My honest review of Oliveda skincare and how it compares to the other clean skincare brands I’ve used. All $50+ Oliveda orders ship free! Get a FREE product when you take this skincare quiz and order +2 of the recommendations.
I love skincare. And as someone who’s passionate about safe, clean beauty, Oliveda quickly became one of my all-time favorites. And now after a couple of years of using their products, I’m still genuinely blown away by the results. I test new skincare constantly; I get dozens of products from high-end brands sent to me each month to test and potentially feature, and the fact that I still spend my own money on Oliveda should tell you a lot. Oliveda makes up the majority of my skincare routine, and I’m reviewing everything I’ve tried below.
In this blog post, I’ll share what makes Oliveda unique, and my favorite products (and the ones I’d skip).
My Oliveda Skincare review
As I alluded to in the intro of this post, I’ve been shocked by the results I’ve seen from using Oliveda. I think it has a lot to do with the potency of the formulations (remember, no water added = no dilution of active ingredients).
My Oliveda Before and Afters
When I first shared these photos, I was accused of lying. Someone claimed I had edited and filtered the photos to make the “after” shots look more impressive. But no, I did not. And yes, the results are seriously that good. (On a separate note, lying about results would be bad for my business since it’s all based on you trusting my recommendations. It wouldn’t get me far.)
I honestly can’t believe how good my skin looks since I started using it. I could see tangible differences after 3 uses, versus about 2 to 3 weeks to notice changes from other brands. Specifically, my skin has looked brighter and plumper, and my fine lines and wrinkles (particularly my smile lines and lines around my eyes) have improved.
The Best Oliveda Products
Oliveda has almost 90 products in its lineup, so deciding what to get can be overwhelming. And since the company is based in Europe, the names of its products are also a bit confusing. Their anti-aging line is called “corrective,” for example. When I first heard it, I thought the corrective line was for oily or breakout-prone skin.
To simplify things, I’m breaking down the best products in each category: cleansers, serums, moisturizers, etc. I’ve also outlined which products work best for each skin type (you can find out how to layer them here). The great thing about Oliveda is that nothing is truly exclusive to one skin type — think of it as “good, better, best” regarding your goals. The most basic cleanser will still work for you if you have dry, mature skin, but you’ll benefit more from an anti-aging cleanser.
Oliveda Order Of Application
Okay, let’s break it down by product type so you can decide what to buy:
- Choose a Cleanser
- Choose a Toner
- Choose a Serum
- Choose an Elixir
- Choose a Moisturizer
- Choose an Eye Cream
- Incorporate “Add-On” products
Oliveda Cleansers
Oliveda really encourages double-cleansing, which means washing your face with an oil to remove makeup and then following with a foaming, gel cleanser. If you only get one, get a gel cleanser.
009 Dope Your Glow Deep Cleanser – Sensitive, aging, normal skin – My Top Pick
Gentle yet thorough, this cleanser melts away dirt while calming skin. Hemp and hydroxytyrosol cleanse without stripping. I love it because it’s deep-cleansing yet soothing enough for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Corrective Cleansing Oil (F72) – Dry, aging skin
This is an oil-based cleanser made with olive fruit oil and lavender oil, so it’s nourishing and calming. Plus, it smells amazing.
If you’re looking for a true cleansing oil, I’d definitely choose this one. That said, I still reach for my Colleen Rothschild cleansing balm at night to take off my makeup because. But for a gentle, hydrating cleanse, this one’s a winner. (Full review of the Colleen Rothschild balm here.)
Arbequina Cleansing Oil (F78) – Normal or combination Skin
This is an oil-based cleanser for normal or combination skin that’s meant to nourish and hydrate while removing impurities. But honestly, I didn’t love it; the formula didn’t glide over my skin the way I want an oil cleanser to, so it’s not one I’d repurchase.
Corrective Cleansing Gel (F71) – Dry, aging skin
This cleanser is great for mature, aging skin.it’s super gentle, really hydrating, and it has the best light, natural scent (not strong at all, which I love since I’m sensitive to fragrance). I really like this one, but if I had to pick a favorite, I still love the LA Dope Cleanser best because it’s the most gentle and moisturizing.
Purifying Cleansing Gel (F38) – Normal or combination skin
I haven’t personally tried this one since it’s not really ideal for my skin type, but I also haven’t heard anything negative about it. It’s a foaming cleanser for normal or combination skin that gives a deeper cleanse while still delivering concentrated antioxidants to help prevent signs of aging. If you have oily or breakout-prone skin though, I’d personally recommend the Colleen Rothschild Gentle & Clear line instead.
