In the world of beauty and skincare, the quest for brands that not only promise but deliver results while aligning with eco-conscious values is never-ending. For beauty enthusiasts, skincare lovers, and those who prioritize sustainability, Oliveda is a name that resonates deeply with their ethos. This post will explore everything about Oliveda, from its waterless skincare revolution to why it's considered a clean skincare brand you can trust, including my personal review of their stellar products designed for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

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What is Oliveda?

Founded on the belief that nature holds the key to human health and beauty, Oliveda has been at the forefront of harnessing the power of olive trees into its skincare line. But Oliveda is not just any ordinary skincare brand. It's a testament to the effectiveness of combining traditional knowledge with modern science to create products that are not only beneficial for the skin, but are also kind to the planet.

What Does Oliveda Mean?

The name Oliveda itself is a homage to the olive tree, known as the "tree of life." This majestic tree, which has been revered for centuries for its health and beauty benefits, is at the heart of all Oliveda products. The brand's philosophy is rooted in the idea that the olive tree's powerful properties can be harnessed to rejuvenate and nourish the skin deeply.

Why Waterless Skincare is Good

Waterless skincare is not just a trend; it's the future of beauty. Traditional skincare products often use water as a filler, which, while making them cheaper to produce, dilutes the active ingredients. Oliveda's waterless skincare, on the other hand, means that their products are highly concentrated, offering more potent benefits to the skin. This approach not only ensures efficiency but also reduces the environmental impact associated with the excessive use of water in beauty products.

One of the key features of Oliveda Skincare is its commitment to clean beauty using organic and cruelty-free ingredients. Their products are free from harmful chemicals, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. This makes them suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Oliveda Skincare feels luxurious, yet effective, which creates skincare solutions that promote healthy, radiant skin. Their products are designed to nourish, rejuvenate, and protect the skin, helping to address various concerns such as aging, fine lines, dryness, and uneven skin tone. The before and afters I’ve seen are pretty impressive!

Is Oliveda Really Waterless?

Yes, Oliveda's skincare line is genuinely waterless. Instead of water, Oliveda uses 100% Organic Bio Active Beauty Elixir instead of Water. Oliveda products, are globally unique as the hydroxytyrosol is a holistic beauty molecule and elixir, which can only be found in mountain olive trees, if you replace the 70 % water content, which is normally used in skin care products, to 100% with the highly potent and bioactive cell elixir of the olive leaf, which protects the olive tree from the outside and thus allows it to live up to 4,000 years in maximum vitality it creates highly bio-active ingredients that work in synergy with one another, protect the cells and counteract natural skin aging. Hydroxytyrosol is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, providing a nourishing foundation that enhances the effectiveness of other active ingredients.

It’s important to note, that during the extraction process, you will see further down on the ingredients list water and that’s because when you extract anything whether it’s juicing and/or skincare product a by-product is water. Oliveda never adds water to their products. You will never see it listed as the #1 ingredient on the ingredient list, as is often the case with other brands (including ones I use and love!). I want to make it clear, that there’s no downside to including water in skincare products, it’s truly preference, but I also know why the products are flying off the shelves, it’s because they work and people are eating them up, quite literally!

Oliveda’s use of the olive leaf cell extract is an alternative that makes the rest of the active ingredients in their products even more potent and effective. In turn, this is what creates 95% of Oliveda’s products to be bioactive because of the extract that’s used as the base is also active itself. Pretty cool, right?!

Oliveda: A Clean Skincare Brand to Trust

In today's world, where "clean beauty" is often thrown around loosely, Oliveda stands out by adhering to the strict cosmetic standards set by the European Union, which bans over 1,300 chemicals in cosmetics that are known or suspected to cause cancer, genetic mutation, reproductive harm, or birth defects. In contrast, the US only bans or restricts 11 chemicals. This commitment to clean, safe ingredients makes Oliveda a brand you can trust with your skin.

Debunking Fragrance & EU vs. US Standards

One of the most debated topics in skincare is the use of fragrances. Oliveda products contain natural fragrances derived from plants and essential oils, adhering to EU standards that are far stricter than those in the US. This means you can enjoy beautifully scented products without worrying about harmful chemicals.

