For hair
Rich in oleic acid, it forms a film that seals the cuticle and holds moisture in the fiber. Dry, thick or curly lengths gain suppleness and softness, as a pre-shampoo oil treatment or in a mask.
Vegetable oilMoroccan heritage
Olive oil
The olive tree a gnarled trunk, grown across Morocco.
The olives green, then black, picked at maturity.
The press the fruit crushed under a millstone, then pressed.
The oil a golden-green drop, ready for the formula.
INCI · OLEA EUROPAEA FRUIT OILBuild my olive oil range
- INCI name
- OLEA EUROPAEA FRUIT OIL
- Other names
- Virgin olive oil, olive oil; zaytoune (the olive tree, in Moroccan Arabic)
- Family
- Emollient vegetable oil
- Origin
- Mediterranean basin, including Morocco
- Part used
- Pressed pulp of the olive fruit (Olea europaea)
- Areas of use
- Hair, body, lips, face in blends, black soap
In brief
Olive oil in 30 seconds
By the Carmel Cosmetics Labs R&D team · updated October 18, 2026
- INCI nameOLEA EUROPAEA FRUIT OIL (olive fruit oil)
- What it isthe oil pressed from olive pulp, made up mostly of oleic acid
- For hairan emollient film that coats dry lengths and softens them
- For skina nourishing care for body and lips, best used in a blend on the face
- Originthe Mediterranean basin; Morocco has 1.24 million hectares of olive groves
( A )WHAT IT IS
What is olive oil in cosmetics?
Olive oil is the oil obtained by pressing the pulp of olives, the fruit of the olive tree (Olea europaea). In cosmetics, it is declared as OLEA EUROPAEA FRUIT OIL and acts as an emollient: it nourishes and softens dry hair, body skin and lips. It is made up mostly of oleic acid, with sterols, carotenoids and phenolic compounds. It appears in hair masks, oils, lip balms and black soap.
Olive oil or coconut oil for hair: the difference
Olive oil
Rich in oleic acid, it forms an emollient film on the surface of the hair that seals the cuticle and holds in moisture. It suits dry, thick or curly lengths, as a pre-shampoo oil treatment or in a mask.
Coconut oil
With a low molecular weight and a straight chain, it penetrates the hair shaft more. It is the most studied oil for limiting protein loss during washing.
In a blend
In our masks and hair oils, olive oil is often paired with coconut, castor or argan oils: each brings its own texture and feel.
( B )ITS BENEFITS01 02 03
Olive oil for hair and skin: benefits
For skin
On the body and lips, it nourishes and softens dry areas. On the face, we pair it with oils richer in linoleic acid, which respect the skin barrier better.
For the formula
It brings a rich feel, a name everyone knows and a strong Mediterranean identity. The European CosIng database lists skin conditioning and perfuming functions for it.
How do you use olive oil?
- Hair
As a pre-shampoo oil treatment, once a week for example: a few drops spread over the lengths and ends, left on before shampooing. In a mask, it is applied after washing, then rinsed out.
- Face
Preferably in a blend, in a rinse-off cleansing oil or balm: it dissolves makeup and leaves skin supple. On sensitive skin, choose a formula where it is not the main ingredient.
- Body
On skin still damp after the shower, or in the hammam in black soap: applied to warm skin, it is rinsed off before scrubbing with a kessa glove.
( C )IN OUR PRODUCTS
Launch your olive oil range
We add it to hair masks, shampoos and conditioners, black soaps, lip balms and oils ready to carry your brand. Pick a category to see the formulas.
Catalog products with olive oil
( D )FORMULATOR NOTES
How we use it
What our formulators take into account when olive oil goes into your product.
Often paired with
- 01Virgin or refined
A virgin oil keeps its green color, fruity smell and phenolic compounds; a refined oil is more neutral. We choose the grade according to the finish and fragrance targeted.