Oliveda Toners
Oliveda calls their toners “Tonics” so when you see that, know that it’s the second step in your routine.
Corrective Facial Tonic (F67) – Dry, aging skin – My Top Pick
If you’re looking for a hydrating toner, this is the one. You use it right after cleansing to prep your skin for whatever serum/elixir you’re using next, and I use it daily because it seriously helps my skin hold onto moisture all day. I legit LOVE it. And for context, I was sent the $230 Vintner’s Daughter essence and I still prefer this. It’s more hydrating, and it smells a lot better.
Activating Facial Toner (F11) – Normal, combination skin
This one is meant to be non-drying and non-stripping — more of a balancing product that helps restore your skin’s natural balance. I haven’t personally tried it though.
Oliveda Serums
Corrective Serum Face (F59) – Dry, aging skin – My TOP pick
Oliveda F59 is what people call “botox in a bottle”, and it’s my favorite Oliveda product It’s made with concentrated hydroxytyrosol (the super powerful antioxidant we discussed above) combined with para cress extract, an ingredient that lifts and smooths your skin. It also builds collagen.
I’ve had botox, and I wouldn’t go as far as to say Oliveda’s Botox in a bottle is just like it. HOWEVER, I do think it’s wildly effective for fine lines. You can see before and after photos in my Botox in a Bottle blog post.
Cell Active Serum (F06) – Normal, combination skin
This serum helps smooth your skin and reduce pore size, but it mainly reduces dark spots and smoothes wrinkles. It’s an all around great serum for all skin types. While anyone can use the F59 Corrective Face Serum (aka Botox in a Bottle), you may not really need the anti-aging benefits yet, so this would be a great option. It’s similar but not as concentrated as F59, making it more affordable.
Oliveda Elixirs
Oliveda calls its retinol products Elixirs. They are similar to serums in terms of benefits, but they’re made to be mixed with serums. When used together, you will get better results than applying just one or the other or when layering them vs. mixing.
For mature or aging skin, these are your best options:
Corrective Midnight Elixir (F65) – Fish derived retinol
If you’ve already used retinol in the past and love the effects, then you will love this. It’s a natural form of retinol that’s derived from fish. Since it is an animal-based form of vitamin A, it is metabolized into retinol.
It can only be used at night, and it’s Oliveda’s strongest retinol option. I bought this for one month and didn’t dislike it but I definitely didn’t like it as much as the Kahai Elixir, which is nourishing, smells amazing and makes my skin look and feel great.
Corrective Kahai Elixir (F87) – Nut-derived retinol (My Top Pick)
I absolutely love this product. It’s so hydrating and feels like the most luxurious product in their line-up. It’s never drying, smells great, and improves skin’s appearance without any peeling, which is more common with traditional retinols.
Green Retinol Face Elixir (F82) – Bakuchiol, a retinol alternative
This is Oliveda’s most gentle “retinol” option, and I think of it more as a retinol alternative. It’s a blend of bakuchiol (retinol alternative) + kahai oil (a natural source of vitamin A).
It’s meant to help with fine lines, pores, complexion, and pigmentation. It does have a very unique scent (kind of olive-oil-ish, which makes sense). However, I don’t recommend this one; I’ve seen it make a lot of people break out, so I’d skip it unless you know your skin does well with these ingredients.
Oliveda Moisturizers
Corrective Face Cream (F42) – AM for mature, aging skin
This day cream is marketed for dry/aging skin because it has extra hydroxytyrosol (a really powerful antioxidant), and it’s supposed to be soothing, help with elasticity, and reduce fine lines. It even contains a sun protection factor, and a little goes a long way. That said, I personally didn’t find it hydrating enough for my dry skin, so I’d say it’s probably a better fit for normal skin types.
Anti Oxidant Face Cream (F05) – AM for normal or combination skin
This is a great everyday moisturizer for younger or normal skin types. I haven’t personally tried it since it’s not the best match for my skin type, but it looks like a solid option if you’re not super dry.
Regeneration Intense Face Cream (F74) – Night cream for all skin types
The texture is weird and it takes some getting used to how it’s applied and massaged in, but now I love it (check out my review of Oliveda F74 here). This is one of Oliveda’s more hydrating moisturizers. It reduces redness and helps balance the skin. Just use a very small amount of this – a little goes a long way. I’ve tried UBeauty’s Super Hydrator and Irene Forte’s Hibiscus Night Cream, both of which cost way more, and still prefer F74.
