Article on Argan oil

Moroccan Miracle Elixir?

By Caroline Walker | Thursday, February 19, 2009 12:00 PM ET

Morocco is country rich with sensory decadence. The spiced tagines, the fabrics and colors, the bustling souks and sky-painted desert. It is no wonder, then, that the luxurious oil considered a wonder elixir for the skin, the body and the soul hails from Morocco's seaside Essaouira. Extracted from the essence of the argan nut, women are developing a thriving business producing the sought-after oils now turning up in skin-care products and spas in Europe and America.

I am a sucker for packaging. You could probably bottle canola oil in an exotic bottle and convince me it is liquid gold. So I approached the argan hype with caution. I looked for more information, expecting to find nothing but thinly veiled advertisements; instead, I found myself surprised.

Aside from the skin-healing properties that fans can't get enough of, supporters are recognizing that argan oil production is creating sustainable work for women who may otherwise not flourish, creatively or financially. Female-run co-ops, supported by the Moroccan government, are distributing their products worldwide, thriving in business and cultural stimulation alike.

None other than The Grey Lady herself urges consumers and travelers to support an industry that is enriching communities and complexions at the same time:

Because the extraction of argan oil is a labor-intensive task perfected by the Berber women native to the area (it takes a few days to produce one liter), the government has established a fund for the cooperatives. Outside groups, like the government of Monaco, have gotten involved as backers. Women from the villages nearby are invited to work half days (so they can still tend to their families) in exchange for fair wages and good working conditions. Eventually, the cooperatives should pay for themselves. Unesco has designated the 10,000 square-mile argan-growing region as a biosphere reserve.

The trend is alive and well and beauty product manufacturers are scurrying to climb on the proverbial bandwagon. You want to know what all the fuss is about. How do you to tell the real deal from cheap imitations? Let Tonic do the troubleshooting for you.

After digging and asking around, we uncovered one of the more esteemed lines of products rich with argan oil: Eden Allure. It has earned praises from organic living experts and offers a full skin, body and nail care line along with detailed information on the benefits of argan. While the photo on the homepage may read more Woman of the Night than Natural Beauty, they seem to offer straightforward products staying true to their main ingredient.

Further pulling at socially conscious consumer heartstrings, Eden's website has a feature allowing viewers to see the company's carbon offsets, empowered by Cultural Connections.

A four-ounce bottle of 100 percent Pure Moroccan Argan Oil is $50; each one is tweaked with different flower and plant essences, depending on if you are treating your hair, nails, body or face.

So bring on the argan oil. I will try to refrain from dousing my dinner, my laundry, my checkbook and garden with the miracle-inducing stuff. My skeptical ass can buy into the press, in hopes that my skin starts glowing and radiating Moroccan-scented light, knowing all the while that if it doesn't, I can still feel good about supporting an industry I believe in.

Eden 100 Percent Pure Organic Moroccan Argan Oil. $50, edenallure.com.

Article on Argan oil

Ask the Beauty Chick…

by Shayna Teicher on August 25, 2009

3

Dear Beauty Chick,
At a popular hair salon the stylist recommended that I use a hair oil to make my hair silkier, shinier and in better condition. It’s argan based which I’ve heard is good, and he told me it was natural, but there seem like an awful lot of chemical-sounding ingredients in it. I really liked the smell and how my hair looked when I used it but I’m wondering how ‘natural’ it really is. These are the ingredients as listed on the bottle.

Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Butylphenyl, MethylPropional, Argania Spinoza Kernal Oil (Aragan Oil), Linseed (Linum Usitatissimum) Extract, Fragrance Supplement, D&C Yellow-11, D&C Red-17, Coumarin, Benzyl Benzoate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone

Thank you,
B

Dear B,

That’s great that you’re willing to look for a more natural alternative to this product that you, admittedly, like the end results of. I know how difficult it is to feel like you have to sacrifice results for questionable ingredients. Unfortunately, your concerns about the ingredients are not without merit, but the good news is that there are some awesome products out there with a much better ingredient profile that should give you just as great results.

You are absolutely right about Argan Oil being a great ingredient. One of the rarest (and consequentially, one of the most expensive) oils in the world, Argan oil is exceptionally rich in natural tocopherols (vitamin E) and is also rich in phenols and phenolic acid, carotenes, squalene and essential fatty acids (a.k.a. omega oils). Basically, the chemical makeup of this natural oil gives it the ability to improve hair strength and health as well as help increase shine and decrease frizziness. Linseed Oil is also a great ingredient for hair products as it is moisturizing and high in linoleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid and antioxidant which studies have shown to be effective in cell regulation and skin-barrier repair as well as having anti-inflammatory benefits.

The first three ingredients listed are silicones. While silicones are derived from Silica (a naturally occurring mineral) they are generally considered to be synthetics. Silicones do have many legitimate medical uses, however in hair products they mainly serve the purpose of coating the hair shaft to give it a silkier feel. They also have water-repelling properties, which help to cut down on frizz. The downside, they can build up over time, weighing down the hair and making it dull a limp. It is not so much that the silicones themselves damage the hair, but rather that they simply coat it, masking any damage rather than actually improving it at a cellular level. The silicones coating the hair can also prevent other, more beneficial ingredients from actually penetrating the hair so that they can improve it structurally. Essentially, the silicones aren’t necessarily bad, they just don’t provide anything more than a temporary benefit.

The rest of the ingredients, I regret, are questionable. Butylphenly MethylPropional is a synthetic fragrance/odor-masking ingredient (it worries me when there is more of a fragrance ingredient in a product than the active ingredients!). Then, of course “fragrance supplement” indicates a synthetic perfume, otherwise they would promote that they use all-natural fragrance, although you could always call the company to check. Then you have some dyes (in my opinion, unnecessary). Coumarin and Alpha Isomethyle Ionone are also fragrance ingredients as well and are often synthetic. Benzyle Benzoate is a fragrance ingredient as well as a solvent.

My verdict: the argan and linseed oils are great, everything else is expendable, but if the other products you use are largely natural in formulation and you really love this product and aren’t sensitive to it, it’s not the worst product you could use. Please note, however, that if you were putting it directly on your skin I would have a very different opinion since, unlike the hair, the skin much more easily absorbs ingredients into the body and bloodstream. If you still want to go for a purer product (it’s certainly worth a try) I highly recommend Rare Elements El Treatment as a weekly treatment. It contains only 100% pure natural oils and no silicones, dyes, fragrances, or preservatives. Having used this myself I can tell you it is a fantastic product and the more you use it, the more you see real, long-term results in your hairs’ appearance, shininess and scalp health.

