The olive, a truly noble fruit
The olive, a truly noble fruit, boasts a history as ancient as civilization itself. Among its most esteemed varieties, the Koroneiki olive, with a lineage stretching over 3,000 years, holds a distinguished place in Greek heritage, particularly in the Peloponnesian region. Renowned for its unparalleled oil quality, this diminutive yet highly productive tree yields an extraordinary 27% oil content, rich in potent antioxidants such as oleic acid.
Hailed as the “queen of all olives,” the Koroneiki produces an oil of exceptional refinement, characterized by remarkably low acidity, a luxuriant dark green hue, and an intoxicatingly rich aroma. Since antiquity, the Greeks have revered olive oil not only as a culinary treasure but also as a cornerstone of beauty and self-care. Esteemed as a “magic elixir” for the skin and hair, it played a pivotal role in ancient skincare regimens, a testament to its enduring legacy as a symbol of vitality, longevity, and natural opulence.
Why What You Put on Your Skin Matters
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and just like your body needs proper nutrition, your skin thrives on pure, nutrient-rich ingredients. Using the right carrier oil—one that is natural, full of antioxidants, and packed with vitamins—is essential for hydration, protection, and nourishment.
When choosing skincare products, less is more. Look for minimal, recognizable ingredients that are natural and unprocessed. If you can’t pronounce an ingredient or need to research its safety, it’s probably best to avoid it.
The Benefits of Using the Right Oils
Your skin is constantly exposed to pollution, environmental stressors, and bacteria. The right oils help:
- Prevent wrinkles & premature aging
- Tighten and firm the skin
- Reduce acne, blemishes, and dark spots
- Protect against infections & irritation
- Strengthen and maintain the skin’s natural barrier
Healthy skin isn’t just about appearance—it’s your first line of defense against the outside world. By choosing pure, high-quality oils, you keep your skin strong, radiant, and resilient.
Treat your skin well—it deserves the best!
This comparison highlights the benefits of high-quality extra virgin olive oil versus commonly used seed oils, particularly in skincare. Here are some key takeaways:
Olive Oil (Koroneiki Extra Virgin)
- Purity & Quality:Comes from a single-source grove in Sparta, Greece, hand-picked and cold-pressed without chemical or mechanical alterations.
- Nutrient-Rich: Contains polyphenols, healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins (A, E, K), which support skin health.
- Hydration & Protection: Provides deep hydration, protects against oxidative stress, and fights free radicals, making it highly beneficial for anti-aging.
- Safe & Natural: A completely natural oil with thick particles (a sign of its unrefined state), making it a superior choice for skincare.
Seed Oils (e.g., Jojoba, Corn, Grapeseed, Sunflower, Soy, etc.)
- Processing Concerns:Many are extracted using hexane, a chemical solvent, making them more processed.
- Potential Allergies & Toxicity: Some, like jojoba, may cause allergic reactions, especially for those with nut allergies, and are unsafe for consumption.
- High in Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Excess omega-6 can contribute to inflammation, which accelerates skin aging (collagen breakdown, wrinkles, sagging) and worsens skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Verdict:
Olive oil, particularly high-quality Koroneiki extra virgin olive oil, is a superior choice for skincare due to its purity, antioxidant content, and ability to deeply nourish and protect the skin. In contrast, seed oils—while common—are often heavily processed, can trigger inflammation, and may contribute to skin aging and irritation.
Olive Oil vs. Seed Oils
Olive Oil – Nature’s Liquid Gold
Our virgin olive oil is truly special. Sourced from a single grove in the Peloponnese region of Sparta, Greece, we harvest only Koroneiki olives, a variety found nowhere else in the world. These olives are carefully hand-picked and cold-pressed, ensuring the highest purity and preserving their natural integrity.
Our Kyria Extra Virgin Olive Oil remains unrefined, retaining thick natural particles at the bottom of the bottle—proof of its raw, unaltered state. Unlike oils that undergo mechanical or chemical processing, our olive oil is rich in polyphenols, healthy fats, antioxidants, and essential vitamins (A, E, and K).
Not only is it a superior choice for skincare, but it also hydrates deeply, protects cells from oxidative stress, and fights free radicals—key factors in maintaining youthful, healthy skin. With an 8 SPA rating, it delivers exceptional nourishment, making it your ultimate liquid gold for skincare.
Seed Oils – A Processed Alternative
Common seed oils used in skincare include jojoba, corn, grapeseed, soy, sunflower, safflower, rice bran, and cottonseed oil. However, many of these oils undergo chemical extraction using hexane, a solvent commonly used in industrial processing.
Take jojoba oil, for example—one of the most frequently used seed oils in skincare. While marketed as beneficial, it can trigger allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with nut allergies. More concerning, jojoba is unsafe for consumption due to potential toxicity, which can cause digestive issues. If it’s not safe to ingest, should we really be applying it to our skin?
Additionally, seed oils tend to be high in omega-6 fatty acids, which, when overused, can lead to inflammation. Chronic inflammation accelerates skin aging, breaking down collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis may also worsen with excessive omega-6 intake.
The Bottom Line
While seed oils are commonly found in skincare products, their chemical processing, inflammatory properties, and potential allergens make them a questionable choice. In contrast, high-quality extra virgin olive oil, especially Koroneiki olive oil, is a pure, nutrient-dense alternative that deeply nourishes, protects, and hydrates the skin—naturally and safely.
For skincare that truly works, choose nature’s liquid gold.