Discover the Power of Hydroxytyrosol: The Ultimate Antioxidant in Skincare 

Olive trees can live for hundreds or even thousands of years, with an average lifespan of around 500 years. The oldest known olive tree is 1,500 years old. One of the secrets to their longevity and resilience lies in hydroxytyrosol, an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial antioxidant abundant in olive trees. Olive oil, an essential part of a healthy diet, is rich in this powerful compound, making it a popular food supplement and a potent skincare ingredient.  

Why Is Olive Oil Good for Your Health? 

Olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, is renowned for its health benefits due to its rich composition of polyphenols, fatty acids, and antioxidants. The polyphenols in olive oil, including hydroxytyrosol, oleocanthal, and oleuropein, are strong antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation, reducing the risks of chronic diseases. Among them, hydroxytyrosol is the most potent antioxidant. 

Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid and linoleic acid, which are crucial for cardiovascular health and skin function. It also contains various antioxidants such as vitamin E and carotenoids, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, squalene, another component of olive oil, is known for its hydrating and protective qualities. 

Extra virgin olive oil is unprocessed or minimally processed olive oil that retains most of the health benefits, just as nature intended. 

Why Are Antioxidants Important? 

Antioxidants are molecules that protect the body from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. These unstable molecules can harm cells, proteins, and DNA, leading to aging and various illnesses, including cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, preventing them from causing harm.

In skincare, antioxidants protect the skin from damage caused by environmental factors like UV radiation and pollution. Products containing antioxidants can help reduce signs of aging by neutralizing free radicals that break down collagen. Hydroxytyrosol, derived from olive oil, is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants.

Hydroxytyrosol: The Most Powerful Antioxidant 

First identified in the early 1980s, hydroxytyrosol is a polyphenol found in olive fruit, leaves, and mill wastewater. It has stronger antioxidant properties than well-known antioxidants like vitamins C and E. It is also more stable and less prone to degradation compared to vitamin C, making it more gentle on the skin.  

Hydroxytyrosol benefits for skin include neutralizing free radicals, calming inflammation, improving elasticity and tone, and brightening. Beauty Thinkers products have the highest concentrations of hydroxytyrosol on the market. We formulate it at a skin-compatible pH level between 5 and 5.5, making it suitable for daily use even for sensitive skin. 

Does Hydroxytyrosol Have Side Effects? 

Hydroxytyrosol for skin is generally well-tolerated and safe for most skin types, including sensitive skin, unless one is allergic to olive-derived products. However, like any skincare ingredient, it may cause reaction in some individuals. To minimize the risk of side effects, we recommend to perform a patch test before incorporating hydroxytyrosol-based products into your skincare routine. 

How to Incorporate Hydroxytyrosol Into Your Skincare 

To incorporate hydroxytyrosol into your skincare, choose products that contain Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) processed to be skin-compatible, olive extract, or both. 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

EVOO is rich in beneficial compounds, including polyphenols and vitamins, and is known for its moisturizing properties, making it particularly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin. Its rich fatty acid content helps restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture​. 

Beauty Thinkers products feature the world’s only Enzymatic EVOO: we treat extra virgin olive oil sourced from a remote estate in the Umbrian hills in Italy with proprietary enzymes in order to produce skin-compatible free fatty acids. Most of our products contain Enzymatic EVOO such as our award-winning, bestselling Antioxidant Boost Facial Oil. 

Olive Extract

Olive extract is a more concentrated form of the beneficial components found in olives, including hydroxytyrosol. This extract is designed to deliver a potent dose of antioxidants directly to the skin. Olive extracts can be particularly effective in anti-aging products​. 

Beauty Thinkers products have the highest level of antioxidant activity hydroxytyrosol for skin available in the market. One of our bestsellers, Antioxidant Cream is a daily moisturizer with serum antioxidant defense created with unparalleled levels of hydroxytyrosol. Skin appears noticeably moisturized, smoother, and more even.  

EVOO + Olive Extract

For maximum benefits, try skincare products containing both EVOO and olive extract to achieve deep hydration and superior antioxidant protection. Beauty Thinkers Hydrators are just such a product. Hydrator 1 works for all skin types, Hydrator 2 is designed for oily or combination skin, and Hydrator 3 is best suited for the skin showing early signs of aging. 

To experience the power of hydroxytyrosol in Beauty Thinkers products, start with one of our skincare kits. Don’t forget about sun protection! We offer olive oil-derived UV Care products such as Beauty Thinkers DOPO SOLE After Sun Restore cream for after sun care. It contains Enzymatic EVOO and olive extract, and is suitable for all skin types.