Why Do I See Fragrance on the Label:

You’ve heard me say, especially when using a product from the US, to never use anything with fragrance. There’s good reason for that it’s because in the US, the term “fragrance” is a loophole that brands can use to include anything they want, including harmful endocrine disruptors and allergens. This loophole in the US is a huge red flag because there is absolutely NO regulation by our government. Conversely, in the EU, every ingredient in a skincare product has to be tested for safety, but once it’s approved by EU testing standards, it is labeled as fragrance. Oliveda does use the term on their products, but it’s because everything they use HAS been tested and deemed safe by EU standards.

The Products are Listed as Retinol:

In the US, it is advised not use retinol while we are pregnant or breastfeeding. There are good reasons for it too. When you see the term retinol on Oliveda products, it’s a bit shocking, especially if you are used to US regulations that are not protecting us by updated standards to support and take our health into account. Similarly to fragrance, in the EU, safe alternatives to retinol (i.e. bakuchiol) are screened, deemed safe like Beautycounter’s Countertime line, and then, are, in fact, labeled retinol. Beautycounter used bakuchiol and within the Oliveda product called “Green Retinol” has the same ingredient of bakuchiol on the label, but it’s important to note it’s not from “conventional” retinol, vitamin A.

Retinol and Its Safe Use

Oliveda's approach to retinol, particularly with their F82 Green Retinol Face Elixir, is revolutionary. By harnessing the power of plant-based retinol alternatives, Oliveda offers the same benefits of traditional retinol—such as reduced wrinkles and improved skin texture—without the associated irritation. This makes it suitable even for sensitive skin types.

Oliveda carries 4 products labeled retinol:

F65 Corrective Midnight Elixir: Fish (salmon) derived retinol (this should not be used during the day)

F87 Corrective Kahai Elixir: Nut/Tree - derived Kahai oil retinol from the Cacay tree

004 LA DOPE Your Wrinkles Face Oil Serum: Fish derived, Kahai oil retinol from the Cacay tree (this should not be used during the day)

F82 Green Retinol Face Elixir: Bakuchiol + Kahai

You see these do have retinol, but note it’s all natural retinols. Beautycounter included Bakuchiol in their products, which I know would have not happened given their stringent standards, so I feel good about using the above products, especially the F82 with Bakuchiol.

Is Oliveda Pregnancy Safe?

Thanks to its commitment to clean, natural ingredients, many of Oliveda's products are safe for use during pregnancy. I’d be ok adding the bakuchiol like we had at Beautycounter, but the other natural forms of retinol that Oliveda carries, I need to do more research on them before I’d say 100% they are safe. However, it's always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new skincare regimen while pregnant.

If you have any questions at all, I always say consult with your doctor. Everyone is different in how they feel about using certain products during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. I found it fun to note that Gigi Hadid switched to Oliveda while pregnant because she was looking for clean skincare.

What to Buy from Oliveda Based on Your Skin Type

Oliveda caters to various skin types with its extensive range of products. For those unsure where to start, taking their skincare quiz can provide personalized recommendations.

The products I’ve worked into my skincare routine has been specifically for my sensitive and acne-prone skin. And, I was so nervous to switch because I had only used Beautycounter for 5+ years solely.

Here are my before and afters strictly using Oliveda and my personal results.

Below are my results using Oliveda for 4 months, I’m coming up to 6 months soon strictly using waterless beauty, so stay tuned for my results!

Step 1 of my routine:

I started with the F71 Corrective Cleansing Gel, which helps to gently cleanse while creating a foaming experience, to thoroughly create a cleansing facial experience with the cleansing gel and this could be used for morning and evening.

Step two of my routine:

I use the F67 Corrective Facial Tonic, which helps to soothe the skin and frees it from dead skin cells.

The Benefit to Using F67:

The highly effective Glow Tonic Corrective with lavender helps to soothe the skin and rid it of dead skin cells. The super antioxidant hydroxytyrosol and the vitamin C booster camu camu offer the best possible protection against free radicals and, in combination with hyaluron, give the skin a radiant and youthful glow.

