I’d like to take a moment to introduce you to something that’s made a significant impact in my skincare routine lately:  Oliveda.  While Oliveda may feel like a fresh find for me, the brand boasts an impressive 20+ years of history gracing upscale spas across Europe. Yet, its presence in the wonderful world of skincare is still blossoming here in the US—just a year in the spotlight!

As someone who passionately champions safe and clean beauty, my heart raced at the chance to dive into Oliveda’s offerings after hearing rave reviews from friends I trust. I was completely taken aback by the results. I’m always cautious about new products, but within a mere month of trying Oliveda, the enthusiasm is undeniably real. Here’s the icing on the cake: they just launched a makeup line! Make sure to check out their skin tint base—an intriguing first step into makeup for this trailblazing brand.

In this post, I’ll delve into the captivating background of Oliveda, what sets its fabulous products apart, which items I’ve had the pleasure of testing, and my unfiltered thoughts on the brand.

So, what’s the buzz surrounding Oliveda Skincare? This German-born clean beauty brand harnesses the power of olive tree extracts, taking a bold stance with its waterless skincare philosophy. Essentially, this means that their products are concentrated with active ingredients—no water or pesky preservatives to water down efficacy. The formulations are designed to deliver maximum impact without harmful additives, all while being sustainably crafted.

Founded by the visionary Thomas Lommel after he experienced the miraculous effects of olive in wellness, Oliveda’s journey started with the I01 Elixir, a drinkable supplement. His insight? What nourishes our insides must also bring beauty to our outsides—our skin!

What’s in a name? For Oliveda, it’s a nod to the Latin word for olive, “olivae.” Every one of their brilliant creations stars olive leaf extract, which fortifies the brand’s waterless claim (more on that soon!).

Oliveda’s key ingredient is hydroxytyrosol, a powerhouse antioxidant derived from the olive leaf. What they don’t include—water—also sets them apart. Hydroxytyrosol protects the skin from environmental damage, brightens the complexion, and soothes inflammation. It’s not just buzz; it’s backed by science, showing benefits that extend beyond just skincare. This signature ingredient ensures that you’re giving your skin an active powerhouse in every dab!

The Essence of Waterless Skincare

Now, let’s talk water! While it’s not inherently bad, water in skincare often requires preservatives and emulsifiers to hold it all together. This means that the active ingredients can get diluted. Oliveda’s genius is to skip the water and choose 100% organic olive leaf extract—hydroxytyrosol, to be exact—as the star ingredient.

Wait—does that mean Oliveda products are devoid of water? Not quite. Water shows up as a byproduct of extracting the olive leaf ingredients, but the brand never adds water to their products. You won’t find it as the first ingredient in their formulas, a common scene with many other skincare brands. Although it’s important to note that water isn’t inherently bad for your skin, Oliveda’s unique formulation elevates the potency of the rest of the actives while ensuring you get a solid, active dose with each application.

Clean Beauty Comes to Life

Absolutely—it’s a clean beauty brand! Based in Germany, Oliveda aligns with rigorous EU beauty safety standards, banning over 1700 ingredients, while the US only bans 11. That’s the kind of commitment I can get behind, especially considering I’m extra cautious due to a strong family history of breast cancer.

One thing to keep in mind is that ingredient labeling can feel a bit confusing for US consumers since EU regulations differ. Some common terms might catch you off guard, but no need to worry—I’ll break down some essential details!

Fragrance, Retinol, and More

In the US, “fragrance” is often a vague catch-all that can include questionable chemicals. However, in the EU, every ingredient gets tested for safety, so when you see “fragrance” on Oliveda’s label, rest assured it’s stringently regulated.

And about retinol—this can feel like a tricky topic in the US, especially for those who are pregnant or nursing. However, in the EU, natural alternatives like bakuchiol can be safely included in products labeled as retinol. For context, one of Oliveda’s hero products called “F82 Green Retinol Face Elixir” features bakuchiol, a gentle alternative.

Discovering Oliveda Internals

While I’m so excited about Oliveda’s skincare, let’s not forget their Internals! These popular supplements, crafted with the same hydroxytyrosol base, go beyond skin, addressing inflammation and joint health, too.

The Oliveda Lineup: A Celebration of Choices

With nearly 90 products to choose from, the Oliveda collection can feel a bit daunting. The brand’s terminology can take some getting used to, especially when terms like “corrective” are thrown around. Not to worry—I’ll simplify it for you and help you find the perfect fit for your skin type, whether you’re looking for cleansers, serums, moisturizers, or eye creams.

Here’s a peek into my recommendations:

Cleanser Choices:

Corrective Cleansing Oil (F72) – Perfect for dry, aging skin with nourishing olive and lavender oils.
Arbequina Cleansing Oil (F78) – Ideal for normal or combination skin, it hydrates while removing impurities (my favorite!)

Serum Recommendations:

Corrective Serum Face (F59) – Dubbed the “botox in a bottle,” it’s powerful for targeting fine lines.
Cell Active Serum (F06) – Great for reducing dark spots and tightening skin.

Moisturizers:

Corrective Face Cream (F42)** – Ideal for daytime hydration with a touch of sun protection.
Regeneration Intense Face Cream (F74)** – A luxurious night cream that provides deep moisture.

Eye Cream Essentials:

Corrective Eye Cream (F60)  – Target fine lines with its blend of anti-aging ingredients.
Anti Wrinkle Eye Cream (F09) – A gentle cream that tightens and lifts.

Extra Add-Ons:

Corrective Vegan Hyaluronic Acid Serum (F86) – Deeply hydrates and repairs oxidative damage.
Honey Enzyme Face Mask (F76) – Revitalizes and refreshes for a healthy glow.

The Oliveda Quiz: A Personalized Approach

Feeling uncertain about where to start? Take the OliveBrain quiz for tailored product recommendations. Plus, you get a full-size freebie when you order two of the suggested products. Just keep in mind that while the quiz provides guidance, I’m here to help with personalized suggestions based on your unique skin needs!

My Verdict on Oliveda

So here’s the scoop: Since transforming my routine with Oliveda eight months ago, the results have been remarkable.  My skin has the same smooth texture it did when I was 10!  And the results have continued even more over time.  I truly feel like I am feeding my skin every time I use it.  And the fact that it is clean and free of harmful chemicals gives me even more peace of mind!

FAQs

Curious if Oliveda is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding? Overall, yes! The products are deemed pregnancy-safe, though if you’re cautious, it might be wise to steer clear of certain retinols and consult your doc when necessary.

Wrapping It Up

I’m head over heels for Oliveda! Their products aren’t just clean and effective; they smell divine, come in easy-to-store packaging, and the free shipping on orders over $50 is the cherry on top. If you have any questions about my experience or want to dive deeper into clean beauty, just let me know! I’m here to share the love and keep your skin healthy and beautiful!