You may have heard it referred to as Moroccan argan. This is mainly because the entry is native to Morocco. The fact that it only grows naturally in one country makes it one of the rarest trees that you can come across on this planet. In fact, there are two main cities that the argan tree is most commonly found in. Essaouira and Agadir are the main cities where they are found. This is mainly because the tree requires arid, salty soil which can usually be found near the coast.
It is believed that this tree is up to 1.6 million years old. True to the saying, the best plant time to plant a tree was 10 years ago but the next best time is always today. An argan tree grows up to 10 metres tall and can be around for several generations.
The leaves of an organ tree are up to 4 centimetres long. They tend to be a silvery greenish colour. In their inception phase they are very small Flowers that you will see on these products. They are 5 pale yellow green petals on each of these Flowers. Just like the leaves the fruits on the organ tree will grow up to 4 centimetres long and up to 3 centimetres in diameter. This fruit is flashy with a pale bright green colour. In Morocco, the fruit is harvested in July and allowed to spend some time in the sun and dry. The drying period stops when the fruits have become hard and dark brown.
After the harvesting. The nuts are hand cracked to produce a small oil rich not kernel. This oil is known to be bitter tasting. The most precious commodity that comes from these fruits is argan oil. To produce this oil the kernels that we have already referred to are coldpressed.
To rejuvenate, argan trees tend to go into a hibernation period of just over a year at times. When you look at these trees in this. They have an incredibly dark and somewhat burnt look about them. Once the rain is returned the tree is back to its best with the green leaves.
Like most things of value, the bulk of argan trees belong to families and communities. Proceeds from the trees are distributed among the members of the community, who actively participate in the caring and nurturing of the trees. They are also responsible for the harvesting of the fruit in July. In some cases, they would also do the cold pressing. The area in which these trees grow was declared a “biosphere reserve” by UNESCO. This was done in response to the abuse of the tree to produce fuel and grazing.
As the demand for argan has continue to grow, its production invariably follows suit. More trees are being planted. Irrigation systems are being put in place to ensure that the forests with new trees can thrive in the midst of often adverse weather conditions. The demand has also led to foreign investors taking an active role in the production. Casablanca, the capital city of Morocco has several cold pressing plants that are foreign owned. The increase in the number of these plants means that more argan oil can be produced. It has also meant that some of the jobs for the local women have been taking over by machines. The role of the Berber women has not been completely eradicated as some of the parts that they play has proven too complex for machinery to do as well as they do it. Well, at least for now.
The formation of cooperatives in the region has seen to an improvement in the wages of the women who are involved. It has also seen education brought to the communities.
Argan oil can be divided into two distinct types. It can either be culinary or cosmetic. These two types of oil have a different look and smell to them. Culinary argan oil is golden brown in colour. You can smell the nuts in it. Those who use it will often say that this nutty smell adds to the flavour of the food. There are a host of vitamins and nutrients that can be derived from culinary argan oil. You can probably guess that this is not the sort of oil that you would want to use on your body, cosmetically.
The most common use for cosmetic argan oil is in hair treatment in the form of repair and conditioning. It is also a common ingredient in skincare products for anti-aging. During the production phase, cosmetic argan oil is further divided into three grades. Single filtered oil is commonly used in skin condition treatment, such as eczema. This is the most common variety on the market.
The double filtered argan oil is filtered through active carbon. It tends to be a lighter yellow colour. There is also a greater emphasis on getting rid of the nutty smell, to replace it with a perfumed one.
If you want something that it purer, the double filtered oil is the way to go. It does not contain any sediment. It is the palest of the three. This is the one that you will find in most haircare and skin treatment, especially on the higher end of the market.
Our Reviews for the Top Rated Products 2022
For Skin
Moroccan Argan Oil, USDA Certified Organic, Virgin, 100% Pure
This is a product that is known to do wonders for your hair, and skin. It is USDA approved, which is always comforting to know.
In most cases this will mean that this is product that has been tested and found to be off good quality. It is a cold pressed oil that is authentic and unrefined. There is no hexane added to this product. The key issues that it is designed to deal with include dry scalp, damaged hair as well as dead hair. One of its key effects is hydrating and replenishing your scalp. Where are the treatments would leave your hair oily this one is not an oily product . It is also quite non greasy while delivering the reasonable amount of penetration.
For your skin, it is known to smoothen it. The product makes use of argan oil too moisturise your skin and reduce blemishes. Those who struggle with acne scarring or wrinkles and other conditions such as eczema, psoriasis will also benefit. Other uses for this argan oil include nail treatment. If in doubt , you can always take advantage of the one year warranty cover that it comes with. If you’re not satisfied you get a full refund.
