Everything You Need to Know About Argan Oil
There is a good chance at least a bottle of Argan oil will end up in your suitcase on the way back home from Morocco. Mine backpack certainly was loaded with Argan oil mini stock and ever since I got hooked on it. Since the oil is not cheap here are some tips for spotting pure Argan oil!
From Argan Tree to Liquid Gold – Interesting Facts About Argan Oil
- Known for centuries by the Berber tribes for its gastronomic and cosmetic properties, Argan oil is produced by female-owned cooperatives in the Agadir region.
- Argania (Argania Spinosa) is endemic tree to south west Morocco.
- Argan trees can live from 150 to 200 years.
- Argan forests cover about 800.000 hectares in Morocco hosting approximately 21 million trees.
- In 2014, Argan trees were given UNESCO protection as a “biosphere reserve”.
On average each Argan tree produces 140 kilos of fruit per year. Amounts may vary and are highly dependable on rain fall. Seventy kilos of fruit will yield around five kilos of kernel. Five kilos of kernel will result in only two litres of Argan oil.To sum up, each tree will produce an average of four litres of Argan oil annually.
The Difference Between Culinary Argan Oil and Argan Oil for Cosmetic Use
Although culinary and cosmetic Argan oil both come from Argan kernels, the process of production is slightly different. Virgin organic culinary oil is cold pressed from roasted argan nuts while cosmetic oil is cold pressed from non roasted nuts in semi-mechanical cold-pressing machine.
You can’t use the edible kind of Argan oil for your face and hair or vice versa. Culinary grade Argan Oil has pleasant mild nutty smell and taste. Cosmetic Argan Oil has very subtle smell almost non detectable.
Where to Buy Argan Oil In Morocco
There are many options. From Souqs to cosmetic shops or supermarkets. Best advice I can get you is – buy from the source. Quality certified organic argan oil should be traced from the tree to the bottle.
Personally I would avoid buying any kind of Argan oil on souqs or from herboriste or berber pharmacy. There is high chance of impropriate storage conditions as well as possibility the Argan oil sold is adultered with other oils.
Go, find a store that is speciliesed in Argan Oil only, has a Ecocert certificate and staff allows you to test the oil on skin or taste the edible oil. Other option are local Argan Cooperatives, you can visit.
Along the route to Essauira and Agadir there are literally dozens of small coops that are easily accessible with car. On site it is possible to taste / test the products, even see the manufacturing process and check out certification documents. Once you have an idea of good organic Argan oil, trust your nose and taste.
Health Benefits of Culinary Argan Oil
Due to high phytosterol content, Argan oil has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and lowering the level of bad cholesterol. Regular use of oil also has a good effect on digestion and protects our cardiovascular system.
Do not use culinary Argan oil for cooking on high temperatures. Edible oil is a great addition to dishes, both for health (reduces bad cholesterol levels) and gastronomic reasons. Many Moroccans dip bread into Argan oil for breakfast, it is good in salads, smoothies.
Benefits of Using Cosmetic Argan Oil
When it comes to use of Argan oil on skin there are numerous benefits. On general due to chemical composition, Argan oil has anti-inflammatory and anti bacterial properties. Below is just short list of benefits on skin. Officially Argan oil is great for mature, dry skin but being so gentle basically goes well on all types of skin.
- Anti aging properties and great for fighting Age Spots and Pigmentation issues – with regular use (and personally can confirm) reduces age spots, fine wrinkles and lines, improves skin elasticity
- great for curing acne, scars, bruises
- helps to treat dermatitis and psoriasis
- Prevents stretch marks
- Great for insect bites – reduces swelling
- Rich in omega 3 and omega 9 fatty acids great for hair treatment. As a leave in conditioner repars splitted hair ends and adds natural shine to hair
- Great as massage oil for Arthritic and Rheumatic Conditions and sore muscles
- With regular use skin is soft and radient
- Non comedogenic which simply means Argan oil doesn’t clog the pores
- Natural emollient
Simple Ways to Tell if Your Argan Oil is Impure
Below are some simple ways to tell if Argan Oil is impure and other things to keep in mind on the hunt for pure Argan oil in Morocco.
