The skin, pulp and oil are rich in glycerides and fatty acids, which gently cleanse and moisturize. The ground-up pits and bark make fine exfoliants. And the leaves are a source of oleuropein, an antioxidant that destroys free radicals - the unstable molecules that damage collagen, the substance that gives skin its youthful suppleness and tautness. The olive s newfound popularity stems, in part, from the current craze for botanical ingredients in cosmetics. Advances in research and technology also play a role in the fruit s resurgence as a key cosmetic ingredient.
Some companies offer just a single item infused with olive extracts.
These include Amazing Grace, a perfumed olive oil body scrub from Philosophy, and O-live a Little, a hand and body lotion from Bibo. Nor is the trend limited to the United States. Australia s Aesop line now has an olive face cleanser, Greece s Korres Athens an olive-pit scrub, and Britain s Body Shop an olive moisturizer. Other companies are doing entire collections based on the Mediterranean fruit. Items include bar soap, body wash, bath salts, body polish and lotion.