Hydroxytyrosol is the most potent naturally occurring antioxidant polyphenol found in olive oil and olive leaf, with an ORAC value 15 times higher than green tea and 3 times higher than resveratrol. It is the primary bioactive responsible for the cardiovascular and longevity benefits of the Mediterranean diet, and has emerging applications in cognitive health, sports recovery, and skin anti-ageing.
Applications:
- Cardiovascular health and LDL oxidation protection formulations
- Premium antioxidant and anti-ageing supplement formulations
- Cognitive health and neuroprotection supplements
- Sports recovery and oxidative stress management
Key Features & Benefits:
- Highest ORAC antioxidant among natural polyphenols
- EFSA-approved health claim for olive polyphenols and LDL protection
- Crosses blood-brain barrier — neuroprotective potential
- No animal substance – halal-certified
- Available in standardised extract (10–40%) and pure forms
What hydroxytyrosol is
Hydroxytyrosol (3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol) is a small phenolic compound found in olive fruit, olive leaves, olive oil and olive mill by-products. It is released when oleuropein is broken down. It is sold as olive extracts standardised to a stated percentage (for example 10–40%) and as high-purity grades made by purification or synthesis. Ask for the source (leaf, fruit or mill waste water) or synthesis route. A related ingredient is Olive Leaf Powder.
HPLC assay versus total polyphenols
A hydroxytyrosol percentage should be measured by HPLC. A “total polyphenols” result by a colour reaction (Folin–Ciocalteu) also counts other phenolics and gives a higher figure. ORAC and other test-tube antioxidant scores do not show effects in people and should not be used as label claims.
The EU olive polyphenol claim
The EU-authorised health claim on olive polyphenols and the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress is written for olive oil, with a condition on the hydroxytyrosol content per 20 g of oil. Check whether, and how, it can be used for other products in your market before quoting it.
Formulation notes
Like other catechols, hydroxytyrosol oxidises and can turn brown in solution, especially at neutral or alkaline pH and with iron. High-purity grades can be hygroscopic. It is soluble in water and in alcohol, which suits drinks and liquid formats. Other polyphenol ingredients include Pine Bark Extract and Grape Seed Extract.
What the research says
- A 2025 meta-analysis of 14 human intervention studies (594 participants) pooled supplements of oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol. It found small reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin. The upper confidence limits were close to zero, results for triglycerides and insulin varied widely between studies, and the findings are not specific to hydroxytyrosol alone. The authors say further studies are needed. [1]
These summaries describe published research on the ingredient. They are not claims for any finished product; claims on finished products must meet the rules of the market where they are sold.
References
- Frumuzachi O, et al. The impact of oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and tyrosol on cardiometabolic risk factors: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2025;65(30):6898-6918. doi:10.1080/10408398.2025.2453090
What to ask for on the certificate of analysis
- Hydroxytyrosol assay by HPLC (%), with the method; total polyphenols if also stated
- Source (olive leaf, fruit or mill waste water) or synthesis route; solvent and carrier
- Identity test (HPLC retention time or fingerprint)
- Loss on drying, heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury) and pesticide residues
- Microbiology: total plate count, yeast and mould, E. coli, Salmonella
- Batch number, manufacture and retest dates
