What Is Olive Shower Gel?

Olive shower gel is a bath product that combines the scent, oil, or essence of olives with a cleansing soap. It is usually designed to be used in place of bar soap when bathing. Different gels have different characteristics, but all are liquid, and typically come in bottles or jars that are designed to be stored directly in the shower. Some also double as bath gels, which can be used to create bubbles in the tub.

The identifying characteristic of any olive shower gel is that it contains some element of olives. How olives are included and in what form varies dramatically between manufacturers. Some gels actually contain olive oil, which is the pressed extract of the crushed fruit. Others include only certain olive extracts, or oven just olive scent. In rare cases, it is possible to find olive shower gel made only with pressed olive leaves, no olive fruits at all.

There are a number of reasons why incorporating olive into bath products like shower gel is desirable, but skin softening is usually near the top of the list. The oil extracted from fresh olives is well renowned in cosmetics as a highly effective moisturizer. It helps protect skin from dry conditions and harsh weather and can also restore elasticity and firmness with prolonged use. Adding olive oil to a shower gel often yields a smooth, luxurious product. It often leaves skin feeling silky and smooth after showering.

Olive leaf extract is also known as a healing tonic in many circles. It is often touted as having anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits as well as promoting more general skin health. Leaves are more commonly used medicinally, but do occur in some cosmetics.

Most of an oil or extract’s healing benefits are lost in a shower gel, however, if for no other reason than that the concentration is low and the application time is generally quite short. Bathers typically work olive shower gel into a lather, whether on a sponge, washcloth, or even just in the hands, which is then spread all over the body. It is usually rinsed off almost immediately. In order for olive oil to penetrate the skin, it must generally be left to soak in for at least a few minutes. Shower application often has temporary softening effects, but is rarely capable of actual healing.

Smell is another selling point for many olive beauty products, shower gels included. Olive generally carries a light, clean-smelling scent that is neither too musky nor too floral. This makes it popular with a broad consumer base of both men and women.

Depending on the product, the olive scent can be natural or artificial. An olive shower gel must usually contain at least some natural olive extracts in order to be labeled “olive,” but not always. Simulating scent and softening properties in olive products is often less expensive than actually including olive additives, at least up to the concentrations needed for any noticeable effect. Chemically derived olive products often sells just as well, too.