What is argan oil?
Argan oil is a natural oil pressed from the kernels of the argan tree, which grows in south-western Morocco. Moroccans have used it for centuries, both in the kitchen and to care for skin and hair. It is naturally rich in vitamin E and in fatty acids such as oleic and linoleic acid, which is why it is so popular in beauty products around the world.
Where does argan oil come from?
Argan oil comes from the argan tree (Argania spinosa), which grows almost exclusively in south-western Morocco — in the Souss valley and the dry hills around Essaouira and Agadir. The tree survives in heat and drought where little else grows, and in 1998 UNESCO declared the argan forest region a biosphere reserve.
How is argan oil made?
- The fruit is harvested once it ripens and falls, then left to dry in the sun.
- The dried pulp is removed to reveal a very hard nut.
- Each nut is cracked open by hand between two stones to free the small kernels inside — slow work traditionally done by Berber women, today often in women’s cooperatives.
- For cosmetic argan oil, the raw kernels are cold-pressed. For culinary argan oil, the kernels are lightly roasted first, which gives the oil its nutty flavor.
Culinary argan oil is a staple of the Moroccan table, drizzled over couscous and tagines or blended with almonds and honey into amlou. Cook the traditional way with our Moroccan tagine pots.
Cosmetic or culinary argan oil?
There are two kinds of argan oil. Cosmetic argan oil is pressed from raw kernels; it is pale, with a mild smell, and is meant for skin, hair and nails. Culinary argan oil is pressed from lightly roasted kernels; it is darker, with a toasted, nutty taste, and is meant for food. Use each one only for its intended purpose.
How argan oil is used
- Skin — a few drops are widely used as a moisturizer for dry skin, on the face or body.
- Hair — a small amount smoothed through the ends of the hair is a common way to reduce frizz and add shine.
- Nails and cuticles — massaged into dry cuticles to soften them.
- Cooking — culinary argan oil is usually used raw, drizzled over finished dishes, salads and couscous, or blended into amlou.
As with any new product on your skin, try a small amount on a patch of skin first.
What the research says
Research on argan oil is still limited. A few small studies have looked at skin hydration and elasticity, and at cholesterol levels in people who eat argan oil, but the evidence is not strong enough to treat argan oil as a medical remedy. It is not a sunscreen and does not replace one. If you want to use argan oil for a health condition, or during pregnancy, talk to a doctor first.
How to choose good argan oil
- Look for 100% pure argan oil with no other oils or fragrance added.
- Choose cold-pressed oil for skin and hair, and roasted (culinary) oil for food.
- Buy oil produced in Morocco, ideally from a women’s cooperative, and sold in dark glass to protect it from light.
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