Cold-Extracted EVOO for Skin & Hair: Why It’s Better Than Standard Olive Oil

Cold-Extracted EVOO for Skin & Hair: Why It’s Better Than Standard Olive Oil

For thousands of years, people across the Mediterranean have used olive oil not just in their kitchens - but on their skin and hair. Today, that tradition is being rediscovered, especially with one specific type of oil:

Cold-extracted extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) - the purest, most nutrient-rich form of olive oil.

This is the same method behind LUVIA Classic and the olive oil we use in our handmade LUVIA soaps. But what makes cold-extracted EVOO so much better for beauty than standard or refined olive oils?

Let’s explore the science, the benefits, and why your skin loves it.

What Makes Cold-Extracted Olive Oil Different?

Most standard or inexpensive olive oils are processed using:

  • Heat
  • Pressure
  • Refining
  • Deodorising
  • Blending with lower-grade oils

This removes nutrients, antioxidants and fatty acids - the very components that nourish and protect your skin.

Cold extraction, however:

  • Uses modern centrifugation at controlled low temperatures
  • Preserves natural antioxidants and vitamins
  • Maintains the oil’s delicate structure
  • Protects flavour, aroma, and purity

The result is a clean, chemical-free, nutrient-rich oil ideal for both skincare and haircare.

Why Cold-Extracted EVOO Is Better for Skin

1. Packed With Natural Antioxidants

Cold-extracted EVOO retains high levels of polyphenols such as:

  • Oleocanthal
  • Oleuropein
  • Hydroxytyrosol

These protect your skin from environmental damage and help support natural repair.

2. Deep Moisture Without Clogging Pores

Thanks to its naturally high oleic acid content, cold-extracted EVOO:

  • Softens dry or rough skin
  • Supports the skin barrier
  • Locks in moisture
  • Absorbs gently without leaving a heavy film

Refined oils lose much of this natural softness during heat processing.

3. Naturally Soothing and Anti-Inflammatory

Oleocanthal - preserved only in high-quality cold-extracted oils - has powerful calming properties.

It helps:

  • Reduce redness
  • Soothe irritation
  • Comfort sensitive skin
  • Support dry, eczema-prone areas

4. Rich in Vitamins E, K & Squalene

These naturally present compounds help:

  • Brighten the skin
  • Improve elasticity
  • Protect from dryness
  • Leave skin looking smooth and glowy

Why It Works So Well for Hair

1. Restores Moisture to Dry or Damaged Hair

Cold-extracted EVOO helps soften and revive:

  • Colour-treated hair
  • Curly or textured hair
  • Heat-damaged hair

2. Helps Strengthen the Scalp

A nourished scalp leads to healthier hair. EVOO supports the scalp’s natural oils and reduces dryness and flakiness.

3. Helps Reduce Breakage

The antioxidants in cold-extracted EVOO help protect hair from:

  • UV exposure
  • Pollution
  • Daily styling stress

This improves shine and elasticity over time.

Why Turkish Aegean EVOO Is Especially Good for Beauty

The Aegean region of Türkiye is known for producing olive oil with:

  • Exceptionally low acidity
  • Naturally high polyphenols
  • Balanced aroma
  • High squalene content

These qualities make Turkish Aegean EVOO one of the best olive oils in the world for both culinary and beauty use.

This is exactly why LUVIA uses Aegean olives in our oils and in our olive soap bars.

LUVIA Olive Soap: Pure, Gentle, Naturally Nourishing

Our LUVIA olive soap is made traditionally with:

  • Cold-extracted LUVIA Classic EVOO
  • No palm oil
  • No artificial fragrances
  • No synthetic colours
  • No unnecessary additives

It’s gentle enough for daily use on:

  • Face
  • Body
  • Hands
  • Dry or sensitive skin

A beautifully simple blend of tradition and purity — crafted for natural skincare.

How to Use Cold-Extracted EVOO in Your Routine

For Skin

  • Apply 1–2 drops as a natural night moisturiser
  • Mix with your everyday lotion
  • Use as a gentle makeup remover
  • Massage onto dry patches

For Hair

  • Warm a teaspoon and apply as a pre-shower mask
  • Massage into scalp 10 minutes before washing
  • Rub into dry ends to reduce frizz

Final Thoughts

Cold-extracted EVOO isn’t just a premium cooking ingredient - it’s a natural, nutrient-rich beauty treatment used for centuries.
With its antioxidants, vitamins and gentle texture, it offers benefits far beyond what standard olive oil can provide.

And when that oil comes from the sunlit groves of the Turkish Aegean - like LUVIA - you’re getting one of the purest, most skin-loving oils on earth.

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