Cold mornings, icy winds and drying indoor heating… winter is tough on your skin because the drop in humidity strips away moisture, leaving your complexion feeling tight, dry and uncomfortable. During winter in Australia, skin sensitivity often increases, with redness and irritation flaring up and making you uncomfortable.
The good news is that there is a natural solution, rooted in Mediterranean tradition, that offers relief and results: Olive-based skincare.
Olive-derived ingredients are rich in skin-loving nutrients that hydrate, calm and strengthen, helping your skin look and feel its best, even in the depths of winter.
Why olives?
For centuries, the humble olive has been treasured for its nourishing and protective qualities.
What makes it so effective in skincare is its unique compatibility with the skin’s own biology. The nutrients in olives mimic the skin’s natural oils and are packed with essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins. This makes them particularly well suited to dry, stressed winter skin, helping to restore balance, lock in hydration and create a barrier against the elements.
Find out for yourself: Shop our olive skincare range.
The power of olive-based ingredients
There are several components in olives and olive tree ingredients that work to protect and renew your skin through the colder months. Here’s what Botani includes in our ethical, vegan products, to give you skin you love:
-
Olive squalene
Not to be confused with squalane (we’ll get to that next), olive squalene is a deeply hydrating lipid that closely resembles the skin’s own sebum. As we age, our natural squalene levels decline, leaving skin more vulnerable to dryness and damage.
Botani uses ethical and sustainable olive squalane. Its lightweight texture penetrates easily, replenishing lost moisture and improving skin suppleness. It also helps reduce trans-epidermal water loss, which is one of the main reasons skin becomes dehydrated in winter.
-
Olive squalane
Squalane is the stabilised version of squalene, offering similar hydration benefits but with a longer shelf life and greater resistance to oxidation. It’s known for its silky, non-greasy feel and fast absorption – ideal for layering under makeup or other products.
In winter, when skin can feel rough or tight, olive squalane acts as a skin-softening emollient. It improves elasticity and helps smooth texture without clogging pores, making it a favourite for all skin types, including sensitive or acne-prone.
-
Olive leaf extract
Rich in antioxidants like oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, olive leaf extract is a natural shield against environmental stress. It helps combat free radical damage caused by cold air and indoor heating, while its anti-inflammatory properties calm redness and irritation.
This extract is particularly useful in winter, when redness flare-ups are more common. It promotes healing, supports the skin’s defence systems and offers gentle protection, especially for sensitive skin conditions like eczema or rosacea.
-
Extra virgin olive oil
This kitchen staple is equally powerful in your skincare routine. Extra virgin olive oil is brimming with skin-repairing nutrients, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E and polyphenols. These work together to nourish and strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier, which is often compromised during winter.
Botani uses high-quality, cold-pressed olive oil to deliver deep nourishment without greasiness. It helps seal in moisture, reduce irritation and keep skin feeling plump and resilient.
-
Olive wax and olive butter
These lesser-known olive derivatives play a vital role in winter skincare. Olive wax and butter provide a soft, breathable shield on the skin, helping to lock in hydration and protect against harsh external conditions.
Their velvety texture makes them perfect for smoothing dry, rough areas like cheeks, hands and elbows. Unlike heavier occlusives, they absorb beautifully, leaving skin soft and silky – not sticky.
Try one of Australia’s favourite olive-based skincare products: Botani’s Olive Skin Serum.
Olive-based products to add to your winter skincare routine
Incorporating olive ingredients into your daily routine is simple, especially with Botani’s plant-based formulations.
First, olive skin serum is a winter essential that is hydrating and restorative for any skin type. This multi-purpose serum contains olive squalene and squalane to deeply hydrate, soothe and rejuvenate. Apply a few drops morning and night to clean skin, pressing it in gently. It acts like a drink for your skin, replenishing what winter takes away.
Olive Repair Cream is ideal for those needing extra nourishment. It blends olive wax, olive butter and olive oil to repair and protect dry, damaged skin. Use it as a day cream, night moisturiser or even as a barrier balm for lips and cuticles.
Even during the winter weather, Soothing Facial Mist with olive leaf extract is your go-to throughout the day. A few spritzes rehydrate and calm skin that’s been exposed to wind or heating. Keep it at your desk or in your bag for instant refreshment.
You can also layer these products for enhanced results – for instance, mist first, then apply serum, followed by cream. This helps lock in moisture at every step.
Other olive-based products to try include:
-
Exfoliating scrub mask, to brighten your complexion
-
Soothing cream cleanser, for irritated skin
Nature’s winter skin remedy
There’s something comforting about turning to nature for skincare, especially during the colder months when your skin craves gentleness and care.
Botani’s olive-rich skincare range offers more than hydration – it brings balance, resilience and radiance to your complexion. Whether you’re battling dryness, sensitivity or dullness during the winter months, these ‘natural heroes’ will help you face the colder days with confidence and glow.
Shop the collection: Botani’s Olive Skincare range is ideal in winter. Created from vegan ingredients, it is suitable for all skin types.