Look for Argan Oil Sold in Dark Glass Bottles
Argan oil (both types) should be packed in dark glass bottles. Sunlight can destroy the amazing properties Argan oil is known for by breaking down its particles. Stay away from plastic see through bottles, stay away from oils that are exposed to strong lighting in the shops or even exposed in the sunlight outside. My experience, it is hard to find Argan oil in dark bottles.
Check for The Colour and Texture of Argan Oil
Cosmetic Argan oil should be smooth and silky, non-sticky, and not over-watery. It also shouldn’t leave an obvious oily cast on your skin after a few minutes as it absorbs in the skin completely. If the oil you are about to buy is acting differently (oil feels too sticky and feels heavy on the skin, or feels almost like water) it certainly isn’t pure.
Color wise, cosmetic Argan oil is golden yellow in color while culinary oil shades from orange-ish, golden brown or brandy alike color and can have a little bit of sediment at the bottom. A lot depends on roasting procedure.
Labels – Take Time to Read Ingredients on The Bottle of Argan Oil
Pure organic Argan oil should only have one and only ingredient: Argania Spinosa. Nothing else! Other ingredients listed are chemical composition of oil itself like linoleic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, squalene, vitamin E and so forth.
Also look for batch number and expiration date. Certified oils have also certificate name and number printed on the label. Shelf life of argan oil is up to two years when stored in cool, dark and dry place.
Why is reading ingredients on labels important when buying pure Argan Oil online or in shop?
If you are on the hunt for pure Argan oil online, it is good to know that many cosmetic products that only contain a fraction of argan oil and might have many other ingredients, many times olive oil, perfume etc market products with Argan oil.
This list of ingredients is an example I found online, which I personally find misleading. So, here it is, so called beauty Argan oil written on the label of product found online.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride , Coco-Caprylate/Caprate , Olea Europaea Fruit Oil/Olea Europaea Fruit Oil , Undecane , Tridecane , Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (Skin Conditioning Agent – Emollient), Parfum/Fragrance (Fragrance), Tocopherol , Coumarin (Fragrance Ingredient), Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil/Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil .
This is example of not pure Argan oil. Since ingredients are always listed from the most used ingredient to the least, you can get an idea how much Argan oil contains a product in this example. Argan oil (Argania Spinosa Kernel oil) is on 7th place. So, read the labels! In this case first ingredient are combination of plant sugars and fatty acids derived from palm and coconut oils, then olive oil, etc… It is an ok product, but not for someone looking for pure Argan oil.
Check Certification of Quality – Look for EcoCert Ceritifcate
You should know there are many marketing labels that you can find on cosmetic products, like Pure Argan Oil, Made in Morocco, Product of Morocco, Bio Eko but none of them doesn’t guarantee you the actual quality and purity of Argan oil. Serious manufacturers in Morocco have ECO CERT certificate and this is the thing you should always check.
EcoCert is one of the world’s most respected international certifications of organic products. Think of it as an additional guarantee from an unbiased third party that the Argan Oil you have is a top quality, environmentally-friendly organic product produced in controlled clean environment.
They have very strict standards and close supervision of the entire production of the organic product as well as regular quality control checks. EcoCert certified Argan Oil guarantees that the oil is organic and pure and that it was created from Argan trees using environmental-friendly cultivation and harvesting techniques.
Argan Oil that meets the EcoCert standards and requirements for Organic cosmetics, means that it has:
• A minimum of 95% vegetable and natural ingredients, out of which at least 10% ingredients are organic.
• Only 5% maximum of synthetic ingredients which are not included in the negative list.
Argan Oil with EcoCert certification does NOT contain the blacklisted dangerous substances like silicone, mineral oil, parabens, Fatty alcohols or acids, Propylene Glycol etc..