An option for styling is Jonathan Product Green Rootine Silkening Crème. I’ve found that, depending on your hair type, this one can require a little playing to find the best way to use it but once you get it right, it’s brilliant. I rub a pearl-sized amount between my palms and then work it through towel dried hair-staying away from the roots-and it give me perfectly soft, shiny waves with no greasiness. I did search rather extensively for a hair product that was argan oil based but did not contain the types of ingredients we are trying to avoid and was unable to find one, however you can purchase pure argan oil and use it as a treatment on its own.

Always,
The Beauty Chick

Have a beauty question? Ask The Beauty Chick! Send questions to Shayna@ModernHippieMag.com.

Article on Argan oil

Argan oil, golden oil from ancient Berber trees

posted on 8 Sep 2006 by maki :: 11 comments

Back in August The Observer Food Monthly ran a series of articles about ethical and unethical food. One of the products mentioned as an "ethical" choice was argan oil. I was immediately intrigued.

Argan oil comes from ancient argan trees, a species indigenous to North Africa. The argan forests in that region have been a part of Berber culture in the form of fuel, timber and food, but have been heavily exploited to the point where they have shrunk by 50% over the last 100 years. UNESCO has declared the forest a biosphere reserve.

So off I went to the supplier web site that was mentioned in the article, visions of ancient forests surrounded by deserts in my head.

The price - 18.50 GBP (about US $40) for one 250ml bottle - gave me sticker shock at first. But I ordered one in the interest of research (and greediness) and lo, a couple of weeks later it arrived in my mailbox. (I was just a bit disappointed that it was shipped from the U.K. rather than straight from Morocco, but I guess that's where their distribution point is.)

Besides being from an endangered species of tree, argan oil is also supposed to be very healthyl. According to the little tag that was attached to the orange-tinted frosted glass bottle, extra-virgin argan oil is

..traditionally eaten for breakfast in North Africa, with freshly baked bread, as a healthy start to the day. Delicious sprinkled on salads, grilled vegetables, and soups, its health giving properties have been known for generations. High in mono and polyunsaturates (80%), linoleic acid (34%), and plant sterols, it is a wholesome as it is delicious.

But enough about the social and health benefits. How does it taste?

First I opened up the bottle and sniffed it. It has a very unique smell - nutty, a bit like sesame oil, but with an slightly strange hint of something else that I couldn't put my finger on - sort of a "raw" scent. It's not unpleasant, just very unusual.

I poured out a little into a small glass bowl. The oil is a yellow color, like a light colored olive oil, with just a slight orange tint. (The bottle is tinted so you may think it's a bright orange, but it isn't. That bottle by the way is made in "150 year old moulds" and is "frosted to protect the oil" from light.)

I tasted it with the good old finger-in-the-bowl method. It has a very subtle but quite distinctly nutty taste. It's unlike any other nut or seed oil I've had before though. The closest to it is pumpkin seed oil, an Austrian speciality that I am rather addicted to. Argan oil has the same slightly spicy undertones, but is much milder than the dark, punchy pumpkin seed oil. It's not at all like olive oil, since it has no fruitiness or pepperiness to it.

So far we've only tried it sprinkled on salads (delicious) and on plain bread (even better). I tried sautéing some onions and garlic in it, and the smell was heavenly, but the flavor does dissipate a little (more than sesame oil does) when heated. So I think it's best used as a condiment, where you can get the full hit of flavor. It has a really addictive quality to it. Try drizzling a little on sliced or flat bread, sprinkling on a bit of sea salt, and then toasting the bread under the broiler. Yum. It's also great on grilled fish.

The only problem with ordering it again is the price. I'm wondering now if a trip to Morocco to bring back a suitcase full would pay for itself...

Article on Argan oil

Moroccan Argan Oil Based Natural Skin Care

Moroccan Argan oil is one of the most popular cosmetic products on the market. Moroccan Argan oil has been called the latest “miracle ingredient” by the New York Times. Many companies are making products using Moroccan argan oil, such as makeup, facial cream, body lotion, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and other hair care products. Pure and organic Moroccan argan oil are the keys to effectiveness of these products. Moroccan argan oil is reportedly great for hair, skin and nails because of its extremely high content of amino acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E.


Because argan oil Morocco has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing qualities it can help with a variety of skin conditions. Moroccan argan oil helps dry skin and oily skin, sounds weird, but the nourishing effects of vitamin E and the free radical reducing and anti-inflammatory properties of the antioxidants and amino acids allow the oil to help with conditions like psoriasis, acne and eczema. Moroccan argan oil can be used by both women and men, young and old. Argan oil Morocco is even great for pregnant women because the moisturizing properties prevent the formation of stretch marks when massaged on skin regularly.

Moroccan argan oil is produced by Berber women in the Agadir region of Morocco. The women are part of cooperatives, women run and owned businesses. These cooperatives serve to protect the rights of the women by controlling wages, working hours and working conditions, as well as provide the women with education and healthcare. Argan Oil Morocco comes from southwest Morocco from the nut of the argan tree (argania spinosa). Argan trees grow in semi-arid, dessert like environments and live for over 200 years. They are endangered species and only grow in Morocco. The women in the cooperatives pick the argan fruit, let it dry in the sun, and then remove the argan nut. Once they have removed the argan nut, they crack the outer shell and remove the small kernal that is inside. This small kernal is what provides the Moroccan argan oil.

Argan oil Morocco can be cold pressed by machine or by hand. Machin e pressed is preferable because there is less argan kernal waste, there are no added ingredients during the process, and the Moroccan argan oil is purer. When argan oil is pressed by hand, it is mixed with local, non-purified water. The water is necessary when pressed by hand because it stimulates the oil to release from the argan nuts. Most hand pressed argan oil Morocco smell very pungent because they expire very quickly. (three months maximum). You want to stay away from argan oil products that contain pungent smells and fell greasy. A strong smelling or greasy feeling argan oil indicates that it is expired, not pure, or has been pressed by hand.

By: MariaLara

Article on Argan oil

Your Best-Loved Beauty Secret

Raw Argan Oil: What It Is and Why It Could Soon Become Your Best-Loved Beauty Secret

Rated by 1 Reader ?