Oliveda Eye Cream
Oliveda F60 Corrective Eye Cream – Mature, aging skin
I bought this once and still went back to my favorite eye cream, the OneSkin Topical Eye Supplement. I didn’t dislike the F60 but it didn’t wow me in hydration, texture or results. This eye cream is designed to help boost your collagen and decrease under-eye shadows.
Anti Wrinkle Eye Cream (F09) – Normal or combination skin
This is a basic eye cream. I liked the texture and it’s completely non-irritating so it’s a good option for younger skin. It tightens and reduces fine lines around your eye area.
Oliveda F64 Corrective Eye Elixir – All skin types
Now this is a must-have in my eye area routine. It’s the Botox in a Bottle answer for your eyes. It has a triple-hyaluronic acid structure and a ton of antioxidants, so it hydrates and plumps while giving your eyes a more lifted, radiant look. You can apply this underneath your eye cream or use it alone. (I prefer to layer an eye cream on top for a little extra moisture.)
Add-on products for all skin types
Corrective Vegan Hyaluronic Acid Serum (F86)
I’m not too picky with hyaluronic acid serums since I feel like they’re all about the same once you get into the luxury skincare category, so I liked this one just as much as others I’ve used.
Hyaluronic serums are great for dry and aging skin because they deeply hydrate and plump the skin. This one also helps repair oxidative damage and supports elasticity, so skin looks smoother and feels more firm. I love layering it under my other serums when I need extra hydration.
Acne SOS Face Drops (F85)
These drops unclog pores, balance sebum production, and reduce acne-causing bacteria. They contain salicylic acid, which is ideal for fighting and preventing acne. I have heard great things about this, but haven’t personally tried it because I don’t have major problems with acne.
AHA + HT Serum Face (F81)
Use chemical exfoliator 1-2 times per week at night. It’s a true hero product. It reduces scarring, improves elasticity, reduces and fights hyperpigmentation, and boosts collagen. It’s great for breakout-prone skin because it gently exfoliates and sloughs off dead skin, which can cause build-up and breakouts. If you used Beautycounter, this is very similar to the Overnight Resurfacing Peel – but I think it’s better since it doesn’t leave my skin feeling dry and tight the next morning. It’s a deep green color, which is fun.
HT + Vitamin C Serum (F83)
Oliveda’s Vitamin C serum is made with hydroxytyrosol, a superpowerful antioxidant, and it also contains camu camu. Because of the hydroxytyrosol, this has 1300% more power than vitamin C alone. It improves fine lines and wrinkles, neutralizes free radicals, and gives you a super radiant complexion. It also has carrot extract in it, which makes it red, which is fun. My favorite vitamin C serum is Nature Biss, but this one is a fraction of the price, so it’s a much more affordable option to my pricey favorite. You can read a full F83 review here.)
Honey Enzyme Face Mask (F76)
This face mask removes dead skin cells so that the rest of your skincare products can absorb better. This is especially beneficial for dry and/or aging skin since you’re paying more for those types of products and you want to get the most out of them. (The women who give me my facials have been telling me for years that I need to use an enzyme mask regularly to see improvements in my fine lines and deeper wrinkles).
I also love that it has a warming sensation. I usually hate applying masks because they take a long time and are messy, but I actually look forward to using them since I enjoy the sensory experience. And the green color is fun! My skin feels incredibly soft and smooth after I use it too.
Olive Core Face Peeling (F10)
This is a physical face exfoliator. It’s a superfine facial scrub that helps remove dead skin cells and gives you a fresh, glowy complexion. It’s fine and definitely does the job, but I still prefer the Dual Enzyme Polish from Colleen Rothschild. However, Olive Core does use cleaner ingredients, so if that’s your top priority, know that this does work well. (I shared more about Colleen Rothschild products in this post.)
Olive Tree Therapy Lip Balm (F75)
This is the best daytime lip balm I’ve ever used. It’s super hydrating like any lip balm should be, but it also makes my lips look full, almost like I’ve had lip filler (I haven’t). I love it so much I have a full review of the lip balm here. I’ve also noticed that the redness around the outside of my lips improves when I apply this. If you want an overnight mask, go for the One Skin peptide lip mask. It’s a game change for improving the overall appearance of lips’ fullness and fine lines.
Oliveda Skin Quiz
If you’re unsure what to buy or want even more personalized recommendations, the Oliveda Skincare Quiz called OliveBrain will help. It uses AI technology to determine a custom regimen for products that will work for your skin. When you take the Oliveda Quiz and buy two of the recommended products, you get a free full-size product as a gift. (Here are more ways to save money on Oliveda.)
However, the Oliveda quiz results can be confusing (some of my friends have run into this problem), so if you fill out my Skincare Survey, I will send you my recommendations and thoughts for your exact skin type.