Get Close and Personal with Argan Oil – Smell it!
Culinary grade Argan oil has delicious nutty aroma and taste! Be wary of Argan oil that smells like absolutely nothing.No need to mention that awful or rancid smell is a red alarm. Cosmetic Argan oil has very subtle smell, personally I find it a mix between light note of nuts and popcorn, while some other people compare it to rubber band.
Prices of Pure Argan Oil
There is no such thing as cheap pure Argan oil! To produce 1 liter of oil, 40kg of kernels and 16 hours of work are needed. This pretty much explains the prices along with all the health and beauty benefits of Argan oil.
Argan oil used for cooking is typically produced in larger quantities and priced more affordably than cosmetic oil. If buying on Moroccan souqs, there is no fixed price and haggling will be necessary.
Culinary Oil is packed in bottles of 100 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml or liter. 100 ml of culinary virgin Argan oil costs 10 EUR. Liter of culinary Argan oil can vary anywhere from (approximate prices) 30 EUR to 50 EUR.
Cosmetic Argain oil is most commonly available in smaller quantities, ranging in bottles from 50 ml, 60 ml, 100 ml, 150 ml. When I was shopping in Essaouira I found prices of 100 ml organic eco certified Argan oil ranging from 80 MAD to 180 MAD (approx.. 8 Eur to 16 EUR).
Still a bargain if comparing to sellers out of Morocco charging for liter of Argan oil between 80 to 100 or more Euros.I didn’t shop for Argan Oil in other cities in Morocco, but expect to pay more in cities like Fez or Casablanca, Marrakech, which are out of Argan region production.
You need to make sure that you are buying the real deal to ensure that you will reap the benefits. With the mentioned warning signs and tips of knowing whether the Argan oil is 100% pure, you will be able to get the genuine product. Happy shopping!
If you love Argan Oil, check also Shea Butter from Ghana!
Buy Wholesale Raw Shea Butter From Ghana
Thanks for all this information. I found Argan oil (and saw the goats in trees) when driving from Essaouira through Taroudant on the way to Merzouga. I did not know all the nuances regarding the oil but spotted several of the co-ops and saw a lot of vendors by the roadside selling the oil in re-used bottles. I’ve tried it at breakfast in a riad in Taroudant and thought it was ok (the rest of the family didn’t care for it).
Hi Jeff, thanks for reading! Argan oil is billion dollar business and rotten apples are everywhere seeking for shortcuts, thats why for consumer is important to know what they get. Adulteration is the least harmful thing, with Ecocert consumer is sure the kernels used for production are not coming from goat poop, trucks used for transport must also be certified to have not been used to haul pesticides or other chemicals, production facilities have to meet hygienic standards, etc… I certainly wouldn’t want to use or consume oil with pesticides in it…
There is so much more to argan oil than I had known, this was super informative! I’ll be on the lookout when I go to Morroco next!
Argan is the King:) I definitely recommend buying some if you like natural cosmetics.
How very interesting! I had no idea that the argan oil that you use for comestic use vs cooking are processed differently which means you can’t eat argan oil used for cosmetics. I can’t believe that it takes 40kg of argan kernels to produce 1 L of oil! How amazing!
It takes a lot of effort to make one litre of argan oil.Thats the reason the price is higher if compared to other cosmetic oils.
The first time I heard about argan oil was when I purchased Josie Maran’s argan oil products from Sephora. I didn’t know it had anti-aging properties 🙂 I also didn’t realize there was argan cooking oil. I thought the oils were just for cosmetic purposes.
The cooking argan oil has stronger smell, very nice but on skin would be too much:)
I had never heard of argan oil before. I don’t remembers seeing it in Morocco either but then I am not a massive fan of shopping when travelling. This is a very informative post and if it is anti-aging, I am in!
Thats strange, I saw Argan oil shops everywhere:)
Great read!! I use argan oil for my hair but I only buy it at the mall here in my country. I’d definitely add buying legit argan oil when I get a chance to go to Morocco hopefully soon!
