Pantrofina OLV

Pantrofina OLV at a glance

Pantrofina OLV is an olive based active oil from Italy. Its INCI is Olea Europaea Oil. It is a clear to yellow, oil-soluble liquid used at 0.1 to 15% of the finished product. The supplier describes three benefits: it softens, restores and calms the skin. It belongs to the Pantrofina family of actives, and the OLV version is built on the olive. An important note from the supplier: do not use it undiluted, but always as part of a formula.

The olive in skin care

Olive oil is one of the oldest cosmetic ingredients in the world. Around the Mediterranean it has been used for thousands of years to soften the skin, protect it from sun and wind and care for hair. Its main fatty acid is oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that gives a rich, nourishing feel. Olive oil also contains squalene, a lipid that is part of the skin's own surface film, and natural antioxidants such as tocopherols and polyphenols.

What it does

Softening

The oil fills the spaces between dry skin flakes and leaves the surface smooth and supple. Rough areas on the hands, elbows and lips feel softer.

Restoring

By supplying lipids similar to those in the skin's own barrier, it helps dry, stressed skin look and feel restored.

Calming

A rich, protective film helps dry and sensitive skin feel comfortable and less tight.

Dosing

The range is wide, from 0.1 to 15%. Low levels of 0.1 to 1% add a touch of olive care to a light lotion or a hair product. Creams and masks use 2 to 8%. Rich balms, lip care and lipsticks use up to 15%. Do not use it pure.

How to formulate

Add Pantrofina OLV to the oil phase. It can be heated with the oils and waxes in a hot process emulsion. In anhydrous products such as lip balms, melt it with the butters and waxes. Protect the finished product from light and add an antioxidant such as vitamin E to keep the oil fresh. A light emollient such as squalane balances the rich feel. More actives are listed in the cosmetic actives section.

Product ideas

The supplier lists creams, masks, lotions, serums, hair products, after sun products, lipsticks and lip balms. Typical concepts are Mediterranean nourishing creams, hand creams for dry hands, olive lip balms, after sun body lotions, hair masks for dry ends and comfort masks for dry skin.

Sample recipe: olive hand cream, 100 g

Distilled water 69.20 g, glycerin 5.00 g, glyceryl stearate and PEG-100 stearate 5.00 g, cetearyl alcohol 3.00 g, Pantrofina OLV 8.00 g, shea butter 4.00 g, dimethicone 1.00 g, xanthan gum 0.30 g, panthenol 1.00 g, vitamin E 0.50 g, preservative 1.00 g, fragrance 0.50 g, citric acid solution 1.50 g. Heat water and oil phases to 75 °C, emulsify, cool below 40 °C, add panthenol, vitamin E, the preservative and fragrance, and adjust to about pH 5.5.

Lip care

Olive oil is a classic ingredient in lip balms and lipsticks. At 10 to 15% it gives a soft glide, a nourishing feel and a natural story. Combine it with beeswax or a plant wax for structure and with castor oil for shine.

After sun

After a day in the sun, the skin feels dry and tight. A light after sun lotion with 3 to 5% Pantrofina OLV, aloe and panthenol softens and calms the skin. Keep the texture light so it spreads easily over large areas.

Hair care

In hair masks and conditioners, olive oil adds softness and shine to dry, coarse hair. Use 1 to 3% in rinse-off products and lower levels in leave-in sprays to avoid heaviness.

Safety notes

The supplier asks for a sensitivity test of the finished product, for example a test application on the inner elbow or behind the ear. Follow the dose and do not use undiluted.

Storage

Store in a dry, cool place protected from light. A certificate of analysis comes with every lot.