Actually, we aren’t fans of olive oil directly applied to the skin. So other than the deliciousness of olives, why highlight them?

It’s because of products made FROM the olives we are singing their praises.

Balanced skin has a healthy protective layer called the Acid Mantle. One product from olives replicates the oil produced by the body; the other product is a cleanser which doesn’t strip the protective layer.

WHY OLIVES?

One reason is their use in making soap, specifically the Moroccan Savon Beldi; the other is an extract made from the olive that is super beneficial to preserving healthy skin.

Olive oil is heavy, and it doesn't absorb easily into the skin, so it does provide some barrier function. But it can also clog pores and cause acne. We love the gentleness of soaps made with olive oil, AND the extract squalane.

Squalane is derived from olives and resembles the oil made by the body to protect our skin as part of the acid mantle: SqualEne.

Squalene, with an e, is naturally produced by the body. More specifically, it's produced by the sebaceous (oil) glands in our skin.

Squalane, with an a is found in olives. When processed and added to skincare it completely and quickly penetrates the skin providing key nutrients.

We’re of the camp that soap isn’t the enemy of your skin. Detergents are. And a lot of ‘soaps’ on the market are really detergents. Scientifically, soap is a chemical process of combining a fatty substance (plant or animal) with a base (like lye). We like soaps make with olive oil. They tend to be gentler than the ones made with coconut oil (used a LOT because its really foamy, but it’s not the best for the skin).

Moroccan Black Soap (Savon Beldi) is extra special because it uses olive oil as the fat. And instead of sodium chloride, the black soap is made with potassium chloride, making it nearly neutral pH and gentler on the skin. The soap is a Castile soap paste which adds olive pulp into the mix. The addition of the mash is what makes the color dark and gives the soap its nourishing quality.

The breakdown of the olive pulp in the soap releases humic minerals which boost collagen and protects, instead of stripping the acid mantle and drying out the skin.

So while we don't recommend using olive oil directly on the skin, we DO love skincare made with by-products of the olives. Specifically the cosmetic additive squalane derived from olives (not from sharks). And the Moroccan Savon Beldi and other Castile soaps made with olive oil.

What makes it work like magic are these trace minerals in humic acid that be come bio-available in the soap-making process. Humic minerals starve toxins, oxygenate cells and improve collagen production.

Find Olive Squalane in our Bergamot and Blue Tansy Products (Oil, Lotion and Face Cream)

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