When thinking about olives, it’s safe to say edible goods come to mind for most people. But what about their natural use for the outside of your body? With over 50 years’ experience running award-winning olive groves in Victoria’s stunning Alpine Valley region, Valanolia has ‘branched out’ with their botanical range of squalane-enriched skin and hair care products. Their olives are the sought-after Kolovi variety, native to the Greek island of Lesbos, and as the old saying goes: “Olives may be small, but they carry the richness of the Mediterranean.”

So, what exactly is squalane and how does it enrich our hair and skin? Squalane is harnessed as the hydrogenated form of squalene, a hydrophilic (water loving) compound found in olives that is bioidentical to squalene lipids (organic compounds) naturally found in the human body. It hydrates skin by penetrating the outer layer while enhancing the delivery of key actives and ingredients. Squalene fills hair with vitamins and antioxidants to strengthen it while aiding with repair and growth.

All substances across the Valanolia range are quite thick and creamy, testament to their quality ingredients. You don’t need much at all for a rich lather and they smell wonderful. When compared to other products on the market, the organic nature provided by Valanolia makes them worthwhile for the whole family to benefit from. These are premium products at affordable prices. Further bridging the gap between affordable and luxury beauty, all products are housed in opulent vessels to add a touch of class to any bathroom.

Skin
The olive essence body wash is a hydrating and nourishing oil-in-gel formula that doesn’t clog pores. Containing hundreds of cold pressed olives in each bottle, it deeply moisturisises, lifts pigmentation, smoothes fine lines and wrinkles, calms irritation and improves skin tone and clarity. Providing antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory support below the neck, the wash neutralises free radical aggressors and protects healthy skin cells. Suitable for all skin types and sensitivities, it comes in a 500ml bottle for $16.99.

The nourishing cleanser makes skin feel smooth, hydrated and refreshed, helping to fight the visible signs of aging while leaving your skin looking youthful and radiant. It’s ideal for your face, even if you have sensitive skin like me, and can be applied either in the shower/bath or after. When applying it to damp skin simply rinse it off with water. Those who use it on dry skin at the sink, then proceed to apply make-up, can simply wipe it from their face. Housed in a smaller 150ml bottle, it costs $14.99.

Hair
Pure plant-based squalene essence nourishes hair at the roots, adding body and strength. Valanolia shampoo is packed with proteins and vitamins, and the extra virgin olive oil moisturises and nourishes your scalp, calming inflammation while delivering a thorough clean. The conditioner seals moisture into the hair shaft to prevent breakage and split ends to deliver smooth and healthy hair. The hair care products have worked wonders for me. Where traditional shampoos and conditioners have always left my hair feeling thinner, Valanolia products add life to it. Available in 500ml bottles, each cost $19.99.

*They also make a pet shampoo, email [email protected] for info.

Reciprocal goodness
Advocates for the environment, the solar powered farm employs a drip irrigation system to conserve water, improve productivity and nourish its olive trees directly at the roots. Valanolia minimise waste by repurposing olives not suitable for consumption, turning the fruit’s leaves, stones and by-products into organic compost. Valanolia’s two-phase separation process also allows the extracted pomace (olive pulp) to be repurposed as fertiliser.

Partnering with local suppliers, producers and businesses, Valanolia is passionate about the local community and each provider has a mutual commitment to things such as wildlife and biodiversity protection programs.

Visit valanolia.com.au for your organic goodness.