Olive Fruit/Leaf/Sodium Chloride Ferment Filtrate: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 30, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Olive Fruit/Leaf/Sodium Chloride Ferment Filtrate?

Olive Fruit/Leaf/Sodium Chloride Ferment Filtrate comes from the spontaneous fermentation of ripe olives, fresh olive leaves and a pinch of salt. During fermentation naturally occurring microbes break down the oils, sugars and plant compounds into smaller, skin-friendly molecules while producing helpful amino acids and minerals. After the mix has fermented for several days it is gently filtered to remove solids, giving a clear liquid rich in vitamins, polyphenols and mild organic acids.

Olives have been prized for skin care since ancient times but the idea of fermenting them is newer. Korean beauty brands popularized plant ferments a little over a decade ago because the process can boost absorption and cut down on irritation. Since then formulators worldwide have added this olive ferment filtrate to moisturizers and treatment products that aim to soothe and soften skin.

The ingredient is made in a controlled vessel where crushed olive fruit, shredded leaves and sodium chloride sit in purified water. No extra starter culture is needed; native lactic acid bacteria get the job done. Once acidity and nutrient levels reach the desired range the liquid is pressed out, filtered and preserved for use in cosmetics.

You will most often spot Olive Fruit/Leaf/Sodium Chloride Ferment Filtrate in hydrating serums, calming masks, daily moisturizers, lightweight gel creams, hand and body lotions, after-sun products and anti-aging formulas that focus on firmness and glow.

Olive Fruit/Leaf/Sodium Chloride Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This multitasking ferment supports both the feel and overall condition of skin.

  • Skin conditioning: The mix of antioxidants, amino acids and gentle acids helps maintain a smooth even look, supports the skin barrier and lends a healthy sheen
  • Emollient: Its fermented lipids glide over the surface filling in rough spots which leaves skin soft and comfortable without a greasy film

Who Can Use Olive Fruit/Leaf/Sodium Chloride Ferment Filtrate

This ferment filtrate is gentle enough for most skin types. Its lightweight emollient feel suits dry, oily or combination skin and the calming antioxidants make it a good option for reactive or easily flushed complexions. Because it is water based and low in heavy oils, acne-prone users generally tolerate it well.

The ingredient is entirely plant derived and produced by natural fermentation so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. No animal byproducts are involved at any stage of the process.

Current research shows no specific risks for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before adding new skincare products.

Olive Fruit/Leaf/Sodium Chloride Ferment Filtrate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so it is safe for daytime use without increasing the need for extra sun protection.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can differ from person to person. The following are possible but uncommon issues; most users experience only the positive effects when the product is well formulated and used as directed.

  • Transient redness or warmth on very sensitive skin
  • Mild stinging if applied to freshly exfoliated or broken skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with an olive or plant ferment allergy
  • Rare histamine-type flushing in people prone to histamine intolerance

If irritation or any other unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a medical professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Olive Fruit/Leaf/Sodium Chloride Ferment Filtrate has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. The filtrate is mainly water and lightweight fermented lipids that sit lightly on the skin instead of building up inside pores. It contains no heavy butters or waxes that usually trigger congestion so the clogging risk is minimal.

It is therefore considered friendly for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.

One small note: because the liquid holds natural sugars and amino acids, products made with it must be well preserved. If preservation fails microbes could flourish and indirectly contribute to spots although this is an issue with the finished formula not the ferment itself.

Summary

Olive Fruit/Leaf/Sodium Chloride Ferment Filtrate acts as a skin conditioner and lightweight emollient. Fermentation breaks the olive fruit and leaf compounds into tiny antioxidant-rich molecules that absorb quickly, calm redness and leave a silky finish without grease.

It gained attention through Korean beauty lines and is now popping up in global moisturizers and serums though it has not reached the mainstream status of ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

Current data show it is safe for most users with low odds of irritation or pore blockage. As with any new skincare product it is wise to do a quick patch test first to make sure your skin gives it the green light.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search