Cosmeceutical and Dermatological Potential of Olive Mill Wastewater: A Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Source of Natural Ingredients

July 2025 in “ Cosmetics ”

Adriana Albini, Paola Corradino, Danilo Morelli, Francesca Albini, Douglas M. Noonan

olive mill wastewater polyphenols hydroxytyrosol oleuropein tyrosol antioxidant anti-inflammatory antimicrobial photoprotective oxidative stress collagen degradation cellular repair nanoemulsions liposomes skin cancer prevention antiproliferative effects melanoma cells

TLDR Olive mill wastewater can be used as a sustainable source of skin-benefiting ingredients.

Olive mill wastewater (OMWW), a byproduct of olive oil production, is identified as a sustainable and eco-friendly source of natural ingredients with significant potential for cosmeceutical and dermatological applications. Rich in polyphenols like hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, OMWW offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and photoprotective benefits. These compounds are effective in enhancing skin health, preventing skin cancer, and promoting hair growth by increasing IGF-1 and VEGF levels in hair follicle cells. Innovative formulations such as nanoemulsions and liposomes improve the bioavailability and skin penetration of these compounds. Utilizing OMWW aligns with circular-economy principles, transforming waste into valuable resources, reducing the ecological impact of olive oil production, and meeting consumer demand for natural products.

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Cosmeceutical and Dermatological Potential of Olive Mill Wastewater: A Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Source of Natural Ingredients

Research cited in this study

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