Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Also known as Olive oil, Extra virgin olive oil, Olive fruit oil
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil is the cold-pressed or refined oil from ripe olive fruits (Olea europaea, Oleaceae), predominantly oleic acid (~55-83%) with linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids as minor components, plus polyphenols and squalene in the unsaponifiable fraction. CIR Expert Panel rated S (Safe) in cosmetic use (IJT 36(Suppl. 3):51-129, 2017). A randomized controlled trial (PMID 22995032, Danby et al. 2013) found that topical olive oil application for 4 weeks caused a significant reduction in stratum corneum integrity and induced mild erythema in adults, in contrast to sunflower oil — a clinically relevant finding suggesting olive oil may promote or exacerbate atopic dermatitis. A plant oil review (PMID 29280987) covers olive oil among multiple oils for anti-inflammatory and skin barrier effects.
Long history of traditional use as a skin emollient and moisturizer
Rich in polyphenols (hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein) and squalene which provide antioxidant properties
CIR Expert Panel assessed as Safe (S) for use in cosmetics
High content of oleic acid provides skin-conditioning emollient effect
- · High oleic acid content (~55-83%) is associated with reduced skin barrier repair benefit compared to high-linoleic oils; oleic acid may increase skin permeability
Randomized controlled trial found topical olive oil caused significant reduction in stratum corneum integrity and mild erythema in adults over 4 weeks — in contrast to sunflower seed oil which preserved barrier function; use in infant massage or dry skin treatment is not recommended based on this evidence
CIR Quick Reference Table (September 2022) — OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL row: Finding=S, Citation=IJT 36(Suppl. 3):51-129, 2017
“Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil | S | | IJT 36(Suppl. 3):51-129, 2017”— QuickReferenceTable_AllConclusionTypes.pdf, p. 302