The Mediterranean Diet
Inspired by the traditional eating patterns of Greece, southern Italy and coastal Spain – the mediterranean diet is widely recognised as one of the healthiest models in the world. One of its defining features is olive oil as the primary source of dietary fat.
Nutritional composition of olive oil:
* Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) : Rich in oleic acid (70–80%)
* Polyphenols & antioxidants : Compounds such as hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein and tyrosol help protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, modulate inflammation and may slow cellular ageing.
*Vitamin E & K : Fat-soluble vitamins contribute to antioxidant protection and bone/vascular health.
Blue Zones like Ikaria (Greece), Sardinia (Italy) and parts of Spain, show high olive oil consumption. Researchers believe this dietary pattern contributes to lower rates of chronic diseases and increased lifespan.
Studies have shown that mediterranean diets rich in olive oil contribute to :
*Cardiovascular Health
*Metabolic Benefits
*Brain Health
*Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
*Longevity
As other global regions (including Korea) adopt “Wellness” or functional food trends, olive oil acts as a bridge between traditional mediterranean longevity practices and modern health optimisation.
Olive oil is flexible to fit into different cuisines (e.g., drizzled on salads and Korean namul or used in fusion cooking).
Olive oil and olive oil by-products, such as the pits (stones) and leaves, can also be incorporated into cosmetic formulations to capitalise on the known health benefits of the Mediterranean's liquid gold.
Olive oil is more than just a culinary ingredient – it’s a dietary pillar with strong epidemiological and clinical backing.
Product Name : Olive CRUSH
INCI Name : Olea Europaea (Olive) Seed Powder
Olive CRUSH™ Micro
is a gentle, natural exfoliator, ideal for facial polishes. It’s made from upcycled olive pits; a by-product of the olive oil industry.
Particle Size : 100 - 300 um
Appearance : Ultra-fine particles , light yellow/beige
Application : Facial polish
Olive CRUSH™ Active
is a cleansing and oil-absorbing active powder. It’s ideal for skincare, hair care and skin-enhancing makeup products such as BB or CC creams. It also doubles up as an excellent base for makeup powders.
Particle Size : <50 um
Appearance : Finely-milled powder , light yellow/beige
Application : Skin , hair , makeup
THE UPCYCLING PROCESS
SKIN MATTIFYING STUDY
Across Europe, complexion trends are shifting toward soft matte finishes, where skin appears naturally blurred, smooth, and shine-free without looking dry or heavy. Popular trends such as Cloud Skin highlight a diffused, velvety complexion that softly controls shine while maintaining a natural skin-like appearance.
Olive CRUSH™ Active, derived from upcycled olive by-products, is designed to support this modern complexion aesthetic. When incorporated into pressed powders or other makeup formulations, it helps absorb excess sebum and reduce visible shine, contributing to a smoother and more balanced skin finish.
In an in-vivo test , participants had photos of their foreheads taken under controlled lighting conditions, after which Olive CRUSH™ Active was applied to the forehead area with a makeup brush. Further photos were then taken.
The before-and-after images clearly demonstrate a reduction in surface oiliness and shine, with skin appearing smoother and mattified.
ACTIVE POWDERS ABSORPTION DATA
A physicochemical test was performed to determine the level of oil absorption of CRUSH™ ACTIVE powders, utilising the ASTM D1483 test method. The test was performed using raw linseed oil.
All CRUSH™ powders demonstrated significant absorbance activity, especially when compared to talc.
Olive CRUSH™ Oil Absorption Test
Talc-free Trend
Traditionally, talc has been widely used in makeup powders due to its ability to absorb oil and improve skin feel.
However, in recent years, talc has come under increased scrutiny following high-profile lawsuits involving Johnson & Johnson and its iconic Johnson’s Baby Powder, where plaintiffs alleged asbestos contamination in talc-based products. These cases significantly raised consumer awareness regarding talc safety and accelerated demand for talc-free cosmetic formulations.
As a result, many global beauty brands have introduced talc-free complexion products. For example, NARS, LAWLESS, KOSAS, Hourglass have launched talc-free powders
Within this evolving formulation landscape, CRUSH™ ACTIVE powders offer a compelling alternative. Their strong oil absorption capacity helps reduce excess sebum and visible shine, supporting the development of modern talc-free powder formulations while maintaining a smooth, soft-matte skin appearance.
Maha is the official supplier of Active Ingredients in Asia
If you're interested , contact us now for technical support and FREE Samples!