The Manufacturing Process: From Grove to Bottle
Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
Extra virgin olive oil represents the purest form of olive oil, extracted through a meticulous cold-press process that preserves the fruit's natural compounds. Organic EVOO takes this a step further, sourced from olives grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
The process:
- Olives are harvested at peak ripeness, typically hand-picked to avoid bruising
- Pressing occurs within 24 hours of harvest to prevent oxidation
- Mechanical extraction at temperatures below 27°C (80°F) – hence "cold-pressed"
- No chemical solvents or heat treatment
- Single pressing yields the highest quality oil
- Acidity level must remain below 0.8% to qualify as "extra virgin"
This gentle process retains the oil's polyphenols, vitamins E and K, antioxidants, and beneficial fatty acids – the compounds that make EVOO a skincare powerhouse.
Pomace Olive Oil
Pomace oil is extracted from what remains after extra virgin production – the leftover pulp, pits, and skin. It's essentially the byproduct of premium olive oil manufacturing.
The process:
- Olive pomace (the residual paste) is collected after initial pressing
- Chemical solvents, typically hexane, are used to extract remaining oil
- High heat treatment refines and deodorizes the oil
- Sometimes blended with small amounts of virgin olive oil for flavor
- Multiple processing stages strip away natural compounds
The industrial extraction and refining process significantly reduces the nutritional and therapeutic value of pomace oil.
Impact on Skin Health
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Nature's Skin Therapy
EVOO's cold-pressed purity translates directly to skin benefits:
Antioxidant Protection: High concentrations of polyphenols and vitamin E combat free radicals, reducing oxidative stress that accelerates aging and skin damage – particularly relevant for athletes exposed to environmental stressors.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Oleocanthal, a compound unique to EVOO, exhibits anti-inflammatory effects comparable to ibuprofen. For grapplers dealing with mat burn, minor abrasions, or skin irritation, this natural anti-inflammatory action supports faster recovery.
Barrier Repair: The fatty acid profile (primarily oleic acid) closely mimics skin's natural lipids, helping restore and maintain the skin barrier – your first defense against pathogens like staph and ringworm.
Antimicrobial Activity: Studies show EVOO possesses natural antimicrobial properties against various bacteria and fungi, making it a strategic ingredient in post-training skincare.
Deep Moisturization: Squalene and other emollients in EVOO penetrate deeply without clogging pores, ideal for skin that's been stripped by frequent showering and harsh gym environments.
Pomace Olive Oil: Diminished Benefits
The chemical extraction and heat treatment fundamentally alter pomace oil's therapeutic potential:
Depleted Antioxidants: Processing destroys most polyphenols and reduces vitamin content by up to 90%, eliminating the primary compounds responsible for skin protection.
Minimal Anti-inflammatory Effect: Heat-sensitive compounds like oleocanthal are destroyed during refining, removing natural anti-inflammatory benefits.
Potential Irritants: Solvent residues and processing byproducts may trigger sensitivity in some individuals, particularly those with compromised skin barriers.
Basic Moisturization Only: While pomace oil retains some emollient properties, it functions primarily as a simple moisturizer without the therapeutic depth of EVOO.
Effects on the Body
Internal Consumption: EVOO
When consumed, organic extra virgin olive oil delivers systemic benefits that support overall health and athletic performance:
- Cardiovascular Health: Monounsaturated fats reduce LDL cholesterol and support heart health
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces systemic inflammation, aiding recovery and joint health
- Gut Health: Polyphenols support beneficial gut bacteria
- Nutrient Absorption: Enhances absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K
- Metabolic Support: May improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic function
Internal Consumption: Pomace Oil
Pomace oil provides basic nutritional fats but lacks the therapeutic compounds:
- Delivers calories and essential fatty acids
- Minimal antioxidant or anti-inflammatory benefit
- Potential concerns about solvent residues (though regulated)
- Primarily used for high-heat cooking due to higher smoke point
The Verdict for Combat Athletes
For those who demand peak performance from their bodies and need skincare that works as hard as they train, the choice is clear. Organic extra virgin olive oil delivers:
- Maximum antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection
- Natural antimicrobial defense against training-related skin threats
- Barrier repair and deep moisturization without synthetic additives
- Systemic health benefits when consumed
- Clean, minimal processing aligned with holistic wellness
Pomace oil, while economical for cooking, simply cannot match the therapeutic density required for serious skincare. When your skin is your armor against pathogens, choosing ingredients matters.
Quality over compromise. Your skin – and your performance – deserve nothing less than the real thing.
Premium Ingredients, No Compromise
Scrubmission uses only organic extra virgin olive oil—never pomace, never refined substitutes. While others cut corners with processed alternatives, we source the highest grade extra virgin olive oil to deliver maximum antimicrobial protection, anti-inflammatory benefits, and barrier repair your skin actually needs. Every ingredient meets the same uncompromising standard. Quality isn't negotiable when your skin is your first line of defense.