In cosmetic formulations for body care, the term 'Olea europaea oil unsaponifiables' indicates a non-saponifiable part of olive oil that is included as a conditioning agent. 

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics of the olive make this compound particularly effective, due to the presence of vitamins K and E, in counteracting skin dryness and in helping to relax the horny state, creating an anti-ageing effect. It is also useful in sunscreen products to protect the skin from UV radiation as the carotenoids contained in the oil have the ability to create a protective screen.

Hair conditioning agent. A large number of ingredients with specific purposes can co-exist in a hair shampoo: cleansers, conditioners, thickeners, mattifying agents, sequestering agents, fragrances, preservatives, special additives. However, the indispensable ingredients are the cleansers and conditioners as they are necessary and sufficient for hair cleansing and manageability. The others act as commercial and non-essential auxiliaries such as: appearance, fragrance, colouring, etc. Hair conditioning agents have the task of increasing shine, manageability and volume, and reducing static electricity, especially after treatments such as colouring, ironing, waving, drying and brushing. They are, in practice, dispersing agents that may contain cationic surfactants, thickeners, emollients, polymers. The typology of hair conditioners includes: intensive conditioners, instant conditioners, thickening conditioners, drying conditioners.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment by restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants.

For more information:

Olea europaea oil in cosmetics