Posted: Friday, June 27, 2008

• by Georgina Sweeney
  http://www.imagine-you.com

• 

If you haven't heard about raw argan oil yet, you're in for a nice surprise.

Derived from the nuts of the fruit of the Argania Spinosa tree in Morocco, argan oil (also known as argon or argane oil) comes in two forms: cosmetic grade and culinary.

The cosmetic version has been used for centuries by women in Southwestern Morocco to naturally enhance their hair, skin and nails. European women have also known about this beauty secret for some time, but it has only recently begun to make waves in the USA thanks to word-of-mouth, as well as the efforts of the King of Morocco Mohammed VI and the local government to turn this liquid gold (as it is known in Europe) into a global export.

PROPERTIES

Raw argan oil is deemed to be one of the world's richest natural sources of vitamin E. It also contains 80% essential fatty acids, as well as squalene, phytosterols and phenolic compounds. All these elements combine to offer users a myriad of potential beauty benefits, including:

• Softer skin
• Diminished wrinkles
• Reduced scarring
• Balanced sebum production (helps clear acne and monthly blemishes)
• Relief for eczema and psoriasis (even for babies)

DIRECTIONS FOR USE



Face

When using 100% pure cosmetic grade argan oil, you only need to use a few drops for your entire face. A little really does go a long way. You can apply it at night as an intensive moisturizing treatment and/or in the morning as a base for your makeup. The oil penetrates easily, does not leave an oily residue and can even be used around the eye area.

Nails

If your nails and cuticles are looking a little worse for wear, simply soak them in a 50:50 mixture of raw argan oil and lemon juice for 10 minutes (or even overnight). This will not only soften your cuticles and limit nail breakage but will also give your nails a healthy radiance.



Hair

For an intensive hair treatment to improve dry scalp and add shine, apply a generous amount of oil to dry hair, then wrap in a warm towel and leave for 30 minutes. Wash and style as usual.

Article on Argan oil

Argan Oil – Morocco’s Liquid Gold

Situated on the Atlantic coastline of western Morocco, the city of Essaouira is a popular tourist and holiday destination. With a history going back to prehistoric times, this city is drenched in tradition and culture offering visitors a truly authentic Moroccan experience.

Essaouira has a treasure of a different sort which tourists may not be aware of, but which reveals an interesting aspect of day-to-day life for a large number of local Berber women. Argan oil, which is often referred to as liquid gold, is believed to have age-defying and restorative properties and, as such, is becoming increasingly sought after in the multi million dollar beauty industry. This amazing oil is extracted from the nuts of the argan tree, which is found almost exclusively in the Essaouira area.

Argan oil is exceptionally high in essential fatty acids and vitamin E, and it is reputed to have therapeutic properties which relieve, and even cure, all manner of skin conditions including dry skin, eczema, acne and psoriasis, as well as softening wrinkles. Moroccans have long appreciated the unique qualities of argan oil, and apply it generously to their skin, nails and hair. It is also commonly used to moisturize the tender skin of their babies. Argan oil is a familiar sight in the kitchen and at the table where it is drizzled over couscous and salads, as well as being used, along with almonds and honey, to make a delicious, healthy spread known as amlou.

Approaching Essaouira along the road from Marrakech, visitors will note the signs indicating the various argan oil co-ops which are all run by Berber women. These friendly, hard-working women welcome visitors, who will often be invited to watch them work. In the majority of the co-ops, the older woman sit in the courtyard working in a very social setting, while the younger girls, many of them fluent in English, give visitors a tutorial about the argan oil extraction process.

The argan nut, which looks like a cross between an almond and a walnut, are picked from the trees dotted around the hills above Essaouira. Depending on the season, harvesters may have to compete with the local goats which deftly climb a tree and munch away on the nuts while perched precariously on a shaking branch. The nuts which will be made into salad oil are roasted over an open flame in a large steel drum. This roasting brings out its distinctive peppery flavor. The nuts which are destined for the beauty market are left raw.

The women undertake the arduous task of cracking the shells with sharp stones after which they grind the kernels into a brown paste between two large slabs of rock. The paste is then kneaded by hand to extract as much oil as possible before being sent to factories in Agadir to be mechanically pressed to further extract oil. Some of the oil becomes an ingredient in soaps, shampoos and creams, while the purest of oil is much prized, earning the name of “liquid gold”.

Moroccan King Mohammed VI has been greatly instrumental in setting up the co-ops and opening the way for world-wide export of argan oil, which has been of great assistance to the Berber women native to the area. The government of Monaco has backed this scheme which allows women to work half day, giving them precious time to attend to the needs of their families.

Western cosmetic companies are starting to make use of argan oil in their products as well as promoting the pure unadulterated product. For example, based in England, Liz Earle markets an organic skin-care line which promotes the benefits of argan oil that she sources directly from two of the Essaouira co-operatives. Analysis at high-tech laboratories in the UK have revealed that argan oil is extremely high in vitamin E, as well as phytosterols which are remarkably good for scar tissue reduction and a host of other skin rejuvenating processes.

Holidaymakers in Morocco often want to get to know the people that live in this fascinating country. A visit to the women’s co-operatives of Essaouira is an excellent way of gaining insight into the daily lives of these hard-working enterprising Berber women.

Article on Argan oil

ARGAN OIL

Discover the Benefits of Argan Oil & Our Picks for Top Argan Products

Have you heard about argan oil? Argan oil is made from the nuts of the argan tree, found exclusively in the southwest regions of Morocco. It may be hard to believe, but local goats climb the trees and eat the argan leaves and fruit, leaving behind the pits. The women then split the pits and extract the kernels inside to grind and press for the argan oil. There are a growing number of argan oil cooperatives, mostly run by women. They are re-planting argan trees, as the trees have become scarce due to overgrazing by goats and a growing population needing wood for survival.

ARGAN OIL: MULTI-PURPOSE MARVEL

The nuts of the argan tree produce oil loaded with essential fatty acids and Vitamin E as well as polyphenols and sterols, which are said to be cancer-fighting compounds. The fruit itself has a flesh-like exterior resembling an olive, but larger. Argan oil can be used in food preparation and, in Morocco, it is often poured on salads over couscous and roasted vegetables. Used as a garnish for soup, it adds yet another layer of flavor to your dishes. It is recommended that argan oil be used only for seasoning food, and never for cooking it. Argan oil has found vast popularity as an anti-aging ingredient in various serums, lotions and creams for the skin. It addresses multiple skin issues and is widely tolerated. When purchasing argan oil, be sure to first determine if you are buying oil for culinary or cosmetic purposes.