Argan oil is great for hair, I use it all the time, my hair ends improved drastically!
I didn’t know that there was culinary argan oil too, I’d just heard of the cosmetic kind. It can be hard to know what you’re buying with things like this so these are great tips! I would love to visit Morocco just for the goats in the trees! 😀
That was a great piece of info. Do you know anyone who can sell cosmetic argan oil online or courier it to India.
I found a ecocert company from Agadir, they ship with courier. If you want info, let me know.
Safari Junkie, can you please pass me the info on the ecocert company from Agadir? Do they ship to the United States?
I sent you the contact, i believe they ship to USA too.
Hello, can you please send me the info as well as how to order Argan Oil that ships to the U.S. please. I’ve been searching for the real deal for a while now but I haven’t had any luck until stumbling on this website.
Hello Safari Junkie,
Can you please send me the information ecocert company from Agadir. I have been searching for a company for a year now. Thank you
Can you please sent the name of the plac e in Morocco to order the Argan oil, thank you
Please send me the information too.
Hi, I would very much like the information as I have a makeup business and would like to sell it here in the UK. Many thanks!, Antonia
I have been searching for a legitimate argan oil for a while now. Would you please send me the information? Thank you my dear!
Can you send me info on shipping Argan Oil from Agadir? Great article by the way!
You have answer in you inbox. Happy shopping!
How df o i buy this oil pleeeeeeze ingorm me. Thank you
We will soon personally source this Argan oil and will be available in spring here online. I can update you once the shop is ready!
HI,
can you share the contact information with me as well. Extremely informative article and right in time for me.
Thanks
Hi,
This is very informative! Can you please tell me how I can get in touch with that store in Agadir who can ship Argan oil to other countries?
Hi
It was a very interesting read, thank you, Safari Junkie. I too am keen on purchasing from a proper source so I hope you will provide me the info of the store in Agadir. LOL, I’ve never been to Morocco and never seen the goats on trees, which I think would be a very interesting sight ;D
Goats on trees are super funny:) Will see what I can do.
Can you please tell me where I can buy pure organic argan oil from Morocco?
Thanks
Ana Arteaga
Please can you tell me where to buy the Aegean oil with certificate ? Thank you
Can you please send me the info on how to purchase pure argan oil for my hair and scalp. Thanks
Thanx a lot for this post on Argan oil. Was searching for pure argan oil available in India & got confused with many!!! Now I understand those are all fake products & the pure ones are too expensive!
hello Renju, you have to mistrust those companies who pretend selling pure argan oil, I am actually from Morocco and I think the only way to get the pure argan oil is coming here so you can get it.
Please let me get your contacts or Facebook accounts
I would love more info on how to safely order pure argan oil from here in the US. Also do you know of any US based companies that you would recommend buying it from? Thank you for this post. I really want to order some pure genuine argan oil.
I am from malaysia and looking to buy pure argan oil. I saw many online website from morocco offering 1liter for USD29. Is that the correct price. Please advice where to buy.
Hi, i deleted the links but some of the companies claim they have ecocert. Ecocert also has somewhere on their website list of ecocert holders and you can also check there if the company is really entitled to use ecocert certificate. Write them and demand a proof as well as ms/ds sheet. They will know what it is.
thank you very much for your reply. could you advice if 1liter for USD29 for pure organic argan oil non deodorised is the norm.
prices vary, but this range you mention falls more for 100 ml, even in Morocco, for 1 liter you can pay around 40 euros. online retailers have their pricing and cant coment on that.
Could you advice any link where i can order pure argan oil non deodorised in 500ml for personal use.
Will send you email with what i think is good option.
Dear Safari Junkie, thank you for great post. I love argan oil for years, buying it in stores. Could i kindly ask you for contact, which is sending argan oil in Europe. I can imagine 1l of argan oil in my bathroom 😀
Hi. Canyou recommend where i can buy pure argan oil? Thinking of introducing pure argan oil in my country. I love its benefits.