Amir Argan Oil Facial Moisturizer
Good things do not always come in pairs, but when they do we are more than thrilled to accept them. This is a pair of moisturising cream that is made with argan oil as well as acai Berry extracts. It is designed to moisturise dry skin, treat dehydration. It is especially effective for mature skin. You often find that if your skin is dry it becomes less elastic. This moisturiser works to restore this elasticity and reduce deliver some anti-aging effect.
The moisture within this cream protects your skin from free radicals and promotes cell rejuvenation and renewal.
For Hair
Moroccan oil Treatment
We should probably start by mentioning that this is an award winning hair product. It is one of the leading products when it comes to argan oil and oil infused hair care in general. This is a product that comes with antioxidant argan oil and linseed flux extracts. It is known to provide nourishment that strengthens your hair to make it shinier and healthier looking. Not only does the hair look shinier and healthier , but it is also just as shiny and healthy as it looks.
The formula they use is incredible for detangling your hair . One of our favorite features about it is the fact that it is a non greasy product that does not leave residue. From a more practical standpoint you also be pleased to find that it dries up quickly when blow drying. You also have the option to buy this product for those with fine or light coloured hair.
The only sort of criticism that one could level at the product is the fact that it is on the higher end of our pricing scale when compared to other products. However, when you consider the results that you are getting it is worth paying the extra. Did we mention the sense that this product produces? You should find out when you use it , it is pleasant.
ArtNaturals Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Speaking of things that come in pairs there is no pay more integral to her care than that of shampoo and conditioner. With this pair you get one that contains argan oil and alloy as well as one that contains argan oil with sheer butter. The conditioner is the one that contains the sheer butter. Both of these products are designed to provide healing and hydration to the strands of your hair so that it could become thicker and revitalise. The results are usually healthier hair that is also shiny looking. You also be pleased to find that this product is safe to use for all hair types as well as during colour treatment.
It does not contain sulfate or paraben. If your hair needs a break from excessive styling and products that are generally not good for your scalp this is a great product to use . You also be pleased to find that just like one of the other products on my list this one comes with money back guarantee. If you have yet to try products from this brand you can rest assured that if you do not like it you can return it for a refund. They also provide very good customer service if you have any questions about the product or any other products that they stock.
How Does Argan Work?
To understand why argan does what it does you would need to consider its chemistry. The first one of these chemicals are saponins. These are known to have antifungal properties. This is perhaps why it does so well for treatment of eczema and similar skin conditions.
The anti-inflammatory properties found in argan can be directly attributed to the antioxidants flavonoids and tocopherols. Neither of these can be produced by the body. That is what makes them so unique. They are known to promote great circulation and to have notable anti-inflammatory properties.
What is Organic Argan?
As with other things that become as popular and financially lucrative as argan has, they tend to become adulterated. Individuals and businesses start to manipulate the product to enhance their profit margins. Organic argan is argan that has been grown and produced in its natural form without any manipulation.
What are the Key Ingredients?
If we are speaking of argan itself, it is the key ingredient. There are no other specific products required to help it deliver its potency. Some of the things that paired with it may include fragrances, as you will often find in cosmetic argan products.
The key question then becomes what is in argan that makes it special. There are several components that can be found in it. For starters, it has twice the amount of tocopherol that you would find in olives. This is a rich source of antioxidants. You also get a good amount of fatty acids from argan. It comes from linoleic acid which is found in it. Fatty acids are important for rheumatology and cardiovascular health.
You also find sterols and saponins in argan. Sterols have been found to have some anti-cancer properties. Saponins stops fungus infection.
How to Use It on Your Face and Skin:
How you use argan on your face and skin will depend on what you are using it for. Depending on other active ingredients found in the product that you purchase, you would best refer to the instructions on the packaging. It is generally safe to apply argan directly onto the area that you are looking to treat.
Can You Use DIY or Homemade Products?
The only reason that most of us do not use DIY and homemade argan products is that we neither have the raw material, which in this case is the argan fruit straight from the trees. Neither do we have pressing machines to extract the oil from the fruit. There are several ways that one can make use of organic argan in homemade products. In most cases, it will simply be adding some preferred scent to it. Only do this if you know what you are doing.
Where do you buy
Fortunately, argan products are widely available. If you are looking to purchase online, simply follow any of the links to the recommended products above. You will find a host of other products related to it. Most pharmacies and department stores will have products that contain argan oil in them. They will be found in both the culinary and cosmetic sections. As you can imagine, you will always find a wider selection of products online.
So, Should I Give it a Shot?
Absolutely. You ought to give argan a try. You should try it both in the kitchen and in the cosmetic department. Grab a few products and see what you think. If you have any questions after that, we would be thrilled to help.