Oliveda FAQs
What is Oliveda Skincare?
Oliveda is a German-based clean skincare brand that formulates products with olive tree extracts. It is known for its waterless skincare philosophy, which means its products are concentrated with active ingredients, avoiding the need for water and preservatives that can dilute potency and potentially irritate the skin (I’ll explain this in detail below). Oliveda’s formulations are also designed to be highly effective, free from harmful additives, and sustainable.
The brand was founded by Thomas Lommel after his own experience with the effects of using olive-based products internally. His first product was the I01 Elixir (a drinkable supplement), which spurred him to create skincare products because he was convinced that what was best for the inside must also be best for the outside (our skin).
What does Oliveda mean?
The name Oliveda comes from the Latin word for olive, olivae. Every Oliveda product is made with olive leaf extract (which is why they call their skincare waterless. More on this below).
Oliveda Ingredients
The main ingredient in their skincare products is part of what makes Oliveda unique: hydroxytyrosol. And what they don’t add is also what makes it unique: water.
Hydroxytyrosol (Olive Leaf Extract) is the main ingredient in all Oliveda products. It’s super high in antioxidants, which protects the skin from damaging environmental stressors (which improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles). It also helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and boosts radiance. The other main benefit of hydroxytyrosal is that it’s anti-inflammatory. It’s actually been shown to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis (source)
Using hydroxytyrosol as the main base of their products means that every single ingredient is active. When people talk about the glow they see in their skin after using Oliveda, it’s largely due to the hydroxytyrosol.
They have other products that also use Olive Oil (like the Oliveda internals) and Mediterranean herbs (like the Olivemush, a coffee substitute), but their skincare is what keeps going viral.
What is waterless skincare?
While water isn’t bad (at all), it does require preservatives and emulsifiers to stabilize the rest of the formula. When water is removed as the main base of the product, the active ingredients aren’t diluted. You can read more about Oliveda’s waterless formulations here.
Instead of using water as a filler, Oliveda uses 100% organic olive leaf extract called hydroxytyrosol (explained above).
Is Oliveda really waterless?
While Oliveda is known for waterless skincare, you WILL see water on their ingredient list. This is because water is a byproduct of extracting ingredients from the olive leaf. However, Oliveda never adds water to its products. And you won’t ever see water as the #1 ingredient on the list, as is often the case with other brands (including ones I use and love).
To be clear, there’s no downside to including water in skincare products. However, Oliveda’s use of olive leaf cell extract is an alternative that makes the rest of the active ingredients in their products even more potent and effective. 95% of Oliveda’s products are bioactive because the extract used as the base is also active. Given that, you only need a very small amount of product when applying Oliveda products. It has been a bit of an adjustment not to use as much product as I was using with other brands (and it’s not like I used a ton prior).
Is Oliveda a clean beauty brand?
Yes. Since Oliveda is a German-based company, it must follow all EU beauty safety standards. The EU bans over 1700 ingredients while the US bans 11, so Oliveda is much cleaner than most US beauty brands. And considering I’m breastfeeding, safety is essential for me right now.
One thing to note: As you read through Oliveda’s ingredients, it can be a little confusing for a US consumer because things are labeled differently in Europe than in the US. Since Oliveda is an international brand, we just have to look at things with a different lens. I’ll break down some of the key things to know below.
What about fragrance in their products?
In the US, the term “fragrance” is a loophole that brands can use to include anything they want, including harmful endocrine disruptors and allergens. In the EU, every ingredient in a skincare product has to be tested for safety, but once it’s approved to be used as a fragrance, it doesn’t have to be disclosed. Oliveda uses the term fragrance on the back of its products, but everything it uses has to be tested by the EU first, so it’s not a loophole to be wary of like it is in the US.
What about Retinol?
In the US, we’re instructed not to use retinol while we are pregnant or breastfeeding, so we don’t usually consider it “safe”, so when you see the term retinol on Oliveda products, it’s a bit jarring. However, similar to fragrance, in the EU, safe alternatives to retinol (i.e. bakuchiol) are screened, deemed safe, and then labeled retinol. For context, bakuchiol was used in Beautycounter’s Countertime line (more details here). The Oliveda product called “Green Retinol” has bakuchiol on the ingredient list, not a derivative of Vitamin A.
Oliveda carries four hydroxytyrosol elixirs labeled with the term retinol:
- F65 Corrective Midnight Elixir: Fish-derived retinol
- F82 Green Retinol Face Elixir: Bakuchiol
- F87 Corrective Kahai Elixir: Nut-derived Kahai oil retinol from the Cacay tree
- 004 LA DOPE Your Wrinkles Face Oil Serum: This contains hemp, which is excellent for sensitive skin because it’s anti-inflammatory and calming. Its strength is somewhere between the Kahai and Midnight.