Article Written By: Laura Miller is a writer who always enjoys learning about beauty/health and wellness topics and sharing the information with readers.

Info on Argan oil

Argan oil is one of the hottest ingredients and standalone products in the beauty industry. But did you know that it can be used for more than just fighting wrinkles?

This moroccan miracle oil, as it is often called, contains 80% essential fatty acids (to help reduce inflammation), as well as squalene (to help keep our skin soft), phytosterols (to help protect collagen) and phenolic compounds (to guard against free radicals), making it one of the most versatile beauty products for those of who like to keep our beauty routines simple or who want to want to remain budget conscious.

So, without further ado, here are the top 10 reasons to use argan oil, other than to reduce lines and wrinkles (which, by the way, it does beautifully):

1. Soften dry, cracked skin Argan oil has a very high content of unsaturated fatty acids, even more so than shea butter, making it the perfect all-over face, hand and body moisturizer.

2. Help prevent stretch marks Simply use as you would any other stretch mark cream. The oil absorbs extremely easily and doesn’t leave any oily residue.

3. Lighten scars With regular use, argan oil can help lighten scars and acne marks.

4. Balance sebum production Although an oil, it is non-comedogenic, meaning that it does not clog pores.

5. Relieve eczema and psoriasis Argan oil is one of the world’s richest natural sources of vitamin E, so is a great treatment for a variety of skin conditions.

6. Soften cuticles Leave on overnight for best results.

7. Condition hair With its great moisturizing abilities, this oil makes a great intensive hair conditioner and can even be used to help split ends.

8. Alleviate dry, itchy scalp Apply to scalp and wrap head in a warm towel for 30 minutes or overnight to soothe irritation.

9. Soothe irritated baby skin A great alternative to chemical-based baby oils.

10. Use as a culinary oil Add flavor and health benefits when you drizzle argan oil over fish and vegetables (it’s not suitable for heating though).

Article on Argan oil

Argan Oil

A Healthy Oil With a Conscience

By Lisa Sim Epoch Times Milwaukee Staff

Oct 12, 2007

A plantation of argan trees (Luc Viatour/Wikimedia)

What is really yummy with warm goat cheese and French bread and helps more than 10,000 people in a remote village in Morocco? Give up? Argan oil! Never heard of it? Well, it is a hand-pressed, delicious new oil that has helped take ethical business practices to new heights!

This superior golden oil is also winning the affection of top chefs from around the world. Superb in quality and taste, it is quickly becoming popular with olive oil aficionados.

Argan oil comes from the nuts of the Argan trees. The indigenous Berber people of Morocco prize the oil for a variety of reasons and have used it for several centuries.

With its high vitamin E content of tocopherols, twice as many as olive oil, Argan oil is loaded with antioxidants. The omega-9 and omega-6 content is over 80 percent. A rare combination of sterols (schottenol, 45 percent; spinasterol, 37 percent) help prevent cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, according to university studies.

But what really makes this oil so special is that the company Argand'or, which believes in Fair Trade, produces some of the finest Argan—organic and handcrafted by the indigenous Berber women.

Argand'or, which believes in Fair Trade, produces some of the finest Argan—organic and handcrafted by the indigenous Berber women. (futuregreen.net)

Moroccan native Mohamed El Karz, founder of the company, said he became involved with producing Argan oil by accident. "While drilling water during an infrastructure project, I discovered the endangered Argan forests and the indigenous Berber women. The women used the nuts in cooking, to make medicine and skin treatments. I thought these kind people could sustain themselves from this very special oil if they only had a market."

It was at that time he formed a partnership with Rudolph Bresink to help the Berber women get their oil into international markets. "At first the attempts to get the women's cooperatives together did not go well because of resistance from the Berber men," Mohamed explains. "Finally, after much discussion with the head men of the tribe, we formed our first co-op after 10 years of hard work. The women back then were very shy and could not even leave the house without the approval from the men."

Mohamed and Rudolph persisted. "With the help of the German company I was working for, we gave the women of the co-op a chance to learn how to read and write. This was a special breakthrough for us and them," said Mohamed.

These were not the only obstacles involved with getting Argand'or off the ground. The partnership had to gain the trust of the women in the co-ops. The women insisted on processing the oil by hand, the way it's been done for thousands of years. This ensured them that the oil stayed in the villages, the craft would survive, and they would always have work.

Mohamed agreed. He explained that quality was a top priority, and the women could gather the best nuts right from the trees and take those nuts to the production wheel to make the finest, freshest oil. It takes 20 pounds of nuts and 8 hours of work to make one 12 ounce bottle of oil.

Argan oil has been mechanically engineered in Morocco for many years. Those companies were not happy about the women's co-ops that Mohamed and Rudolph were forming. "I received many verbal threats," said Mohamed. "Because we supported the women and their interests, we were attacked often back then."

Soon the tediously hand-pressed fresh oil started winning top awards. In 2005, it was awarded product of the year at the prestigious organic Bio-Fach convention in Germany. Organic magazines like ODE took notice and selected Argand'or as one of the most inspiring and sustainable products in the world. Star chefs across Europe use the oil regularly, and even the King of Morocco has personally honored the women's co-ops.

Since then, there are now over a thousand women involved in making the hand-pressed Argan oil for Argand'or, and more are in line waiting to get involved. The oil supports over 10,000 families. "Our strategies were based on innovation and being socially responsible. Many other companies can learn from us," said Mohamed.

Mohamed is optimistic about the company's future: "With our new partner Stephan Hauke, from the United States, we hope to bring this fine product forward to the American people."

Argan oil is delightfully nutty and enhances goat cheeses and Brie wonderfully.

Argan Oil Honey Spread Start your morning with this nutritious breakfast spread.

• 2 tbsp Argan oil
• 2 tbsp honey

Mix Honey and Argan oil in mixing bowl. Spread on bagels, toast, or French baguette. Makes ¼ cup (4 servings)

Amlou A Berber breakfast classic. Combines roasted almonds with Argan oil and honey.

• 4 ounces roasted almonds
• 4 tbsp Argan oil
• 2 tbsp honey

Grind almonds in a food processor to paste. Put almond paste in mixing bowl. Stir in Argan oil. Stir in honey. Serve on bagels, toast, or crepes. Makes 1 cup (8 servings)

Asparagus Salad

• 12 ounces fresh asparagus
• 1 large egg
• 4 tbsp Argan oil
• 1 tbsp Aceto Balsamico (balsamic vinegar)
• 1 tsp mustard
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil, chopped

Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add asparagus spears, butter, and salt. Cook asparagus for about 6–10 minutes.

