Upcycling Meets Efficacy: The Potent Antioxidant Secrets of the Olive Tree

What's So Special About the Spanish Olive Tree?

In the heart of Spain, across its vast and sunny fields, lies a green, ancient treasure: the olive tree. This tree, a symbol of longevity and strength, has witnessed the passage of centuries, offering us its “liquid gold,” olive oil, a fundamental element of the Mediterranean diet, renowned for its health and longevity benefits. But what if we told you that its true magic goes beyond the kitchen? 

The Spanish olive tree, in particular, has unique characteristics that set it apart from its counterparts in other regions of the world. The climatic conditions of Spain, with its long sunny summers and mineral-rich soil, create a perfect environment for these trees to flourish and produce superior quality olive oil. These exceptional conditions not only influence the flavor and purity of the oil but also the beneficial properties derived from its by-products.

For years, scientists and experts have investigated the secrets of the olive tree, discovering that the by-products of its oil production hide exceptional properties for skincare. When its components are applied to the skin, they not only nourish and beautify, but also protect and revitalize it, offering comprehensive and natural care. As a result, a new chapter in natural cosmetics has unfolded, with industry professionals studying these by-products’ numerous benefits, and looking to extract and utilize them innovatively and sustainably. 

The Secret of the Olive Tree: A New Breakthrough for Skincare

The by-products of olive oil production, such as leaves, pomace residues, stones and wastewater had been discarded for a long time. However, they have revealed themselves to be an inexhaustible and rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals – compounds that help protect and regenerate our skin. 

Among these compounds, hydroxytyrosol stands out as one of the most powerful antioxidants, and is the secret to the Mediterranean diet’s connection to longevity. The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) recently released a scientific opinion that recognizes hydroxytyrosol as a preventive active ingredient against cardiovascular diseases and as an antioxidant, with anti-inflammatory properties that can effectively neutralize free radicals and prevent premature skin aging. Among other health claims, the EFSA substantiated that hydroxytyrosol reduces oxidative stress. Its antioxidant capacity is higher than other ingredients widely used in anti-aging treatments, such as Vitamins C and E, as well as Coenzyme Q10. This phenolic compound also helps with depigmenting, photoprotecting, and antimicrobial actions, while protecting against environmental damage. 

Additionally, the maslinic and oleanolic acids present in olive oil by-products have the ability to act on inflammation and cell senescence. These acids help reduce inflammation, promoting healthier, rejuvenated skin, and combat the signs of cellular aging, keeping the skin young and vibrant.

Reaping the Antioxidant Benefits of the Olive Tree

So, how can we “bottle up” the magic antioxidant properties of the olive tree for skincare applications? Atanor 118, a Spanish specialist and producer of biotech-based active cosmetic ingredients, has developed a powerful process for turning olive oil production by-products into high-performing active ingredients. 

As pioneers of the Upcycling movement, with 100% of their current portfolio coming from Upcycled waste, they have launched their RePlanet brand this year in 2024, which focuses entirely on transforming waste into active ingredients. Their Olivan range, as its name suggests, specializes in upcycling olive oil by-products.

The olives are harvested and pressed in the Grenada region of Spain, after which they are physically extracted to create different types of olive oil. There are two types of waste that RePlanet detects: solid and liquid. From the solid waste, the olive peel is obtained, from which maslinic and oleanolic acids are extracted. From the liquid waste, through a patented chromatographic column separation process, hydroxytyrosol is obtained. After refining the oil, squalene, oleic acid, and linoleic acid are obtained from the remaining mass. Refer to the Flow Chart image below for the full process. 

This initiative not only promotes sustainability by reducing waste and extending the lifespan of the olives, but also enhances the value of the olive tree, transforming what was once considered waste into a valuable and effective resource for skincare.

Introducing the Olivan Range

Atanor 118’s Olivan range consists of 4 innovative products that are designed to imitate the skin’s biological functions, improve its structure, and provide multifactorial protection. 

• Olivan Cicapure (INCI: Olea Europaea (Olive) fruit peel extract):
  Contains 60% maslinic acid and 20% oleanolic acid, working in synergy to achieve skin homeostasis. The maslinic acid accelerates collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis, reduces inflammation, and combats cellular aging, while oleanolic acid also acts on inflammation, activates blood circulation, and is immunostimulating.
• Olivan Antiox (INCI: Olea Europaea pomace extract):
  Contains 25% Hydroxytrysol, the most potent antioxidant in the cosmetic market, increasing cell longevity through the activation of autophagy, a Noel Prize-winning discovery of a vital process in which our cells “clean out” any damaged or unnecessary components. In vivo studies have revealed smoother, softer, and more hydrated skin after 28 days.  
• Olivan DiuVitae (INCI: Squalene):
  Contains 92% concentrated squalene, a biomimetic of our skin that acts as a natural moisturizer, keeping the skin soft, smooth, elastic, and calm. Squalene, derived from olive oil by-products, integrates perfectly into our skin, enhancing its ability to retain moisture and providing a protective barrier against external aggressions.
• Olivan Elementum (INCI: Olive acid):
  This single product concentrates all of the fatty acids of the olive tree (75% oleic acid and 10% linoleic acid), offering a complete and natural skincare solution. This product maximizes the benefits of olive oil by-products, ensuring a balanced combination of essential nutrients that work together to protect the skin microbiome and reinforce the epidermal lipid barrier. Plus, for brands and formulators looking into palm-free sustainable alternatives, Olivan Elementum is an excellent choice. 

The olive tree can live for over a thousand years, withstanding the ravages of time and the changing seasons. This longevity is no coincidence; its composition, rich in polyphenols and essential fatty acids, allows it to regenerate and protect itself continuously. These same properties, when applied to cosmetic products, help the skin stay young, hydrated, and protected against environmental damage.

These products are a true testament to how we can extend the benefits of olive oil – a symbol of health and vitality in Mediterranean culture – from internal ingestion to external skincare application. By incorporating these rich natural compounds into our cosmetic products, and leveraging innovation to ensure efficacy, our daily skincare routines can quite literally reap the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. 

Conclusion: Sustainability Meets Cosmetic Innovation 

Incorporating the richness of the Mediterranean into skincare, Atanor’s Olivan range not only benefits from the exceptional qualities of the Spanish olive tree, but also embraces the holistic and healthy philosophy of the Mediterranean lifestyle. The Mediterranean region, known for its longevity and wellness, provides a perfect backdrop for these innovative, natural ingredients that promote healthier and more vibrant skin.

By upcycling the by-products of olive oil and transforming them into active ingredients, Atanor is utilizing a natural resource responsibly and driving sustainability in the cosmetics industry.

Through advanced biotech innovation, these ingredients meet consumer demands for high performance and sustainability, being COSMOS-certified and natural, while delivering on antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory performance claims. 

Consider Atanor’s Olivan range for your formulations to harness the transformative power of the Spanish olive tree. By choosing the Olivan range, you’ll get high-efficacy and natural ingredients, with utmost respect for the planet. 

👉 Request samples of Atanor’s Olivan range on Covalo today, by clicking below: 

• Olivan Antiox
• Olivan Elementum
• Olivan DiuVitae
• Olivan Cicapure