While three of these products do contain vitamin A, they are natural forms of Vitamin A. Of course, this is up to personal preference, and you may still decide to stay away from natural forms of retinol. Beautycounter included Bakuchiol in their products (and Beautycounter had more stringent standards than the EU), so I feel fine about using the F82 Green Retinol Face Elixir especially.
Is Oliveda Pregnancy Safe? Is it Breastfeeding Safe?
Yes, ALL of the Oliveda products are pregnancy-safe, but it’s fair to be extra cautious and avoid retinol – even natural retinol – when pregnant.
The midnight elixir may be one to avoid, but that’s a personal choice, and they don’t advise stopping anything. It uses a natural form of retinol that’s derived from fish, and since it is an animal-based form of vitamin A, it does metabolize into a form of retinol. The other retinols are plant-based and do not metabolize into the type of retinol that is a concern.
Another note: the AHA + HT Serum contains salicylic acid, so you may want to avoid it or consult your doctor before using it.
As always, consult your doctor and go with your gut. As an aside, Gigi Hadid switched to Oliveda while pregnant because she was looking for clean skincare.
What are Oliveda Internals?
While this post is dedicated to my review of Oliveda’s skincare products, Oliveda also has really popular supplements called Internals. These are made with the same base as the skincare products: hydroxytyrosol. These not only help with skin issues and anti-aging but also help with inflammation and joint pain. Think of it as skincare from the inside out. I have a full review of Oliveda Internals linked here.
Does Oliveda have free shipping?
Oliveda has free shipping on all orders $50+. I especially appreciate this since a lot of things are out of stock lately (many products have gone viral and lots of Beautycounter consultants and clients are now using this brand), so when something comes back, I can buy it immediately without having to pay shipping, even if I just ordered two days ago (that’s exactly what happened this week; I ordered the F86 Corrective Vegan Hyaluronic Serum Face, and B15 Anti Aging Body Cream and then the F83 HT + Vitamin C Serum Face Serum was restocked an hour later so I just placed two orders back to back).
Does Oliveda have free returns?
While you can return an Oliveda product for any reason within 365 days, you do have to pay for return shipping. Read more about their return policy here.
Does Oliveda sell makeup?
Yes! Oliveda also has a makeup line called Olive Rose, which feels like an extension of their skincare since it’shydrating, and designed to enhance your natural glow. I tested the full collection and shared all my thoughts in my Olive Rose Makeup Review.
What other products does Oliveda sell?
In addition to skincare and makeup, Oliveda also sells body,hair care and Internals (think vitamins, or beauty products from the inside out) I sharesome of my favorite hair oil in this post You canread all about Oliveda Internals in this review.
Are Oliveda and LA Dope the same thing?
The best way to explain it is Oliveda is the “core” skincare line (dry, repair, anti-aging) and
LA Dope is the “hemp” line (more calming/clarifying, great for irritated or breakout-prone skin)
Both are under the Olive Tree People umbrella and both focus on waterless skincare + olive tree antioxidants like hydroxytyrosol.
Is Oliveda an MLM?
Oliveda does have a direct sales business model here in the US, which is similar to an MLM but different because this one can be sold at retail locations. You can join Oliveda as a consultant and receive a commission from any sales you generate, similar to an affiliate. If you’re interested in learning more about the business side, you can read more here.
Or drop your email in this consultant-interest form, and I’ll follow up with you.
Is Oliveda all-natural?
Oliveda uses raw materials from its own organic olive trees, and its products are all bioactive (bioactive ingredients are nutrient-dense, and our body recognizes them, so our body knows how to break them down) and organic. However, it does use some synthetic ingredients in its products, so I won’t say it is 100% natural, although it does lean that way.
But keep in mind that natural doesn’t always mean safe. Lead is natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. What’s important is the testing of ingredients, specifically for safety, and Oliveda (and the EU) has done that.
The Bottom line:
I absolutely love these products. I love the smell and feel of these and their efficacy. I also appreciate the small packaging (much easier to store), the price point, and free shipping with $50+ orders.
If you have questions, let me know! You can also join my Beauty Broadcast to get more information about how to care for your skin and hear what beauty products I’m trying and loving (or what I think is overrated).
Other Blog Posts You May Like
If you’re looking for the best non-toxic body lotions, read my post here. And if you’re looking for the best non-toxic deodorants, read my roundup on the blog.
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