Hard boil an egg.

Prepare vinaigrette by mixing Argan oil, Aceto Balsamico, mustard, salt, and ground pepper in a bowl.

Stir in two tablespoons of water used to boil the asparagus. Peel hard-boiled egg and cut in small cubes.

Arrange whole spears on plates. Pour vinaigrette over asparagus. Finish by sprinkling egg dices and basil over asparagus. Serve lukewarm. Serves 2

Tip: For a more European version, try to get hard-to-find white asparagus. Thoroughly peel spears before cooking. Use white balsamic vinegar and replace basil wit.

Recipe used with permission from futuregreen.net .

Article on Argan oil

What’s special about it?

Argan oil has almost twice as much vitamin E as olive oil and is rich in antioxidants, which have an anti-ageing effect, especially good for the skin. It is 80 per cent unsaturated, containing eight essential fatty acids including 34-36 per cent linoleic acid, which cannot be produced in the body and must therefore be obtained from the diet. Argan oil also contains rare plant sterols not found in other oils, which have anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for arthritic or rheumatic conditions.

Why are essential fatty acids a good thing?

EFAs affect cell fluidity, helping to prevent loss of moisture from the skin, and linings of the nose, lungs, digestive system, and brain. They also play

a part in the formation of prostaglandins, some of which reduce pain and swelling, while others help blood circulation. Argan oil can reduce joint and muscle pain, stiffness and swelling. How does Argan oil work as an anti-ageing food? For centuries Argan products have been used by Berber women in Morocco. The anti-ageing properties are thought to be due to high levels of vitamin E and saponins, which can help soften the skin. They are also thought to help to reduce wrinkles by restoring the skin's water lipid layer and to cool and soothe. What does Argan oil come from? A good quality Argan oil is produced from the finest quality nuts (seeds) from the Argan tree (Argania spinosa). It grows only in the south western part of Morocco, and the oil extracted from the nuts is very nutritious. It is available as cold pressed and extra virgin, and stored in frosted bottles to preserve its health-giving properties, and to protect it from light. How do you use it? It is best to add Argan oil to dishes after cooking. Use as you might olive oil, drizzling it onto salads and other dishes. The taste is very mild, and a combination with olive oil will give food more flavour. You can also use it on the skin. Because it penetrates the skin so deeply and quickly, Argan oil helps to deliver fast respite from leg cramps, muscle aches, pains and pulls. Used increasingly in sports medicine. Store it away from direct sunlight. If you have a nut allergy check with your doctor before use.

Article on Argan oil

Raw Organic Argan Oil - Enjoy Younger Looking Skin Immediately

By Amelia Carter



Does your skin look like an old worn saddle when you were trying for a youthful-looking tan? The natural aging process and exposure to UV rays can really do a number on your skin! Raw organic Argan oil helps replenish your skin and makes you look younger and rejuvenated almost instantly.

Airborne pollutants, such as smog and cigarette smoke have devastating effects on your skin, making it age quickly. And then, of course, there is the sun and its UV rays that relentlessly attack your skin. There is nothing exaggerated about the stories of these effects. They really are true. And this is where raw organic Argan oil can, and does, help rejuvenate your skin.

This incredible oil is manufactured from the Argan tree (Argania spinosa) which is endemic to the Moroccan area. It has been used for centuries by Moroccan women for both cosmetic and culinary applications. It has a long list of nutrients and healing benefits. And this oil has extremely high levels of nutrients which are very beneficial to both skin and hair.

• Vitamin E - a powerful antioxidant that helps improve and protect skin cells and heal damaged skin.
• Essential fatty acids - protects cell membranes; help restore and rejuvenate skin cells; helps skin cells retain moisture and nutrients.
• Lipids - improves skin hydration and strength of cell membranes.
• Ferulic acid - helps reduce sun damage.
• Antioxidants - reduce wrinkles and increase elasticity in the skin by protecting against free radical damage.
• And many more

While other anti-aging lotions may promise you a more youthful appearance, none of them contain the extraordinary combination of natural healing and protecting nutrients that you will find in raw organic Argan oil.

Another advantage of the pure, raw form of this oil is that it contains no other chemicals or synthetic components that your skin may react adversely to.

Article on Argan oil

Moroccan professor helps set up women's argan oil co-operatives

2006-11-21

Moroccan argan tree expert Dr Zoubida Charrouf feels the argan tree is a vital Moroccan resource with many uses. She is trying to combat deforestation of the argan through setting up women's co-operatives to produce oil and raise international recognition of the product.

By Farah Kinani for Magharebia in Washington – 21/11/06

[File]

Dr Zoubida Charrouf, a professor at Rabat's Mohamed V University, is trying to help save Morocco's argan tree by increasing recognition of its oil and setting up women's co-operatives to plant more trees and cultivate oil.

She first became interested in the argan tree while in France. She explains, "At the end of the 19th century, a French writer who had studied the argan nut said the tree contained an active principle. Between then and the start of my research, no one had tried to investigate this principle." She became more passionate about the argan as she discovered more molecular substances unique to it.

Charrouf received a doctorate studying argan trees and became one of the first people to campaign to save it. She believes all parts of the tree can be used to provide a source of income or food for those who exploit them.

"As well as an environmental role, the argan tree plays an important socio-economic role," she told Magharebia.

Charrouf spent 15 years setting up the first-ever argan oil processing co-operatives in villages of Tamanar and Tidzi.

She was motivated to "value women's expertise and protect argan oil, which has always been undervalued and sold at roadsides despite its nutritional, pharmaceutical, therapeutic, cosmetic and environmental benefits".

"Women have always produced argan oil. There were jobs for men in the co-operative, but the women had decided to recruit only women because mixing of the sexes is frowned on in these parts of Morocco," she noted.

"When I announced I was planning to set up the first co-operative, the men weren't too happy about their wives going out. When the women began bringing home money, men started coming to me on their wives' behalf," Charrouf recalls.

She currently works with the Moroccan government to support the involvement of women in rural and sustained development.

"An agreement has been signed between the High Commission for Water and Forests and the Targanine co-operatives on argan replanting and developing argan tree cultivation through forest re-spacing," she noted.