The Glow Tonic Corrective would be really great for application after shaving as well! Glow Tonic Corrective can also be used to support the achievement of a refined skin appearance.

Step 3: I use F06 Cell Active Serum Face or F59 depending on the day - they both do the same thing, but with the exception F06 is a tad more gentle to start with so suited for more sensitive skin.

Optimal skin tightening effect due to concentrated hydroxytyrosol power. This serum is highly concentrated that helps strengthen, tone, repair and regenerate stressed and dehydrated skin with its highly concentrated anti-aging power. The elixir of fresh olive leaf cells contained in this serum is a true fountain of youth that is quickly absorbed into the skin. It moisturizes, nourishes and refines pores, reduces dark spots and smoothes wrinkles with immediate effect. The skin regains its vitality and shines with a youthful glow. I really love the F06!

What the F06 does:

Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Counteracts hyperpigmentation
Refines pores and tightens the skin

Step 4: Add this to your F06 - step 3 above (you can add your serum face to the palm of your hand and, depending on the amount of serum, add 3-4 drops of the Cell Active Face Oils) It feels like an emulsion almost when you apply!

F63 Cell Active Face Oil Serum - Drenches the skin with youthful freshness and gives the cells new energy.

The Benefit:

The Cell Active Face Oil nourishes your skin, gives it a youthful look and leaves you with a beautiful glow that isn’t harsh to your skin. The "OLIVEDA GLOW" complex and the active mountain olive tree ingredients give your cells more energy, which makes your skin look smoother, alive and vibrant. Also, the high quality combination of exclusive mountain olive tree super anti-oxidants protects the skin from negative environmental impact - think daily exposures like smog, smoke, etc. I found that the rich oils within are absorbed quickly and deep into the skin, leaving it visibly nourished. This is a great all around product because it’s great for dry and brittle skin as well as it regulates rather oily skin.

Step 5: F74 - REGENERATION INTENSE FACE CREAM

I have been using this day and night currently. I’m loving the hydration of it, and this cream definitely has a more dewy finish to it. The unique active complex "Intelligence of Nature", It does not differentiate between skin types, but recognizes the individual building sites of the skin through its own active complex "Intelligence of Nature" and regenerates and balances. This means it adapts to your skin, with natural, highly bio-active ingredients that work in synergy with each other, help protect the cells and counteract natural skin aging. The F74 is a luxurious, rich facial feel, care and was designed without additional fragrances. This is great for sensitive skin and anyone who doesn’t like a strong smelling moisturizer.

Now, if you loved the Countertime Soft Cream from Beautycounter, then I highly recommend the F07 Anti-Aging Face Cream. This is lighter in consistency and is an excellent product, with comparisons very similar to Countertime Soft Day Cream. This is a fabulous day cream.

The light day cream refreshes and plumps up tired skin. I apply all over my skin and a little bit goes a LOOOONG way!

The Benefit:

This highly active anti-aging cream contains olive polyphenols oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol. These two natural anti-aging ingredients profoundly stimulate living cells and prolong their lifespan. The natural, vital functions of the skin are again brought into balance, improving the elasticity of your skin and significantly reducing the visible signs of aging. The gently stimulating avocado oil helps reconstruct the skin on the cellular level, supplying it with deep penetrating moisture, leaving it looking more youthful, smooth, and even.

Step 6: Corrective Eye Cream - (I’m obsessed!) The eye cream helps even out uneven skin relief, corrects small lines and wrinkles. My puffiness is also looking fantastic! I’m hypothyroid, so I always have a hard time with my under eye area due to lymphatic drainage.

The Corrective Eye Cream as strong antioxidant and regenerating properties, the active powers smooth the surface of uneven skin; evening the appearance of small lines and wrinkles and supplying the skin with a maximum amount of moisture. The complexion appears visibly more elastic (this I have really noticed) and the skin radiates a more youthfully, fresh, and smooth shine. The cream also contains a sun protection factor.

