its antioxidants, which can benefit the skin by promoting hydration, protecting against oxidative stress, and supporting overall skin health. However, as with any skincare ingredient, individual skin reactions may vary, so it’s essential to perform a patch test before using olive oil-based products on a larger area of the skin, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
What are the benefits of olive oil in skincare products?
Olive oil offers several benefits for the skin due to its rich composition of healthy fats, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds. When used topically, it can provide various skincare benefits, including:
Moisturization: Olive oil is an excellent natural moisturizer. It helps to trap moisture in the skin, making it soft and hydrated. The oil’s fatty acids form a protective barrier that prevents water loss, keeping the skin supple and preventing dryness.
Antioxidant Properties: Olive oil contains antioxidants, such as vitamin E and polyphenols, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress on the skin. This can contribute to a reduction in premature aging signs, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
Soothing and Anti-inflammatory: The anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin. It may provide relief from conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and sunburn, helping to reduce redness and irritation.
Anti-Acne: Some studies suggest that olive oil may help control acne due to its antibacterial properties. It can potentially reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria and may be beneficial for people with acne-prone skin.
Improves Skin Texture: Regular application of olive oil can promote a smoother skin texture by softening rough patches and promoting cell turnover.
Nourishing: Olive oil is rich in vitamins and nutrients that can nourish the skin and promote overall skin health. It can help maintain skin elasticity and improve skin tone.
Makeup Remover: Olive oil can be used as a natural and gentle makeup remover. It effectively dissolves makeup, including stubborn waterproof products, without drying out the skin.
Sunburn Relief: The soothing properties of olive oil can help calm and moisturize sunburned skin, providing some relief from discomfort.
Some more things to consider:
When using olive oil for skincare, it’s essential to choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil, as it contains the highest concentration of beneficial compounds. However, not everyone’s skin reacts the same way to oils, so it’s crucial to do a patch test before applying olive oil to a larger area of the skin, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
While olive oil can be beneficial for many people, some individuals may experience clogged pores or breakouts when using it. As with any new skincare product, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns or conditions before incorporating olive oil into your skincare routine.
Many Simply Bee products contain olive oil and we carefully select only the best quality for our products.