Charrouf's other main activity is campaigning for better management of argan products and increased recognition of argan oil.

"I would like to see argan oil given the status of Appellation d'Origine Contrôlé (AOC) … We meet all the requirements for being an AOC … If it can be achieved, only oil produced in the region according to the proper criteria can be called argan. This will contribute to the development of the region and the conservation of the argan forest," she stated.

While some people worry argan oil's growing popularity could lead to overexploitation, Charrouf counters that the experiences of other countries show reforestation rises with product demand.

Related Articles

Morocco seeks energy security

2008-07-16

Moroccan bloggers talk about cost of living, outsourcing and women in parliament

2006-11-22

Mohammed V Foundation launches Ramadan community campaign

2009-09-02

Moroccan government seeks to promote scientific research

2009-05-11

Moroccan government seeks to boost handicrafts sector

2008-04-07

"It's the financial value of a tree that motivates people to replant it … Our national output is 4,000 tonnes per year. We'd need 400 co-operatives to produce this amount, and we're not there yet," she pointed out.

In Morocco the argan is known as the "tree of life" because of its many beneficial properties. The argan forest provides a living for around 3 million people, including 2.2 million in rural areas.

"It provides stability for the rural population and is thus slowing down the rural exodus," Charrouf explained.

Morocco is witnessing a reduction in the area and density of its argan forest. Since the beginning of last century, its area has been reduced from 1,400,000 hectares to 828,000 hectares. The density has fallen from 100 trees to 30 trees per hectare, with Charrouf estimating that 600 hectares are lost every year.

Article on Argan oil

Argan Oil: Your Natural Fountain of Youth

April 14, 2010 Written by Alissa Pittenger

What is this mysterious exotic oil that’s climbing the beauty charts? This “liquid gold” out of Morocco, is giving new life to cosmetics and your skin. Do you wish to erase your wrinkles without Botox? Have tight skin without a facelift? Heal acne and acne scars without costly laser treatments? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, well then let me introduce you to Argan Oil!

Native to Morocco, the hardy Argan Tree grows wild in semi-desert soil and survives for 150–200 years against soil erosion and harsh Saharan winds. The tree flowers in April and bears a fruit with the valuable prize inside, a kernel with small oil-rich seeds. These are harvested, ground and pressed to make the nutty oil (tastes like peanut butter) used for cosmetics and cooking. Argan oil remains one of the rarest oils in the world due the small and very specific growing areas.

Argan oil is exceptionally rich in natural tocopherols (vitamin E), rich in phenols and phenolic acid, rich in carotenes, rich in squalene, rich in essential fatty acids. What that means in a nutshell is it is the most potent topical ingredient you can own to protect your skin’s lipid barrier and increase collagen production. You will actually produce and speed up collagen! Did you hear me? Who doesn’t want to create and rebuild new collagen that you have otherwise lost due to age, environmental damage, genetics and other factors? As a woman who’s just turned 30 and who lives under LA’s rays, I am excited about these sorts of things!

I’ve been using an Argan Oil on my face every night for a full month and the results are already quite obvious. My eye area specifically is saying goodbye to fine lines while also lifting and tightening that delicate skin. I also use this oil to heal zits OVERNIGHT, no joke, and to soften scars left by old ones. But don’t take my word for it, try it out yourself! I will personally continue this fountain of youth treatment, as all I’ve found has been extremely positive.

Article on Argan oil

Hot Beauty Trends: Exotic Ingredients

17 April 2010 No Comment

There’s something about unusual and exotic ingredients that captures the imagination and desire of the beauty world. Whether it’s our desire to have something nobody else has…or just to have something that works magically, the fact is…putting exotic ingredients into health and beauty products is not a new trend at all, but a practice that has been with us for centuries. Today, our ability to search the planet for unusual animal, mineral and vegetable resources is giving us some of the most exotic and beneficial ingredients we’ve ever seen. Here’s an overview of these discoveries:

Vegetable Sources
Plants are the most abundant source of exotic ingredients on the planet and we’ve only just begun to tap into the potential of the Amazon forest or the jungles of Southeast Asia, for example. Still, we’ve seen the health and beauty benefits of all sort of new fruits and vegetables, such as Acai berries from Brazil, Maca root from Peru, Maqui berry from the topics, prickly pear from Mexico, Sea Buckthorn and many more from Asia. If you haven’t heard of these yet, you certainly will soon.

For beauty products, the most common exotic ingredient you’ll find these days is an unusual or rare oil. Oils have always been among the most important beauty products throughout history and today, we are seeing oils from all over the world: Argan oil from Morocco, Mango Seed oil from India and Brazil, Acai oil from the Amazon, Macadamia oil from the South Pacific, Shea oil and butter from Africa, Coconut oil from the tropics…the list goes on and on (in fact, our recent article Beauty Trends is all about these new oils).

All oils moisturize and provide nutrients for skin and hair, but some of the more exotic oils have super moisturizing powers (Argan, Mango, Shea) while others have high levels of nutrients (Acai, Argan, avocado). Still others are excellent for protecting us from environmental damage (Acai, Macadamia, avocado).

When it comes to delving into our oceans, there are even more secrets yet to be discovered. Kelp and other seaweeds are now commonplace in skin and hair treatments because of the rich minerals found in these plants. No doubt, we’ll be seeing more exotic ingredients as we delve deeper into the undiscovered regions of our planet and find the trees of life (well, plants of life-enhancement anyway).

Animals Sources
Animals have long been the source of ingredients for beauty products and some of our darkest moments of history have come from the greed associated with harvesting these animal resources. But we’ve come a long way since then (hopefully) and are able to find renewable ways to capture these beneficial ingredients. Some of the more recent highlights include Keratin, which is derived from animal hooves, teeth, horns, and fur. Keratin is the primary building block of hair and nails (hooves). Animal fat has also been highly sought after…and today products like lanolin and tutano, exotic ingredients in many haircare products, come from animal fat or bone marrow. Some people prefer to avoid the use of animal products altogether, but the responsible use of animal resources can fit into our culture without damaging ourselves and our environment.

Mineral Sources
The use of minerals in beauty is on the rise…ever since the mineral makeup explosion in the ’90s. Of course, minerals have long been used for certain products. The ancients even used gold and silver on the skin as a way to enhance their appeal. Today gold and silver are finding their way back into our beauty products, as well as the powder from diamonds and other jewels. Look for more of this in the coming years…especially coming from France and other European beauty markets.

