Ancora et al. [1] have shown that the phenol components of olive oil have a direct antioxidant action on skin, especially Oleuropein, which acts as a free radical scavenger at the skin level. Recently, Kimura and Sumiyoshi [2] suggested that the preventative effects of olive leaf extracts and Oleuropein on chronic UVB-induced skin damage and carcinogenesis and tumor growth may be due to inhibition of the expression of VEGF, MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-13 through a reduction in COX-2 levels.

• [1] Ancora C, Roma C, Vettor M. Evaluation of cosmetic efficacy of oleoeuropein. Symposium on the New Frontiers of Dermo-cosmetology: Efficacy, Stability and Safety. Rome, Italy, November 4–6; 2004.
• FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF A MOISTURIZING DAY CREAM CONTAINING OLIVE LEAVES EXTRACT
• [2] Kimura Y, Sumiyoshi M. Olive leaf extract and its main component Oleuropein prevent chronic ultraviolet B radiation-induced skin damage and carcinogenesis in hairless mice. J Nutr. 2009 ; 139: 2079–2086. doi:10.3945/jn.109.1049992