What about Masks:

One of my favorites is the Honey Enzyme mask. Let’s look at the benefits of my sought after green mask!

THE BENEFIT

This enzymatic peeling mask frees the skin from dead skin cells, refines the pores and leaves the complexion radiant and even. Honey moisturizes the skin and has a soothing effect - this an unexpected feeling but wonderful once applied! Plus, I love the fun green color. The ingredient papain, an enzyme derived from papaya, activates the natural regenerative power, the topmost skin cells are removed, and the skin is vitalized. The luxurious Arbequina oil provides a velvety soft skin feeling. To get the most out of your products, you want to make sure to remove dead skin cells using a mask like this or even the F81 AHA + HT Serum (this is the swap from the Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peal) to help get the most out of your products.

Let’s chat the F10 Olive Core Face Peeling Mask:

This is a physical face exfoliation. Think of it as a super fine scrub that helps remove dead skin cells, that in turn gives you a fresh and massively glowy complexion. It reminds me of the bamboo face polish we had with Beautycounter. I have only used it two times, so I’ll report back as I get a little more exposure to it in the coming weeks.

Let’s Chat Lip Balm:

F75 OLIVE TREE THERAPY LIP BALM

I kid you not, this is the BEST lip balm I have ever used. I’m picky, like REALLY picky with lip balm, and I’m shocked how much I love it! It has so much hydration, and it keeps my lips soft ALL day. I feel it plumps my lips also in a very real way and naturally.

QUICK FAQ’s ABOUT OLIVEDA

Oliveda has free shipping on all orders $50+. This has come in handy when a product you desperately want is not in stock, and you want to grab just one thing and not worry about paying shipping! I can immediately purchase it without needing to worry about paying for more shipping. In fact, this just happened when the vitamin C came back into stock along with the F65 Corrective Midnight Elixir and the B15 Anti Aging Body Cream! I placed two orders within the same day without paying for shipping + plus I have them gift wrapped! Yes, that is a thing with Oliveda!
Oliveda has 365 days of returns. This unheard of and also the returns that the company experiences is super low hence the vast return policy. They know their products work and rarely get returned. You can read more on the return policy here.
Oliveda is a direct to consumer brand. They have stores in Europe for the past 20+ years and came to the US last year. Our birthday is in June, and we’ve experienced 2500% growth in one year and have hit 100 million in sales this year so far. So cool! The products work and that is why they are flying off the shelves! It’s very similar to Beautycounter business structure. You can join Oliveda as a waterless beauty consultant and receive a commission from any sales you generate – very similar to an affiliate. If you’re interested in learning more about the business, you can read more here.
If you are interested in the business opportunity, please fill out the consultant inquiry form, and I’ll get back to you to share any information that might be helpful to you.
Oliveda does not sell make-up but does offer 10 products that help heal from the inside out. You can see the internals here.
Oliveda has 83 skincare products, which I know can feel intimidating and confusing, so I’ve put together a skincare consultation form if you’d like to learn more about the brand, and I’d be delighted to help you.
I update my blog weekly and sometimes more than that! If you’d like to join me in receiving, tips and tricks I’m experimenting with in regard to clean skincare, you can sign up for my Waterless Beauty Glow Up Updates and Posts here!

My Final Thoughts

After incorporating Oliveda into my skincare routine, the difference in my skin's texture, appearance, and overall health has been remarkable. I absolutely LOVE the products. The combination of the elixir with the serum has particularly stood out, providing hydration, reducing breakouts, and leaving my skin glowing. It's rare to find a brand that delivers on its promises, especially for someone with sensitive and acne-prone skin like mine, but Oliveda has truly exceeded my expectations.

Oliveda is more than just a skincare brand; it's a philosophy, a way to connect with nature's timeless beauty and harness its power for our skin. With its commitment to clean, waterless, and effective products, Oliveda is indeed a brand to watch and incorporate into your skincare regime. Whether you're a beauty enthusiast, an eco-conscious consumer, or simply someone looking for products that deliver, Oliveda is a brand that deserves your attention.

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