European Olive (Olea Europaea L.) as a Source of Cosmetically Valuable Raw Materials: A Narrative Review of Bioactive Constituents, Their Biological Mechanisms, and Applications
December 2025
in “
Dietetics
”
New to olive oil? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → Studysummary This paper reviewed studies from 2019 to 2025 on the use of olive oil and other derivatives from the European olive tree for skin, hair, and nail care, noting their roles in wound healing and skin aging while highlighting a favorable safety profile. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The narrative review explores the European olive (Olea europaea L.) as a valuable source of raw materials for cosmetics, emphasizing its bioactive constituents like oleocanthal and oleuropein. These compounds are noted for their roles in skin hydration, elasticity, wrinkle reduction, and photoprotection, contributing to skin aging management. Olive oil and its derivatives are recognized for their moisturizing and strengthening effects on hair and nails, although research in these areas is limited. The review also highlights the therapeutic potential of olive-derived compounds in preventing and managing conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases due to their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Despite the benefits, challenges remain in processing waste materials from olive production, which poses environmental concerns. The review underscores the importance of sustainable practices in utilizing olive by-products in the cosmetic and nutraceutical industries.
