Argan oil

Tree

The argan (Argania spinosa L., Fam. Sapotaceae) is a wild tree native to southwestern Morocco, on the Saharan border, and is also present in the semi-desert calcareous lands of the Tindouf region of Algeria.

It can reach 8 m in height, has small elongated leaves and yellow flowers. The fruit is green to yellow in color and the size of a walnut. When it begins to ripen, at the beginning of June, the fruits are collected to extract the oil from their seeds.

Argan grows in areas with an altitude of less than 800 m and with a dry climate, which resists well thanks to its deep roots. In times of great drought, it loses its leaves to avoid excessive transpiration and recovers them with the first rains.

Oil

Argan, known as desert gold, is a high-value edible oil, with a nutty flavor. It is considered the holy grail of oils for skin and hair because it is neither too heavy nor too light, absorbs easily and is very moisturizing.

It also has antibacterial and fungicidal properties, helping to treat and prevent bacterial and fungal infections of the skin.

About 99% of argan oil is made up of oleic and linoleic acid, and the remaining 1% contains vitamin E, carotenoids, sterols and polyphenols.

Moroccan women have long used argan oil to protect their skin from sun damage, as the antioxidant activity in argan oil protects the skin against free radical damage caused by the sun, as well as strengthening and improving overall skin health.