- 02The skin barrier
Oleic acid, the main component of olive oil, has been studied for its effect on the skin barrier with repeated application. For the face and sensitive skin, we pair it with oils rich in linoleic acid.
- 03Stability
Like any unsaturated oil, it can go rancid: we check smell and color on receipt, add an antioxidant and follow the formula through stability testing.
- 04The right INCI name
The INCI list shows OLEA EUROPAEA FRUIT OIL. In a black soap, the oil is saponified with potash: it then appears under the name of its salt, POTASSIUM OLIVATE.
Did you know?
The olive tree, at the heart of Morocco
- 1.24 million hectares
According to the International Olive Council, Morocco has 1.24 million hectares of olive groves, and the sector covers about a quarter of the country's edible oil needs.
- Tassaout
Morocco is home to Tassaout, in the Marrakech region, the second largest collection of olive tree varieties in the world. The country is also a founding member of the International Olive Council.
- Zaytoune
In a survey of 70 herbalists in the Fès-Meknès region, the olive tree, called zaytoune, is among the plants cited for hair and nail care.
Olive oil for hair and skin: your questions
A project with this ingredient?Our product specialist answers you on WhatsApp.Message us on WhatsApp
What are the benefits of olive oil for hair?
Olive oil forms an emollient film that seals the cuticle and holds moisture in the fiber. Dry, thick or curly hair becomes more supple, softer and easier to style. It penetrates the hair less than coconut oil: it works mostly on the surface, on the lengths and ends.
How do you use olive oil on hair?
As a pre-shampoo oil treatment: spread a few drops over the lengths and ends, leave on, then wash. A second shampoo avoids a greasy look on fine hair. In a mask or conditioner, it is applied after washing and rinsed out.
Can you put olive oil on the face?
Yes, but preferably in a blend. Its oleic acid has been studied for its effect on the skin barrier with pure, repeated application. In a face care product, it works better paired with oils rich in linoleic acid, or used in a rinse-off makeup remover. Patch test on a small area.
Is olive oil good for body skin?
It nourishes and softens dry areas: elbows, knees, hands and lips. It is best applied on skin still damp after the shower, with a light massage. In a body lotion or butter, its rich texture pairs well with shea butter and lighter oils.
Virgin or refined olive oil: which one for cosmetics?
Virgin oil keeps its green color, fruity smell and phenolic compounds: it suits products that claim a natural character, such as black soap. Refined oil, more neutral in color and smell, blends better into a fragranced cream or a light-colored care product.
What is the INCI name of olive oil?
Its INCI name is OLEA EUROPAEA FRUIT OIL. The European CosIng database lists skin conditioning and perfuming functions for it. In a soap, the saponified oil is declared as POTASSIUM OLIVATE or SODIUM OLIVATE depending on the alkali used: potash for a soft black soap, soda for a solid soap.
Can you create an olive oil range with Carmel Cosmetics Labs?
Yes. We add it to white label hair masks, shampoos and conditioners, black soaps, lip balms and oils, or to an exclusive private label formula, made in our ISO 22716 factory in Morocco. Free samples and a free consultation.
Sources
- European Commission, CosIng database: OLEA EUROPAEA FRUIT OIL (olive oil)
- Lin T.-K., Zhong L., Santiago J.L., Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 19(1):70 (2017)
- Mysore V., Arghya A., Hair Oils: Indigenous Knowledge Revisited, International Journal of Trichology 14(3) (2022)
- International Olive Council, Morocco signs agreement with the IOC and FAO to safeguard olive genetic resources (2025)
- Salhi N. et al., Traditional Knowledge of Medicinal Plants Used for Cosmetic Purposes in the Fez-Meknes Region, Trop J Nat Prod Res 7(11) (2023)
Your olive oil range, made in Morocco
Send your brief: we formulate and manufacture in our ISO 22716 factory in Aït Melloul. Free consultation and formula selection, no commitment.