Latin (Botanical) Name: Argania spinosa
Plant Family: Sapotaceae
Common Extraction Method: Cold press
Typically Used Plant Part: Kernel
Color: Gold
Aromatic Characteristic: Nutty
In the Berber province in the Southwest region of Morocco, the Argania Spinosa tree, better known as the Argan Tree, is also called the "Tree of Life". This tree, believed to originate from the village of Argana, is known for its healing oil or "Liquid Gold" obtained from the seeds of its fruits. Historically, Argan Oil was used by the indigenous Amazigh people of Morocco to reduce the appearance of blemishes and treat rheumatic problems. Today, Argan Oil remains a preferred ingredient in countless natural cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.
B.C. In the 1550s, Phoenicians applied Argan Oil as a skin and hair conditioner and used it to cure their illnesses and beautify themselves. African explorer Leo Africanus discovered Argan Oil during his travels to Morocco in 1510. Later, this special and exotic oil was introduced to Europe, where only the rich could afford it. Berber women's legendary reputation for exotic beauty continues to this day.
Over the past few decades, the beauty secrets of Argan Oil have attracted the attention of scientists who studied its properties and learned that it is rich in ingredients such as antioxidants that contribute to a healthy, rejuvenated skin appearance and healthy hair and nails. Known for its ability to improve youthful appearance, Argan Oil is a popular cosmetic ingredient used around the world, especially by those who prefer natural products over synthetic chemicals.
KEY COMPONENTS / ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
BENEFITS
Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, which is an antioxidant [4] [5]. Antioxidants help protect your body from cell damage caused by free radicals. Topically applied vitamin E helps reduce sun damage [6], reduce inflammatory skin problems such as acne, repair dry skin, and prevent the formation of fine lines. Argan oil is suitable for all skin types, but this feature makes it ideal for mature, aging and damaged skin.
Argan oil contains plenty of omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. These fatty acids help the skin lock in moisture and look healthy, brighter and more vibrant.
In inflammatory conditions that cause dry and flaky skin, Argan oil can help relieve symptoms by adding moisture to the skin and helping it retain moisture, providing elasticity to the skin [7].
It is effective in chickenpox pustules. It can be used with rosehip seeds to support healthy scar tissue and prevent stretch marks. It shows anti-inflammatory properties [2] [7] [8] [9].
Thanks to the fatty acids it contains, argan oil helps the hair strands retain moisture and gives the hair a shiny and healthy appearance. Ideal for dry hair and dry scalp.
It has a protective effect that can help prevent hair damage caused by washing and styling. It helps prevent fractures.
It helps soften the hair and make it easier to style.
WARNINGS
ACADEMIC STUDIES
[1] T-K. Lin, L. Zhong, J. L. Santiago. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Jan; 19(1): 70.
[2] Boucetta K.Q., Charrouf Z., Aguenaou H., Derouiche A., Bensouda Y. The effect of dietary and/or cosmetic argan oil on postmenopausal skin elasticity. Clin. Interv. Aging. 2015;10:339–349.
[3] Manca M.L., Matricardi P., Cencetti C., Peris J.E., Melis V., Carbone C., Escribano E., Zaru M., Fadda A.M., Manconi M. Combination of argan oil and phospholipids for the development of an effective liposome-like formulation able to improve skin hydration and allantoin dermal delivery. Int. J. Pharm. 2016;505:204–211.
[4] G. Lizard, Y. Filali-Zegzouti, A. E. Midaoui. Benefits of Argan Oil on Human Health—May 4–6 2017, Errachidia, Morocco. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Jul; 18(7): 1383.
[5] Z. Charrouf, D. Guillaume. Argan oil: Occurrence, composition and impact on human health. Eur. J. Lipid Sci. Technol. 2008, 110, 632–636.
[6] M. O. Villareal, S. Kume, T. Bourhim, F. Z. Bakhtaoui, K. Kashiwagi, J. Han, C. Gadhi, H. Isoda. Activation of MITF by Argan Oil Leads to the Inhibition of the Tyrosinase and Dopachrome Tautomerase Expressions in B16 Murine Melanoma Cells. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013; 2013: 340107.
[7] T-K. Lin, L. Zhong, J. L. Santiago. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Jan; 19(1): 70.
[8] Avsar U., Halici Z., Akpinar E., Yayla M., Avsar U., Harun U., Harun U., Hasan Tarik A., Bayraktutan Z. The Effects of Argan Oil in Second-degree Burn Wound Healing in Rats. Ostomy Wound Manag. 2016;62:26–34.
[9] S. E. Kamouni, R. E. Kebbaj, P. Andreoletti, A. E. Ktaibi, I. Rharrassi, A. Essamadi, M. S. E. Kebbaj, S. Mandard, N. Latruffe, J. Vamecq, B. Nasser, M. Cherkaoui-Malki. Protective Effect of Argan and Olive Oils against LPS-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Mice Livers. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Oct 19;18(10):2181. doi: 10.3390/ijms18102181.
[10] P. M. Faria, L. N. Camargo, R. S. H. Carvalho, L. A. Paludetti, M. V. R. Velasco, R. M. Gama. Hair Protective Effect of Argan Oil (Argania spinosa Kernel Oil) and Cupuassu Butter (Theobroma grandiflorum Seed Butter) Post Treatment with Hair Dye. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications > Vol.3 No.3A, September 2013.
