Argan oil is becoming more and more popular these days due to the oil's beneficial vitamins and natural anti-aging effects. The superpowers of the amazing argan oil have been known to Moroccans for centuries - a Moroccan secret if you will. So if you haven't heard of argan oil, keep reading!
We created this blog post because we got a lot of questions from our customers and followers about argan oil. We have done our best to give you short answers about argan oil. Enjoy!
What is argan oil?
Argan oil is a plant oil that is extremely rich in vitamins, antioxidants and the essential fatty acids omega 3, 6 and 9. What makes this green berry (Superfruit) very unique is its high concentration of vitamin E and antioxidants, which makes it uniquely revitalizing, nourishing and with a unique anti-aging effect on your skin. It is healthy for your skin, your hair, your body and can be used by men and women and by all skin and hair types. The oil has a golden color and because of this color it has been nicknamed Morocco's gold or liquid gold.
Where does the argan tree grow?
The tree grows in Morocco, Mexico and a few places in Algeria, but the argan tree only bears fruit in Morocco. Why the tree only bears fruit in Morocco is unknown and a unique value for the country. The tree resembles an olive tree in many ways. As a bonus info, argan oil has three times more moisturizing properties compared to olive oil.
Where does argan oil come from? And who discovered argan oil?
Morocco is the short answer! For millions of years, the argan tree has been rooted in Morocco's harsh desert. There, the argan tree grew wild and was an important part of Morocco's ecosystem, both as a source of food and timber for humans and animals as they crossed the desert. It was the Berber nomads who discovered the beneficial argan oil for both colonial and cosmetic use.
Are argan nuts edible?
Yes or no - If you are an animal such as a goat, the argan nut is a delicious treat, BUT from our own experience with the super fruit or super nut, it has a very green and bitter taste, not a treat we would recommend. BUT the roasted argan oil version has a delicious nutty flavor and is used all over Morocco as a salad dressing, dipping oil for your bread or a healthy well-being shot: Argan oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids omega 3 & 9 fats that have a positive effect on the good HDL cholesterol. Oleic acid is also present in several other foods, including avocado and olive oil, and is often credited with heart-protective effects.)
How is argan oil made?
It is a women's craft, and the process is hard, extensive and time-consuming.
Step 1 - During harvesting of the argan fruits, it is primarily the women who go out and collect the argan fruits from the ground.
Step 2 - The argan fruits are then dried so that the flesh can be peeled/sorted out to get into the argan nut itself.
Step 3 - The nut is broken and peeled according to tradition with a stone in one hand, and the argan nut lying on a larger stone. Wupti - with a hard and precise blow the argan itself emerges from the core.
Step 4 - The argan kernels are collected and sorted according to whether they are to be used for cosmetic (cold pressed) or culinary (roasted) use. The women either sell the argan kernels to a local producer or have them pressed and sold as oil on the market.
The process from argan nuts to argan oil often takes place in women's cooperatives, where local women have organized themselves and manage the entire process.
Which argan oil is best? And why is argan oil so expensive?
There are many products that have added argan oil in them and also many pure argan oils on the market. We recommend looking for the argan oils that are organic, ECO certified, laboratory tested and bottled in a UV bottle so that the oil remains protected and does not lose its unique properties.
The reason why the oil is so expensive is because of the time-consuming and extensive process behind it, which is also mentioned above. And also because the trees only bear fruit in Morocco.
(All our oils are pure, organic, ECO certified, lab tested, paraben and chemical free. No added water. Vegan friendly. Cruelty-free. 100% locally produced with Moroccan plant extracts. Support for local Moroccan women's cooperatives.)
Are argan oil and Moroccan oil the same?
If you are thinking of the brand Moroccan Oil, then the answer is NO! Although there is argan oil in the product, it is also mixed with other things - here is the ingredient list for the Moroccan hair oil treatment: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Butylphenyl, Methylpropional, Argania Spinoza Kernel Oil (Argan Oil), Linum Usitatissimum (Flaxseed) Extract, Perfume (Fragrance), D&C Yellow-11, D&C Red-17, Coumarin, Benzyl Benzoate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone.
But YES!, argan oil is also known worldwide as Moroccan oil, Moroccan gold (Morrocan gold) or liquid gold etc.
Can argan oil be used on the skin? And why is argan oil good for your skin?
Yes, argan oil can be used on the skin and actually by all skin types. Pure cold pressed argan oil is the one you are looking for. The secret is found in Argan oil's unique composition, which consists of the following:
- Vitamin E, also known as Alpha Tocopherol, fights free radicals and makes the skin more resistant. The content of vitamin E in raw argan oil fluctuates between 600 and 700 mg/kg tocopherols.