I am just finishing the last of my 100% skin oil.
I would like to know where I can buy more safely
Could I please get your contact?
Great article, thank you!
Hey Sue, are you ordering within Europe or USA? Thanks for reading the article!
I would like to buy the real deal but, of course I dont know where can you tell me some places or websites. I live in the USA.
As i checked, due to high costs of shipping it doesn’t pay off to order from Morocco (hundreds of euros fro shipping unfortunately).
I will be visiting Marrakech in February, can you tell me of a reputable place to buy both the culinary argan oil and the cosmetic
I dont know any places, there are many shops selling different brands. You will find something for sure.
Please send me information on how to get the real argan oil in the USA
Hi i read your article and it is super informative. Can u guide an ecocert place to buy argan oil in rabat. I am here for couple more days, earmarked for shopping.
Thanks.
Hello, This article is very much informative to knowing how to get the real deal. I am from Malaysia and would like to know the best source to get the real deal of Argan Oil. Florihana should be a good start. May I have another suggestions on other websites to try?
Hello could you come lease post me name and dares in Fes where I can find pure Argan Oil? Also I would like to know what f I can buy commercial Argan Oil in supermarkets in Marocco and if so if you can tell me which makes to look for. Thank you.
Sorry,I dont understand quite full question. In the post you have all information, how to test oil and what to look for in oil.Hope that helps.
Hi Safari Junkie. I would also be interested to find our if you can order the “real deal” and have it shipped to New Zealand?? Can you please advise. Many thanks
Hi Miriam, we are working on it, as soon as we find someone who will be able to ship worldwide they will be posted in this post.
Could you please suggest some good online sites that provides delivery service to India
Hi Smart, we are working on it, but shipping on India seems quite a challenge for sellers. Once we find a company that ships quality Argan oil with all certification we will be posting in the post.
Hi Nina (Safari Junkie). Can you kindly send me the details of the company in Agadir where I can order argan oil. I have been searching online but I can barely find products that are EC marked. Many thanks.
Hello Safari.I left comment but didnt go through ,so am trying again.Could you please send me some links and advice on where I can purchase true Argan oil.Im in the US and have been searching for the real deal Argan oil for weeks.Thank you so much.
Great article. Going to Morocco this week. Will use your tips to make my purchases. Thank you!. The company link in Agadir will be most appreciated.
If you are going to Morocco, there are numerous places you can get great argan oil. Just test it on skin before you buy it.
I live in the uk, can you and me a link where I can get the real deal argon oil for hair.
Great article! Thanks so much for sharing all this great knowledge and making it easy to access, and raising the conversation about Argan oil.
Definitely agree about the importance of finding a high-quality oil, especially one that has been freshly cold pressed and retains all its nutrients.
Hello, thanks for the very informative info, appreciate it. Do you happen to have a quality seller for cosmetic use that ships to the USA? Would appreciate the info, cheers!
Hello, Please can you send me the link to the store in Agadir that sells the real argan oil. Also can they ship to Nigeria? Many thanks for this information.
Thank you for all your info. I am from the US but have been searching without success – first in NZ and now in Malaysia. I guess I would like to add my name for the links of how to order from Morocco to ship to Malaysia or USA
Thank you again.
Warm regards
Sandra
Hi. Wonderful article! Can you please send me the link that I can order argan oil for skin care? thanks!
Hi,
Any argan oil that you would recommend to use. 100% pure. It has to be from morroco. I live in England.
Please send me a link or name some good Argan oil used for haircare. Who all can deliver them in India
Thanks for sharing the info. Where can I buy edible or culinary Argan oil – raw material from wholesalers for the USA market? We want to do our own quality, branding and packaging.
Very informative article. Actually traveled to Moracco in March a loved the vibrancy of the country and got hooked on the argan oil. Of course,
filled my suitcase with as much product as possible and now have run out. Please help feed my new addiction, how can I safe purchase the cosmetic, scented oil in the USA?