INTRODUCTION

Our skin is a beautiful mystery, shrouded in feelings, opinions, and questions. It has a multitude of functions not covered by others, from survival to social communication. The skin is both a barrier against the outside world and a bridge to our own being. How others perceive our skin may affect our mental health. The skin is essential for our survival and daily functioning [1].

People are exposed to various chemicals in daily life, most of which occur naturally in the environment. Still, others originate from human activities and are present in food, water, and various products of daily use. Since our skin is the body’s largest surface area that interacts with the external environment, it is exposed involuntarily to abiotic and biotic factors and voluntarily through personal care and cosmetic products [2]. Everyday use and constant exposure to a wide range of personal care products and different types of chemicals coming from different sources may cause the so-called “cocktail effect” due to the synergistic interaction of other substances, as well as the “additive effect” due to the presence of the same ingredient in numerous products [3]. Therefore, the use of natural and organic cosmetics becomes increasingly essential.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Olive Tree Leaf Harvest and Preparation

Olive tree leaves (Cobrançosa variety) were selected in Portugal’s Trás-os-Montes region and obtained from an organic farmer in December 2022. This region is bordered by the province of Minho to the west, the Douro region to the south, the Douro River to the east, and Spain to the north. Trás-os-Montes is the second most important Portuguese olive-growing area, accounting for 12–15% of national olive oil production. The most important varieties are Cobrançosa, Madural, and Verdeal [14,15]. In the Trás-os-Montes region, forty native varieties are grown [16]. Therefore, natural ingredients are easy to obtain in this area. It is also the region with the largest number of organic farmers, and the climatic, topographical, and pedological differences predestine this region for agricultural diversity [17].

Before the experiment, fresh olive tree leaves were ground with a coffee mill, with particles smaller than 2 mm (Figs. 1a and 1b).

Figure 1: Olive tree leaves: a) fresh olive tree leaves, b) powdered olive tree leaves.

Olive Tincture

The weight-to-volume method was employed. A 20% olive tree leaf tincture was made (or 1:5 w/v). The exact formulation was as follows (Table 1):

1. 15 g of fresh olive tree leaves were weighed into a sterilized vessel.
2. The alcohol was measured out and added to the olive tree leaves (Fig. 2a).
3. The mixture was stirred to ensure the moistness of the olive tree leaves (Fig. 2b).
4. A square piece of natural wax paper was placed on top of the vessel, and the vessel was sealed with the lid (this prevented any contamination from the chemical coating that might have been on the lid).
5. The mixture was shaken daily for two weeks and then left to sit for another day.
6. The preparation was filtered through a coffee filter, then labeled and sealed.

Table 1: Olive tree leaf tincture formulation.

Figure 2: Steps of the preparation: a) mixture of alcohol and fresh olive tree leaves, b) mixture after stirring.

The mixture was stored in an airtight, light-resistant container. Direct sunlight and excessive heat were avoided.

RESULTS

The pH of the olive tree leaf tincture was determined with pH stripes and was in the range of 5.5 to 6.5. This may have an impact on how much of the tincture will be used and how it will be used. For this reason, we suggest using it at a concentration of 1%. The chosen herb-to-solvent ratio of 1:5 (w/v) yielded a concentrated tincture with enhanced potency. The higher concentration of active constituents in the tincture is expected to offer a more potent and effective form of herbal extract.

The tincture may be incorporated into formulations such as emulsions, hydrogels, and water solutions. For homemade cosmetics, stability testing should also be conducted in a domestic setting to ensure the final product will continue performing as intended, remain unmodified, and be safe. Homemade stability tests often cannot be conducted in laboratory settings or with specialized equipment, yet they yield valuable information. Additionally needed is a paper outlining the manufacturing processes for each batch. In the batch manufacturing report, the following information should be included: batch number, composition, size and weight, storage requirements, master formula of the batch, start and end process dates, product expiration dates, and, if the batch is intended for sale, the manufacturer’s license number.

DISCUSSION

The preparation of the olive tree leaf tincture using the weight-to-volume method proved to be effective in extracting the beneficial compounds from the leaves. The use of a 20% tincture concentration allowed for a sufficient extraction of the active components present in the olive tree leaves. The weight-to-volume method involves the accurate measurement of the leaves and the alcohol to ensure a proper ratio. This method has been widely used in herbal tincture preparations due to its simplicity and reproducibility.

