Argan oil

Used since time immemorial in the Maghreb in general and Morocco in particular, Argan oil has enjoyed real success in Western countries in recent years. It is its cosmetic use that prevails. Let's find out why..

Argan oil, an oil from Morocco

The little yellow-orange seeds, also known as kernels, may not mean anything to you, but it's from these precious seeds that Argan oil is pressed. Pronounced "arkane" in Arabic, it has been used for centuries by Moroccan women for their face and hair, as well as in Moroccan cooking. Its unique, very strong hazelnut scent makes it instantly recognisable. The tree from which this kernel comes is called the argan tree, and its oil is emblematic of Morocco, which even listed it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.Argan oil is used in the preparation of the famous Moroccan spread, 'amlou', a traditional and ancestral dessert. It is also used in certain tajines and other traditional Moroccan dishes. So, in essence, it is part of Moroccan culture.

Unique properties

It's an ally for dry skin. Rich in vitamin E, argan oil is known for its protective action against free radicals, which can damage the skin and cause premature ageing. Its action on fine lines and wrinkles makes it a key ingredient in anti-ageing creams. It is naturally moisturising, and repairs and nourishes the skin. Argan oil can therefore be used on the skin, but also on the hair and nails. It is therefore used in cosmetics on all skin types, but more specifically on mature skin.

A precious and rare oil

Argan oil is a precious oil. Grown in Morocco, you have to wait for the fruit of the argan tree to reach maturity. Once harvested, it takes around 100kg of fruit to produce 5kg of kernels, which in turn yield only 3kg of argan oil. The oil comes from the unroasted fruit, which is crushed and cold-extracted. We know that cold extraction preserves the oil's qualities. Many Moroccan women's cooperatives are now organised to grow and collect the precious amber liquid. Its rarity and ethical value make it a luxury product of choice.

Description :

• Colour: orange-yellow, amber. Light yellow.
• Form: fine oily liquid.
• Smell: characteristic of argan oil. It is the very strong smell of almond seeds that gives it its distinctive scent. It has a nutty smell.

Argan oil is therefore recognisable above all by its smell. Like all cold-extracted vegetable oils, it should be kept in a dry place away from light.

How do I use argan oil? Cosmetic ideas

Several recipe ideas for using argan oil in your cosmetics.

As we've said, argan oil is useful for all skin types, but it's dry and mature skin in particular that will benefit from all the goodness of argan oil.

Here are three recipes, one for the skin and two for the hair.

For the skin:

2 tablespoonsargan oil

1 teaspoonrose water

Mix the two ingredients together and use as a nourishing face mask. The synergy with rosewater, another age-old natural facial treatment, will reveal all its benefits for your skin.

For dry hair:

3 tablespoonsargan oil

1 tablespoonavocado oil

Mix the two oils in a container, avoiding iron and stainless steel, which neutralise the benefits of certain vegetable oils. Use a wooden spoon in the same way.

A few hours before shampooing, apply your oil mixture all over your hair. Concentrate on the ends. Rub lightly into the scalp to activate the capillary blood vessels and help the active ingredients in the plant oils to penetrate properly. Ideally, leave on for at least an hour, under cling film, a hair wrap or a towel. The heat will help to open the hair scales and assimilate the moisturising agents in the oils. After this oil bath, shampoo your hair. A second shampoo will probably be necessary to remove the excess oil from the hair.

Use as a ghassoul mask:

If you want to play the hammam princess, you'll need to

2 tablespoons of ghassoul

2 tablespoons argan oil

A few drops ofrose water

Mix the ingredients, preferably in a wooden bowl. Avoid metal and stainless steel, which neutralise the effects of certain natural products, particularly plant oils. Apply the mixture to dry or slightly damp hair. Adjust the amount according to the length of your hair. The ghassoul's purifying action will leave your hair clean, while the oil will moisturise it. Rinse after about twenty minutes with a mild shampoo.

Testimonials:

"Not disappointed with this purchase for my frizzy hair. I use it as an oil bath, but also on my face. Good investment."

"Very moisturising, doesn't stick to the skin, I was a bit scared at first. A pump bottle would have been ideal."

"I use argan oil as a hair serum to treat my ends, really pleased."

"Completely satisfied with the product, but slightly disappointed with the smell. I was warned but the smell is a bit strong. Perhaps mix with another oil for a more pleasant scent. In terms of effectiveness, I'm satisfied.

"My husband uses it for his beard, he can't do without it!

Our Argan oil

As we know, when it comes to natural products, which are all the rage, many retailers are not serious and sell products for which they do not check the traceability. This is not the case with us. We travelled to Morocco and personally checked the origin of our products, particularly the argan oil. So it's with complete transparency and confidence that we offer a quality argan oil, an ethical product - you can trust us with your eyes closed!