Argan Oil - Virgin Organic
CAS: 223747-87-3

The Argan (Argania spinosa) tree is an unusual thorny tree almost exclusively native to the geographical area of south west Morocco, making the oil produced from its seeds one of the rarest in the world.  Growing in the arid climate of that area, its fruits take up to one year to ripen. Consisting of a thin fleshy hard-to-peel exterior surrounding an inner nut containing up to three large seeds, it is these seeds that are rich in essential fatty acids, tocopherols,  phytosterols and triterpene alcohols.

Traditionally, Argan oil is manufactured by Moroccan women in a small laborious artisanal process. Having collected and dried the fruits in the sun, the flesh is peeled off and used as cattle feed. The nuts are broken manually, roasted, crushed and ground into a paste with cold water.  Hot water is then added and the oil comes to the surface where it is skimmed. After standing a while the pure oil is then decanted.  Estimates are that every liter of Argan oil produced requires 10 hours of work and 100 kg of fresh fruit are needed to produce a scant two liters of this rare oil.

Argan oil contains up to 80% unsaturated fatty acids, mainly Oleic acid (45%) and Linoleic acid (35%).  Argan oil also contains approximately 1% of unsaponifiables with biologically acitve substances, including phytosterols, triterpene alchohls, tocopherols, hydrocarbons, carotenes and xantophylles.

Somewhat subject to oxidation, we store and ship Argan oil under a nitrogen gas blanket.  While not necessary in the short term, we recommend Argan oil be kept under refrigeration for long term storage.

Cosmetic Applications

• Skin: Anti-aging products, for soothing acne, eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions, recommended for after-sun care products
• Hair: Emollient oil for dry, damaged and fragile hair
• Lips: Soothing ingredient for lipbalms, lipsticks and other lip care products.
• Nails: Conditioning oil for brittle nails

Usage Rate: 1 - 100%
Appearance: Clear golden yellow oil with characteristic aroma
Extraction Method: Expeller Pressed (without solvents)
Suggested Required HLB: 7

INCI:  Argania Spinsosa (Argan) Oil