Government name
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters
Goes by
Olive wax
The verdict
Superhero
Superpower
A plant-based wax made from olive oil that helps balms and bars hold their shape.
Olive wax's government name is a long one. It's a wax made from olive oil, so think of it as olive oil that's grown a backbone.
Superhero or supervillain?
Superhero. Its superpower is structure. It's a plant-based wax made from olive oil, used where you might otherwise reach for beeswax.
What it does in my skincare
Olive wax helps lotion bars, balms and salves firm up and hold their shape, and it gives them a smooth, glidey feel on skin. Waxes aren't turned into soap the way oils are, so it keeps its own name on the label.
Where you’ll find it
In 15 things I make.
In the soaps named for Ella, Andrew, Arley, Clive, Everley, Faith, Kacen, Kenley, Liam, Lincoln, Rebecca, Violet and Winnie.
- AndrewLemongrass, Lemon, Tea Tree
- ArleyRosemary Mint
- Charcoal Turmeric
- CliveCedarwood and Sweet Orange
- EllaCalendula and French Green Clay
- EverleyLemon Orange
- FaithLemongrass Peppermint
- KacenClove, Black Pepper, and Orange
- KenleyKey Lime Coconut
- Lemon Loofah Soap with Ginseng
- LiamCinnamon Birch
- LincolnLemon Eucalyptus
- RebeccaGrapefruit Patchouli
- VioletLavender Bergamot
- WinnieLavender Hibiscus
Usually seen with olive oil, coconut oil, castor oil and annatto.
Don’t judge an ingredient by its government name. Judge it by the science.
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