- Vitamin F consists of two essential fatty acids: linolenic acid (omega 3) and linoleic acid (omega 6). Vitamin F is used in the body to create, repair and stimulate new and damaged tissue.
- Sterols are rarely found in vegetable oils. They are specific to the Sapotaceae family to which the Moroccan argan tree belongs. Sterols improve cutaneous circulation, protect against UV rays and slow down skin aging.
Here are some of the benefits or results you get after using argan oil daily:
- Fights free radicals
- Heals and soothes dry and damaged skin and scars
- Tightens pores and soothes acne and medical skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea and psoriasis
- Stimulates the production of collagen
- Contains natural anti-aging power that reduces wrinkles, fine lines and increases firmness
- Reduces the visibility of spots and circles under the eyes
- Maintains your skin's elasticity and smoothness
- Is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and reduces soreness
- Protects your skin from pollution, chemicals and sun damage
This is what our customer says about our organic face oil:
“The face oil, Prickly Pear & Argan Oil has enabled me to go out without makeup. I no longer have to go with foundation and concealer like before. I get many compliments on my glowing and clean skin thanks to the face oil. In addition, the product is organic and at the same time sustainable, so it is a win-win. I will give it my warmest recommendations.”
— Mariam, Copenhagen, ★★★★★
Will argan oil clog my pores?
Nix! Argan oil is on the list of non-comedogenic oils like shea butter, almond oil, rosehip seed oil, hemp seed oil, etc. which means these oils won't clog your pores. Argan oil's unique property is that it easily penetrates the skin (and hair) - no greasy mess!
If you experience problems with clogged pores or acne, argan oil is a good choice to combat your blemishes/unbalanced skin. Because it has a natural cleansing and antiseptic effect that helps your skin balance and protects and adds a lot of moisture to your skin. All-in-one-magical-super-oil!
Will argan oil help psoriasis?
Yes - Argan oil has a powerful and natural antiseptic property that helps kill bacteria and reduce/reduce inflammation such as acne and other skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.
This is what our customers say after using our face and body oil:
“Prickly Pear & Argan oil is my favorite. I use the facial oil every single day morning and night. It is the only product I can use to keep my Psoriasis away without using the hormone creams. I also use the oil on my daughter, who often develops contact dermatitis on her face. After 1 day of smearing her several times, the eczema disappears and we don't have to use fatty or hormonal creams. And as a plus in these corona times, the product is just fantastic for sore and dry hands after a lot of hand washing. "
— Christina Rathleff, Vejle ★★★★★
Why is argan oil good for your hair?
- Vitamin E also known as Alpha Tocopherol fights the free radicals and makes the hair more resistant. The content of vitamin E in raw argan oil fluctuates between 600 and 700 mg/kg tocopherols.
- Vitamin F consists of two essential fatty acids: linolenic acid (omega 3) and linoleic acid (omega 6). Vitamin F is used in the body to create, repair and stimulate new and damaged tissue.
- Sterols are rarely found in vegetable oils. They are specific to the Sapotaceae family to which the Moroccan argan tree belongs. Sterols improve cutaneous circulation, protect against UV rays and slow down hair aging.
- Fights free radicals
- Maintains the elasticity and smoothness of your hair
- It heals dry and damaged hair
- Booster vitamins and antioxidants in the hair and scalp
- Make your hair stronger, softer and healthier
- Relieves scalp diseases such as dandruff, eczema, psoriasis
- Stimulates the production of collagen and protein in your hair
- Is anti-inflammatory and reduces soreness in the scalp
- Improves the retention of moisture and the radiance of your hair
- Protects your hair from pollution, chemicals and sun damage
Will argan oil help my dry scalp?
This is what our customer says about our organic hair oil:
Will argan oil help my hair grow?
This is what our customer says about our organic hair oil and beard oil:
“I would definitely recommend the Auri oil for hair! I work in an eyebrow and lash clinic and all my clients who have purchased the oil have been absolutely in love with it, myself included. Their bald areas have grown out in no time - it's a miracle! I also use it on my hair and it feels softer and fuller. And it grows faster too. It will not disappoint you!”
— Cosmetologist, Salsabil, Copenhagen ★★★★★
“Since I started using DON Beard Oil, my beard has become denser and thicker with less irritation. I use DON every morning and after shaving to moisturize and soothe skin irritation."
— Anders Christensen, Copenhagen ★★★★★