Argan oil properties

Origins of argan oil

Argan oil, also known as “Desert Gold”, is an essence originally from Morocco, which is obtained from the fruit of the argan tree. This oil is used in cooking and in cosmetics, but depending on what it is to be used for, different extraction processes are used. 

If the oil is for food, the fruit is dried first, the seeds are then removed by hand and pressed to obtain a dark golden coloured oil with a very characteristic smell. If the oil is to be used for cosmetic purposes, the process is slightly different, since to obtain the essence, the grains do not need to be roasted. They are cold pressed to obtain a very light golden coloured oil which hardly has any smell. 

Characteristics of argan oil 

Argan oil is characterised by being highly nutritional, which is due to its high content in saturated fatty acids natural ingredients and fatty acids such as linoleic acid and oleic acid. It also contains carotene ¿?, sterols, terpene, polyphenols and tocopherols which are strong antioxidants, thus facilitating natural preservation. 

As for its appearance, this essence is a very light golden in colour, it has a mild smell and light, non-sticky touch, meaning it can be easily absorbed by the skin and hair.

Argan oil for skin: benefits

Argan oil is found in many different cosmetic products and formats today, from make-up remover to face cream, in bath gel and even in its original oil form. Although you are probably aware that this essence is highly nutritional, you are perhaps not so familiar with the different properties it has, which have made it an indispensable ingredient in modern cosmetics. We shall now take a look at the benefits of argan oil for the skin.

• Moisturising effect: because it is highly nutritious it is very beneficial for dry and dehydrated skin. 

• Antioxidant and anti-ageing effect: its high content in vitamin E helps to prevent premature ageing, but it also keeps our skin more supple and shiny. I am not aware of this ¿?

• High absorption power: Argan oil enhances the penetration of any cosmetic product in the skin, and it therefore enhances the applied cosmetic treatment.

• Helps to correct acne: since it has healing and soothing anti-inflammatory properties it helps to reduce irritation of the skin from acne and prevents unsightly blackheads. ??

• Excellent healing power: Argan oil helps to regenerate cells, and is therefore beneficial when treating burns and cuts or scrapes on our skin. ??

With the arrival of winter just around the corner, our skin can suffer. Learn how to care for each skin type in our article on ”Natural oils properties”.

Argan oil for hair: benefits

This essence has become a fundamental ingredient for hair care. We will take a look at the benefits of using argan oil in your hair care routine.

• Nourished, non-frizzy hair: our hair naturally contains oil in its fibres, conferring it natural elasticity and shine. When using hair-dryers, hair irons and dyes, these oils are lost and therefore the nutrients, essential fatty acids and powerful antioxidants in argan oil help to keep our hair nourished and conditioned. The use of this oil in shampoo and in hair masks or in serum helps to replace the lost oil, and it also prevents frizziness! 

• It helps repair damage: the fatty acids in argan oil help to prevent hair from breaking and splitting which is often caused by frequent washing and from heat and other items we use to style our hair.

• Defined curls: curly hair tends to dry out more easily and therefore the natural structure of curls is lost. Proper care of curly hair, along with argan oil serum is the best way to make sure all the difficult to reach parts of curly hair and the ends are properly nourished. We tell you how to make the most of your curls in our article “What is the curly method?”!