Why Olive Oil is Great
Olive oil has many benefits and is used widely in skincare and is one of the most versatile ingredients. It has been used for centuries in skincare for its perceived moisturizing, nourishing, and anti-inflammatory properties. Throughout history is has been believed to hydrate and soften the skin, prevent fine lines and wrinkles, reduced redness and irritation, and strengthen the skin barrier. The oil is derived from the fruit of the olive tree and the latin plant name is Olea europaea which is what the INCI name you see on packaging.
The oil is extracted from the olives in two ways, either by mechanical or chemical process. Olive oil is high in oleic acid, vitamins A, D, K, and E, and antioxidants. It is also a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols.
There are two main types of olive oil used in skincare, extra virgin and pomace. Extra virgin olive oil and pomace olive oil have different properties and uses in skincare. Extra virgin olive oil is considered the highest quality olive oil, made from pure, cold-pressed olives. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats while pomace olive oil is a lower-grade and made from the leftover pulp and pits after the first cold pressing. It is less expensive than extra virgin olive oil and imparts a lighter colour in products like soap. Pomace is also a great moisturizer, but it may contain fewer beneficial antioxidants and nutrients than extra virgin olive oil.
When it comes to Lavami products, olive oil is the true star of our soap bars! It is the key ingredient to a balanced bar as it makes a hard and long lasting soap with a gentle cleansing lather. It is the best for all skin types including sensitive skin and will help to condition and soften the skin. Generally, our soap bars contain pomace oil olive as extra virgin turns the soap a green hue.
Besides its use in soap, olive oil has many benefits for skin care. It is intensely moisturizing because it is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that can help to hydrate and nourish the skin, leaving it soft and supple. Antioxidants such as vitamin E and polyphenols help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and can delay the signs of aging. It's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help to soothe and heal irritated or damaged skin. Lastly, olive oil can create a protective barrier on the skin that helps to retain moisture and prevent dryness.
Olive oil is also a widely used ingredient in haircare due to its moisturizing, nourishing, and strengthening properties. It is common to see this ingredient in shampoos and conditioners, masks, oils, and treatments because it is known to be good for hydrating and moisturizing dry, brittle hair, reducing breakage and split ends, taming frizz and promoting shine, and strengthening the hair shaft. For these types of products, high quality olive oil is best.
As for us sensitive skin babies, olive oil is a perfect ingredient. It isn't known as a common irritant and is very gentle. It's anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties can help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and hydrate dry, sensitive skin. We many benefit from including olive oil as part of a gentle skincare routine due to its nutrients and moisturizing properties.
Overall, olive oil is a great ingredient and is used in a lot of our products. It is the single most important ingredient in our soap bars and is great and gentle inclusion in a lot of skincare and haircare products for people with sensitive skin.
What Lavami Products Can You Find Olive Oil In
Some of our favourite and most popular products that include olive oil are Coffee soap, Lavender soap, Lemongrass soap, and Hippie soap.