For more on exotic ingredients, see Exotic Cures a column by Edna Sousa.

Article on Culinary Argan oil

Moroccan Argan Oil - a growth industry

Blog: The View from Fez - 17 August 2009

By: Sandy McCutcheon

Earlier this year, The View from Fez reported on the making of argan oil in Fez, where some local businesses were giving demonstrations of the ancient techniques employed. (See story here: Argan Oil in Fez.

You will also find an Argan oil recipe here: Chicken Salad with Almonds, Mango and Argan Oil

The popularity of Argan oil is on the increase, with many travel and cooking writers featuring it. One of the latest is the Christian Science Monitor. Here is an excerpt...

For centuries, the Berber people of south-west Morocco have used oil from a tree endemic to the region as a staple food and in traditional medicines.

In recent years, there’s been increasing demand for oil from the argan tree in Western countries, where it’s used by gourmet chefs, and by cosmetic companies which claim it has antiaging and restorative properties. Now the Moroccan government is hoping to triple production of argan oil by 2020, from the current level of around 100 tons a year.

It’s hoped that poor rural women in particular would benefit from expansion of the argan oil industry in an arid region with few industries and employment prospects. The trouble is, the slow-growing argan tree is already listed as an endangered species, presenting scientists with a huge challenge to avert over-exploitation.

Argan oil comes from the two to three kernels found inside the pit of the oval-shaped green fruit of the tree. Traditionally, it is women who crack the pit, lightly roast the kernels, then pound and knead the resulting paste to extract the oil.

Using traditional methods, 2 pints of oil requires about 220 lbs. of fruit, and up to about 20 hours of work in one of about 25 women’s cooperatives set up in the region since 1996. Some of the co-ops have introduced a degree of mechanization that reduces the amount of manual labor required.

Others, however, such as the Marjana Cooperative near the Atlantic coastal city of Essaouira, prefer to maintain traditional methods to maximize employment. As the Marjana Co-op’s production rose from 1.5 tons in 2006 to 3.4 tons last year, the number of women employed full time almost doubled to nearly 50 workers.

For many women, it is their first paid job, and they can earn up to about $280 a month – a good sum in a region where many people live below the poverty line.

Article on Argan oil

ODDITIES | April 20th, 2010

The History of Argan Oil Treatment on Skin and Hair

Article

Initiate a Debate

By Diana Ajih

Argan oil is available in Southwestern Morocco. It's an oil extracted from the argan tree. It is high in demand and really popular because of the quantity of uses argan oil provides. First, the argan fruit is picked from the argan tree and removed from the fruits would be the nuts. An animal usually a goat, eats the fleshy fruit. Like chestnuts, the nuts from the argan fruit is roasted while on an open fire which gives argan oil its peppery flavor. If the nuts aren't roasted, the oil is especially useful for cosmetic use.



Argan oil treatment can be very expensive because it is rather hard to extract. Argan oil is usually found in products only in tiny amounts as a consequence of high cost. Depending on what you want to use the oil for, you may be able to find it in a nutrition store or a cosmetic shop; consumers also can order the oil from cooperatives in Morocco.



Argan oil treatment on skin is why it's included in serums, anti aging creams and soaps abundant with vitamin E, carotene and efa's Argan oil produced for cosmetic use is incredibly rich in Vitamin E and significant fatty acids including linoleic acid, and Omega 6. It can help fix any ailment such as dry skin, eczema, acne, wrinkles, and lots more. Argan oil works extremely well for the body for example the hair, skin, and nails..They hydrate and protect the skin, can be used in facials and body massage, even for babies, and are now promoted in spas world wide. To correct dry or cracked lips, women rub this oil over it, they will use it on their nails, and in their hair before shampooing.



Argan oil is all natural and fragrance free considering the cosmetic oil is extracted from nuts not roasted.

Article on Argan oil

Moroccan Argan Oil - fashion and fair trade

Blog: The View from Fez - 13 October 2009

By: Sandy McCutcheon

Though the Berber people of southwestern Morocco have used Argan oil for centuries in their cuisine and for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, it has only been within the last decade that argan oil has become known to the outside world. In that time the prices of Argan oil have sky-rocketed. So, how much is Argan oil actually worth? In fact, that is not really the correct question. The question should be, "who is making money out of this Moroccan export?".

The Argan oil used for cooking is made from toasted Argan nuts, whereas that used for cosmetics is made from fresh nuts, so doesn't have such a strong smell. The retail price of both oils is around the same. In the medina, 50ml of the cosmetic oil costs Dh50 in a herb shop and in the fancier Arganza near Boujloud. But it is a sure thing that the women who work so hard to produce this fabulous oil see very little of the average 346.50 Moroccan dirhams that a woman in the West will pay in order to rub a little in her hair.

Article on Argan oil

Argan Oil: Your Natural Fountain of Youth

by @MVOrganics

Nature has provided us with alternatives to chasing the seemingly elusive fountain of youth, one being Argan oil from the argan tree found in Morocco. Argan oil is valued for its nutritive, cosmetic and numerous medicinal properties. Argan oil is good for dry skin, scars, and skin irritations, and it promotes cell regeneration. The results can be amazing — healthy, hydrated skin, and reduction of sun damage or wrinkles.

Our friends at Your Daily Thread, in Los Angeles, have put together a great blog article highlighting the many skincare benefits of Argan Oil — most notably its anti-aging properties. They know what Marie Veronique has known, Argan Oil is an exceptional alternative to botox and other evasive, anti-aging tactics in keeping a youthful look.

Article on Argan oil

by Courtney Dunlop (Subscribe to Courtney Dunlop's posts), Posted May 27th 2009 at 9:40PM

Super-ingredient argan oil is having a moment - and rightfully so.

Although Moroccan women have known about its amazing moisturizing and anti-aging properties for thousands of years (argan nuts are harvested by hand in Morocco), we westerners just started catching on about a year ago.

There are three reasons to care about argan oil:

• It'll Give You a Youthful Glow Argan oil is loaded with antioxidants, vitamin E and omega 6's that protect your skin and hair from environmental damage.

• It Prevents Deforestation The indigenous argan forest of Morocco has been devastated by deforestation and unsuccessful crop planting, which has allowed the desert to creep in a claim the land. It's very very hard to re-plant trees in the desert, but by giving the argan nuts an economic value it creates incentives for the Moroccan people to protect and re-plant the forest.

