Argan

Also Known As: Ardjane, Argane, Argania, Arganier, and Moroccan Ironwood

Botanical Name: Argania Spinosa (L.) Skeels

Family Name: Sapotaceae

Native To: Southwestern Morocco and Algeria

Parts To Use: Fruit, Seeds, Kernel, Wood

How It’s Used: Rich in vitamins A and E, and also containing high levels of tocopherols (powerful antioxidants), this oil provides protection to collagen and healing moisture to hair, skin, nails. Phenolic compounds found in the oil help protect skin from harmful free radicals.

Harvesting: Traditionally, the oil was extracted collecting undigested argan pits from goat waste. The pits were then ground and pressed to produce oil. While this method is still used in some areas of Morocco, most argan oil for sale today is extracted using modern harvesting technologies. The process is as follows: Dry argan fruit in the open air and then remove the fleshy pulp. Crack the argan nut to obtain the argan kernels. Press oil and leave to rest about two weeks so the suspended solids settle to the bottom. Filter oil to desired clarity.

Argan oil is a plant oil produced from the kernels of the argan tree. Argan oil has been used in traditional Moroccan medicine for centuries to cure skin diseases. As a cosmetic, the oil is traditionally used to eliminate pimples, particularly juvenile acne and chicken pox. It is also recommended to relieve dry skin and slow the appearance of wrinkles. For centuries, the Berber women of Morocco have relied on argan to keep their skin healthy and youthful. The dense, golden oil has now become increasingly popular in the western world as treatment for both skin and hair due to its extraordinarily high concentration of vitamins A and E.

The Argan tree is a thorny tree from the arid and semi-arid regions of Morocco that reaches a height of 26-65 feet. The trunk is knotty, the leaves are small and clustered, and the flowers are green to bright yellow in color. The fruit of the argan tree is small, and round. A thick peel covers the pulp, which surrounds a hard-shelled nut that represents about 25% of the weight of the fresh fruit. The nut contains one to three oil-rich argan kernels. The endangered trees are now protected by UNESCO and other conservation efforts that monitor the cultivation of oil.

Pure argan oil is one of the rarest oils in the world. Its value is found in the rich concentration of vitamins and minerals. The oil contains high levels of tocopherols, which are powerful antioxidants vital in healthy skin and hair. High levels of carotenes, phenolic acid, squalene and phenols also contribute to the oil's cosmetic value. The oil is composed of fatty acids which account for the healing and moisturizing properties. Argan oil also contains squalenes that help protect collagen and make skin softer. Phenolic compounds found in the oil help protect the skin from harmful free radicals that contaminate skin and leave it dull, lifeless and dry. Argan has a soothing effect on acne scars, rheumatic conditions and other skin problems. The high concentration of vitamin E found in the oil has been proven to relieve symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. Applying argan oil regularly can restore a glossy shine to hair, repair split ends, and eliminate dandruff.