At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about olive leaf extract. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Olive leaf extract comes from the leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea) and is rich in oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol. In ORY® products, it provides antioxidant support. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Oleuropein is a well-studied antioxidant. In hairless mice, olive leaf extract and oleuropein given in the diet reduced signs of chronic UVB skin damage. We found no human clinical trials of topical olive leaf extract in cosmetics.
Citations:
- Omar, S. H. (2010). Oleuropein in olive and its pharmacological effects. Scientia Pharmaceutica, 78(2), 133–154. https://doi.org/10.3797/scipharm.0912-18
- What it shows: Review of oleuropein’s properties.
- Kimura, Y., & Sumiyoshi, M. (2009). Olive leaf extract and its main component oleuropein prevent chronic ultraviolet B radiation-induced skin damage and carcinogenesis in hairless mice. Journal of Nutrition, 139(11), 2079–2086. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19776181/
- What it shows: Mouse study of olive leaf extract and UVB damage.
- Omar, S. H. (2010). Oleuropein in olive and its pharmacological effects. Scientia Pharmaceutica, 78(2), 133–154. https://doi.org/10.3797/scipharm.0912-18
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Olive leaf extract is made by extracting dried leaves with water or water and alcohol and is standardized to oleuropein. It also contains hydroxytyrosol and flavonoids. |
Verification: Supported. The composition of olive leaf is well documented.
Citations:
- Omar, S. H. (2010). Oleuropein in olive and its pharmacological effects. Scientia Pharmaceutica, 78(2), 133–154. https://doi.org/10.3797/scipharm.0912-18
- What it shows: Describes oleuropein and related compounds.
- Omar, S. H. (2010). Oleuropein in olive and its pharmacological effects. Scientia Pharmaceutica, 78(2), 133–154. https://doi.org/10.3797/scipharm.0912-18
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Olive leaf extract suits all skin types. |
Verification: Supported. The CIR Expert Panel concluded that olive leaf extract is safe in cosmetics at reported use levels (up to 2% in leave-on products). We found no cosmetic clinical studies by skin type.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2023). Safety assessment of Olea europaea (olive)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Olive_0.pdf
- What it shows: CIR safety assessment of olive-derived ingredients.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2023). Safety assessment of Olea europaea (olive)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Olive_0.pdf
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, olive leaf extract provides antioxidant support for the scalp. |
Verification: Limited evidence. A mouse study found that oleuropein applied to the skin triggered the hair growth phase. Hair-growth claims are drug claims, and ORY® haircare products are not intended to grow hair, prevent hair loss, or treat dandruff.
Citations:
- Tong, T., Kim, N., & Park, T. (2015). Topical application of oleuropein induces anagen hair growth in telogen mouse skin. PLoS One, 10(6), e0129578. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0129578
- What it shows: Mouse study of oleuropein and hair growth.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 310.527 — Drug products offered over-the-counter for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/310.527
- What it shows: FDA treats hair-growth and hair-loss products as drugs.
- Tong, T., Kim, N., & Park, T. (2015). Topical application of oleuropein induces anagen hair growth in telogen mouse skin. PLoS One, 10(6), e0129578. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0129578
5. Benefits
Claim: Olive leaf extract provides antioxidant support and helps skin look healthy. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Antioxidant activity is well supported in lab studies. UV-protection findings come from mice, and ORY® products with olive leaf are not sunscreens. ORY® does not make antimicrobial, acne, or wound-healing claims.
Citations:
- Omar, S. H. (2010). Oleuropein in olive and its pharmacological effects. Scientia Pharmaceutica, 78(2), 133–154. https://doi.org/10.3797/scipharm.0912-18
- What it shows: Antioxidant evidence.
- Kimura, Y., & Sumiyoshi, M. (2009). Olive leaf extract and its main component oleuropein prevent chronic ultraviolet B radiation-induced skin damage and carcinogenesis in hairless mice. Journal of Nutrition, 139(11), 2079–2086. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19776181/
- What it shows: Animal UVB study.
- Omar, S. H. (2010). Oleuropein in olive and its pharmacological effects. Scientia Pharmaceutica, 78(2), 133–154. https://doi.org/10.3797/scipharm.0912-18
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Olive leaf extract is used in all four ORY® product lines. |
Verification: Supported. Leave-on use levels stay within the 2% maximum that CIR reviewed. We found no data on how much oleuropein survives soapmaking.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 0.5–2% (leave-on) | Serums, day creams, eye creams, masks, and after-sun products. |
| Haircare | 0.5–2% | Scalp serums, shampoos, and conditioners. |
| Handmade Soap | 1–2% extract | Extract added at trace in olive-oil bars. |
| Cosmetics | 0.5–2% | Foundations, primers, and lip balms. |
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2023). Safety assessment of Olea europaea (olive)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Olive_0.pdf
- What it shows: Reported use concentrations.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2023). Safety assessment of Olea europaea (olive)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Olive_0.pdf
7. Pros
Claim: A strong plant antioxidant with a CIR safety conclusion. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Antioxidant evidence is strong in the lab; human topical evidence is limited.
Citations:
- Omar, S. H. (2010). Oleuropein in olive and its pharmacological effects. Scientia Pharmaceutica, 78(2), 133–154. https://doi.org/10.3797/scipharm.0912-18
- What it shows: Review.
- Omar, S. H. (2010). Oleuropein in olive and its pharmacological effects. Scientia Pharmaceutica, 78(2), 133–154. https://doi.org/10.3797/scipharm.0912-18
8. Cons
Claim: Evidence for skin benefits is mostly from animals, and the extract can be bitter-smelling and brown. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Animal evidence. Skin and hair findings come mainly from mice.
- Color and odor. Can tint formulas brown and has a bitter, herbal scent.
- Stability. Oleuropein can break down over time.
Citations:
- Kimura, Y., & Sumiyoshi, M. (2009). Olive leaf extract and its main component oleuropein prevent chronic ultraviolet B radiation-induced skin damage and carcinogenesis in hairless mice. Journal of Nutrition, 139(11), 2079–2086. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19776181/
- What it shows: Animal evidence.
- Kimura, Y., & Sumiyoshi, M. (2009). Olive leaf extract and its main component oleuropein prevent chronic ultraviolet B radiation-induced skin damage and carcinogenesis in hairless mice. Journal of Nutrition, 139(11), 2079–2086. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19776181/
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2023). Safety assessment of Olea europaea (olive)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Olive_0.pdf
- What it shows: Safety assessment.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2023). Safety assessment of Olea europaea (olive)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Olive_0.pdf
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2023). Safety assessment of Olea europaea (olive)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Olive_0.pdf
- Kimura, Y., & Sumiyoshi, M. (2009). Olive leaf extract and its main component oleuropein prevent chronic ultraviolet B radiation-induced skin damage and carcinogenesis in hairless mice. Journal of Nutrition, 139(11), 2079–2086. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19776181/
- Omar, S. H. (2010). Oleuropein in olive and its pharmacological effects. Scientia Pharmaceutica, 78(2), 133–154. https://doi.org/10.3797/scipharm.0912-18
- Tong, T., Kim, N., & Park, T. (2015). Topical application of oleuropein induces anagen hair growth in telogen mouse skin. PLoS One, 10(6), e0129578. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0129578
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 310.527 — Drug products offered over-the-counter for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/310.527
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