• It Empowers Women Argan nuts are almost exclusively harvested by women, and with the rise in demand for quality oil women who haven't traditionally worked outside the home now have the resources to form cooperatives and create business opportunities for themselves.

Is Argan Oil the New Miracle Oil?

Is Argan Oil the New Miracle Oil?

By Maximilian Buddenbrock

Argan oil is a precious and rare oil and has many healthy benefits for skin. It is used for other reasons than simply skin care - making it worthy of its "Miracle Oil" title.

Its simple beauty secrets have been known for many years in Morocco where women use it daily for hair and skin care. It can reduce the frizzies and add shine to hair, in addition to adding a more natural hydration to hair and skin. It helps regenerate the skin and to restart the cells' vital functions. The oil also aids in the neutralization of free radicals, and is nutritious as well.

Argan oil comes from the kernel of the Argan which grows well in areas prone to drought. It is quite rich in Vitamin E, as well as in phenolic acid and phenols. It also contains helpful quantities of squalene and carotenes. All of these Vitamins and minerals make Argan oil most suitable for uses on skin.

Many natural skin products are also organic in nature, and you can combine them for the best effects, such as adding Argan oil to Shea butter. By using natural products like this you can keep your skin looking young.

Unroasted Argan oil is used traditionally to treat many skin diseases which is why it is so valuable to the skin care field. This oil for skin care will help alleviate signs of psoriasis and eczema. An application of Argan Moroccan oil to your scalp will soothe any irritation you may have there. People who suffer from Psoriasis feel that the use of Argan oil has helped in clearing their skin of the physical remnants of the disease.

If you are purchasing this oil, make sure the product you select is authentic. Reputable dealers who carry the product are the safest to buy from, so you know what you're getting. If you are visiting Morocco and wish to buy the oil directly, make sure that you are getting the actual natural oil.

An oil for skin care regimen has fatty acids which help to soften cracked, dry skin. It is more effective even than Shea butter for this purpose, which makes it a perfect moisturizer for your face and hands. When used on hair, its properties will help to tame hair that is unmanageable, fly-away and hard to control.

Oil from Morocco can be used day and night to help your skin to regenerate itself. It also will moisturize your skin and help to prevent early aging signs, which may be brought on by stress, bad weather and the sun. This oil is well-suited for most any skin type, and it helps to rid skin of dry and stretched-looking areas and wrinkles.

Find out how argan oil moves beyond beauty trend and into social awareness

Home

>

Style

ShareThis| Print Story | E-Mail Story | Font Size

Responsible Beauty

Find out how argan oil moves beyond beauty trend and into social awareness.

BY Jessica Peralta

March 2, 2010 - 8:26 PM

Photo By Ed Olen

It’s not every day you can say you’re helping someone in a developing country by simply styling your hair. But thanks to an oil making its way here from Morocco, you can do some good just by picking up a new cleanser, hair mask or even mascara.

Even though argan oil is only now making its mark in magazines and with celebrities, the Moroccan commodity has quite a history.

“The indigenous Berbers of Morocco have used argan oil for centuries for its nutritive, medicinal and cosmetic properties,” says Jennie Conlee, education coordinator for Planet Beauty, headquartered in Costa Mesa. Describing one of the ways the oil can be extracted, she says, “They discovered the oil by first finding the nuts of the fruit produced by the argan tree. Goats climb the tree and eat the fruit it produces. They naturally discard the nut and the Berber found that these nuts contained a kernel that oil could be extracted out of.”

Following extensive research on the benefits of argan oil and the economic stability it could create for local women, Moroccan chemistry Professor Zoubida Charrouf and The International Development Research Centre organized cooperatives of Berber women in the late 1990s with the mission of streamlining the harvesting of argan oil while allowing local women to gain income through its sale. Even though the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization declared the Moroccan argan forest area a biosphere reserve in 1998 – meaning it could be developed sustainably – more than a third of the argan forest had already disappeared, says Charrouf. Fortunately, the cooperatives’ mission includes reforestation.

According to Charrouf, there are now 140 coops organized in six federations as well as many large companies involved – posing some serious competition to the cooperatives.

Cooperative workers extract the argan oil from the kernels contained in very hard pits of the argan tree fruit as well as from the rest of the fruit, Charrouf says. Other parts of the argan tree, like argan leaf extract, can be found in cosmetic products, as well.

Argan oil sales through the cooperatives benefit the local Berber women as a whole since the cooperatives share profits among them – providing healthcare and education to the local women, says Conlee.

The oil is rich in the antioxidant vitamin E and in essential fatty acids, which Conlee says help make argan oil a great treatment for damaged, dehydrated and devitalized hair.

“The skin’s moisture barrier is improved, and the skin is left with a smooth, more resilient quality,” says Rae Pia, store manager at Kiehl’s Since 1851 in South Coast Plaza.

The History of Argan Oil Treatment on Skin and Hair

ODDITIES | April 20th, 2010

The History of Argan Oil Treatment on Skin and Hair

Article

Initiate a Debate

By Diana Ajih

Argan oil is available in Southwestern Morocco. It's an oil extracted from the argan tree. It is high in demand and really popular because of the quantity of uses argan oil provides. First, the argan fruit is picked from the argan tree and removed from the fruits would be the nuts. An animal usually a goat, eats the fleshy fruit. Like chestnuts, the nuts from the argan fruit is roasted while on an open fire which gives argan oil its peppery flavor. If the nuts aren't roasted, the oil is especially useful for cosmetic use.



Argan oil treatment can be very expensive because it is rather hard to extract. Argan oil is usually found in products only in tiny amounts as a consequence of high cost. Depending on what you want to use the oil for, you may be able to find it in a nutrition store or a cosmetic shop; consumers also can order the oil from cooperatives in Morocco.



Argan oil treatment on skin is why it's included in serums, anti aging creams and soaps abundant with vitamin E, carotene and efa's Argan oil produced for cosmetic use is incredibly rich in Vitamin E and significant fatty acids including linoleic acid, and Omega 6. It can help fix any ailment such as dry skin, eczema, acne, wrinkles, and lots more. Argan oil works extremely well for the body for example the hair, skin, and nails..They hydrate and protect the skin, can be used in facials and body massage, even for babies, and are now promoted in spas world wide. To correct dry or cracked lips, women rub this oil over it, they will use it on their nails, and in their hair before shampooing.



Argan oil is all natural and fragrance free considering the cosmetic oil is extracted from nuts not roasted.