The shaking process during the two-week period allowed for the optimal extraction of bioactive compounds from the olive tree leaves. The agitation facilitated the release of the compounds into the alcohol, resulting in a concentrated tincture.

The use of alcohol as a solvent during the tincture preparation process is anticipated to enhance the stability and shelf life of the extract. This ensures the preservation of the bioactive compounds over an extended period, allowing for the long-term storage and use of the tincture.

Filtering the tincture through a coffee filter ensured the removal of any solid particles or plant debris, enhancing the purity and clarity of the final product. Proper labeling and storage in an airtight, light-resistant container preserved the integrity of the tincture, preventing degradation or loss of its therapeutic properties.

The olive tree leaf tincture holds significant importance in the realm of cosmetics. The tincture is derived from fresh olive tree leaves, known for their beneficial properties and traditionally used in skincare and beauty preparations. The tincture becomes a valuable ingredient in cosmetic formulations by harnessing the active compounds in the leaves. Olive tree leaves and herbal tinctures derived from them possess a remarkable range of bioactive compounds and exhibit significant pharmacological activities. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and potential anticancer properties make them valuable candidates for further exploration in the field of natural medicine. Continued research and clinical studies are warranted to fully elucidate their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential.

One of the notable advantages of the olive tree leaf tincture is its versatility. It may be easily incorporated into various cosmetic products, such as emulsions, hydrogels, and water solutions. This adaptability allows formulators to explore a wide range of possibilities in creating skincare, haircare, and body care products with added benefits.

The olive tree leaf tincture provides several advantageous properties. It is known for its antioxidant activity, which helps protect the skin against free radicals and oxidative stress, contributing to the overall health and youthful appearance of the skin. Additionally, the tincture possesses anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for soothing sensitive or irritated skin. In addition to the successful preparation of the olive tree leaf tincture, it is important to note that olive tree leaves have been reported to possess antigenotoxicological properties. Several studies have indicated that extracts derived from olive tree leaves exhibit potential protective effects against DNA damage and oxidative stress [18]. The inclusion of olive tree leaves in the tincture formulation suggests the possibility of harnessing these antigenotoxicological properties for potential therapeutic applications. Further research and investigations are necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and identify the specific compounds responsible for the observed effects.

Furthermore, the tincture contains compounds promoting moisturization and hydration, improving skin elasticity and suppleness. It may also assist in the revitalization of dull and tired-looking skin, lending it a radiant and refreshed appearance.

The obtained tincture may now be subjected to further analysis and evaluation to determine its phytochemical composition, including the presence of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and other constituents. Subsequent studies should explore the potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and other pharmacological activities of the tincture.

CONCLUSION

Consumers are becoming increasingly interested in products less harmful to the environment. These days, cosmetics are becoming progressively more “green.” A cosmetic may be considered “green” if its formulation contains active ingredients derived from plants, such as minerals and plants, rather than analogous active ingredients chemically reproduced in the laboratory. It is preferable if it is produced in an environmentally sustainable manner, using processing methods that respect nature and plants in accordance with organic crops.

The use of natural ingredients, such as olive tree leaf tincture, is becoming increasingly popular in the cosmetic industry as consumers seek gentle, sustainable, and effective products. The tincture aligns with these preferences, as it is derived from organic sources and offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic ingredients.

While further research and stability testing are necessary to explore the full potential of the olive tree leaf tincture in cosmetics, its incorporation into formulations holds promise for enhancing the efficacy and appeal of beauty products. With its diverse range of beneficial properties and compatibility with various formulations, the olive tree leaves tincture emerges as a valuable and sought-after ingredient in the cosmetics industry, catering to the growing demand for natural and effective skincare solutions.

Overall, the findings of this study support the potential of olive tree leaves as a valuable resource for developing natural and sustainable interventions targeting DNA damage and related health conditions. Continued research in this field will contribute to a better understanding of the therapeutic potential and applications of olive tree leaves in the field of natural cosmetics and medicine.