What it is
This ingredient is made from olive leaves, which are naturally rich in polyphenols such as oleuropein, and is hydrolyzed to improve solubility and yield smaller bioavailable fragments. It is valued in cosmetics for its antioxidant character, helping to support the skin against free-radical stress, and for a general conditioning effect. Within a sunscreen it is a supporting botanical and does not contribute UV filtration.
Safety & warnings
Olive leaf extracts are generally well tolerated in topical products. Botanical extracts can rarely cause sensitization in predisposed individuals, so a patch test is prudent for those with known plant sensitivities. The ingredient is not an oil and is not linked to comedogenicity.
Origin & sourcing
Plant-derived. It is obtained from the leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea), with the extract then hydrolyzed.
History
Olive leaf has a long history of traditional use around the Mediterranean, and olive-derived polyphenols are now widely studied for their antioxidant properties in cosmetic and nutritional contexts.
Questions everyone asks
What does olive leaf extract do in a sunscreen?
It acts mainly as an antioxidant and conditioning botanical, supporting the skin against oxidative stress. It is not part of the UV protection itself.
Is this the same as olive oil?
No. This comes from the leaves of the olive tree and is rich in polyphenols, whereas olive oil is pressed from the fruit and is a different ingredient.