✨ Argan Oil
English Name: Argan Oil (also called “Liquid Gold”)
Latin Name: Argania spinosa
📌 How It Is Extracted
Argan Oil is cold-pressed from the kernels found inside the fruit of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), an ancient, drought-resistant tree that grows almost exclusively in the Sous valley of south-western Morocco. The traditional extraction involves cracking the hard argan nuts by hand and cold-pressing the kernels. Cosmetic-grade argan oil uses unroasted kernels to preserve its delicate fatty acid profile and vitamin content. It is a slow and labour-intensive process, contributing to its higher price.
⏳ Shelf Life
Approximately 12–24 months when stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight, dark glass container. The high Vitamin E content acts as a natural preservative. Refrigeration is optional but can extend shelf life. Avoid exposure to light and heat.
✨ Properties & Characteristics
- Light to medium texture; absorbs easily without leaving a greasy residue
- Pale golden to light amber colour with a mild, slightly nutty scent
- Exceptionally high in Vitamin E (tocopherols) and ferulic acid
- Nourishing, conditioning, and anti-aging properties
- Balances sebum production – suitable for oily skin
- Strengthens hair and adds shine without heaviness
- Rich in squalene, which mimics skin’s natural oils
🎯 Best Used For
- All skin types, especially dry, mature, and combination skin
- Anti-aging facial treatments – reduces fine lines and improves elasticity
- Hair treatments – reduces frizz, adds shine, and conditions dry or damaged hair
- Nail and cuticle conditioning
- Stretch mark prevention during pregnancy (topical use, always consult a professional)
- After-shave balm and skin-calming applications
- Diluting essential oils for luxury facial blends (typical dilution: 1–2%)
🧪 Key Chemical Constituents
- Oleic Acid (Omega-9): ~43–49% – deeply moisturising, promotes skin softness
- Linoleic Acid (Omega-6): ~29–36% – essential for skin barrier repair and hydration
- Palmitic Acid: ~11–15% – emollient and protective
- Stearic Acid: ~4–7% – conditioning and smoothing
- Vitamin E (Tocopherols): ~620–900 mg/kg – one of the highest among carrier oils; powerful antioxidant
- Squalene: ~300–400 mg/kg – mimics skin’s natural sebum; deeply moisturising
- Ferulic Acid: antioxidant, enhances the stability of Vitamins C and E
- Sterols (Schottenol & Spinasterol): unique to argan oil; anti-inflammatory and skin regenerating
- Polyphenols: antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
⚠️ Contraindications & Cautions
- Generally considered very safe for topical use.
- Those with known nut or tree nut allergies should perform a patch test before use.
- Rare cases of contact dermatitis have been reported – always patch test first.
- Ensure you are using cosmetic-grade argan oil (unroasted) rather than culinary-grade for skin and hair use.
- Not intended for internal consumption as a carrier oil in aromatherapy context.
- Avoid contact with eyes.