Shire Journal

by Erika MacDougall

Olive - A Gentle Mercy for Our Skin

There is something quietly miraculous about olives. As I work with it in my formulations, I am struck by how deeply it connects to both the natural world and the wisdom of Scripture. In Greek, the word for olive oil - “elaion” - is the same word used for mercy, a reminder that this humble fruit carries within it both healing and kindness. I think about how mercy flows quietly into the lives of others, and how a simple drop of oil can soothe, restore, and protect. From a skincare perspective, olive oil is nothing short of miraculous. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, D, E, and K, providing deep moisture and protection. Its gentle yet restorative properties make it ideal for dry, sensitive, or tired skin, helping to rebuild and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. Every time I use it in a formulation, I see how something so simple can make such a profound difference - not just in appearance, but in the way skin feels, soft, nourished, and cared for. As a formulator, I'm so grateful that olives are turned into more than just olive oil. Shire Skincare uses olive-derived nourishing ingredients like squalane, unsaponifiables, olive leaf and hydrogenated olive oil that allow skin to soak up the vitamins found in olive without the heaviness of olive oil.   Olive in the Holy Bible When I reflect on the spiritual significance of olive oil, the parable of the Good Samaritan always comes to mind (Luke 10:30–37). The Samaritan took the time to pour oil on the wounds of the beaten man on the road, bringing both physical healing and compassionate care. Olive in skincare is a tangible reminder of that mercy - the act of extending care, whether to someone else or to ourselves. To rub olive oil onto your skin is, in a sense, to practice a small, daily mercy: nourishing your body and acknowledging that God’s creation provides what we need to heal and thrive!   Easy Olive Oil DIY I like to use olive oil in a very simple ritual at home. I take about a teaspoon into my hands, warm it slightly between my palms, and gently massage it into my face or body, letting the richness sink in. This feels so wonderful during the dry seasons. Sometimes I will leave it on overnight, letting it nourish my skin while I rest. There is something deeply grounding about this process. It slows me down, connects me to the centuries of tradition before me, and reminds me that self-care can be a form of reverence. In my formulations, olive is always paired thoughtfully with other natural, wholesome ingredients, but even on its own it holds power. It reminds me that the simplest things in God’s creation - an oil, a drop of water, a moment of stillness - carry profound beauty and purpose. Olive oil is more than an ingredient; it is a daily lesson in mercy, patience, and gratitude.   Product Inspirations: Calming Glow Facial Oil: A rich blend with olive squalane at its heart, perfect for restoring softness and radiance. Soothing Oil-Free Moisturizer: Lightweight hydration made with olive-derived ingredients, safe for everyday use.