Hydrogenated olive oil is a white waxy solid derived from the whole, ripe fruit of the olive (Olea europaea) tree. These evergreen trees grow up to 15 meters tall and are widely cultivated in the Mediterranean Basin. Harvested olives are ground and then cold pressed to extract the oil.

Using hydrogen gas, a catalyst such as nickel, and high pressure, plant oils can undergo a hydrogenation process whereby they change from a liquid into a solid or semi-solid state - becoming hydrogenated oils. The hydrogenation process allows oils to remain solid at room temperature - an everyday example of which is margarine.

Hydrogenated olive oil is a rich source of antioxidants and can be used in skincare as an emollient, helping nourish skin and retain moisture.

Other names: Olive Hydrogenated Oils