Argan oil is one of the rarest in the world!
Used in food and cosmetics for the skin and hair, this light-textured oil is rich in vitamin E, fatty acids and antioxidants. It easily penetrates the skin. It soothes, treats and protects a wide range of skin problems. On the hair side, it nourishes, regenerates and protects the hair from external aggressions such as pollution or UV rays.
Did you know ? The kernel is the size of an olive!
Its various benefits:
- In the kitchen: useful for its sweet/nutty taste which goes perfectly with different foods
- Anti-inflammatories (against oily skin) and anti-free radicals
- Cleansing and moisturizing oil
- Repairs and protects against sun damage
- Effective treatment against acne and dark spots / sunscreen
- Useful against stretch marks and as an anti-aging
- In treatment for burns
The Moroccanoil brand offers a wide range of hair and body with argan oil. Other brands like Typology. or Facetheory offer products based on argan oil.
What is the extraction process?
The work is mainly done by Berber women. After harvesting the fruits of the argan tree, the fruits are dried in the sun. For optimum quality, the nuts must be in perfect condition.
Then comes the moment of pulping. The kernel contains almonds which will be used to make argan oil. When they are dry and brown in color, they depulp more easily. The core is harvested without damaging it using a “pulper”. The stone is crushed in order to harvest the almonds. They are then placed in a container and then crushed with a hand mill to obtain a paste in which water will be added.
Attention, this oil is roasted only if it is intended for food! Because when it is for cosmetics, the oil must not be roasted at the risk of losing all the vitamins and trace elements!
The dough, which has been resting for several hours, will slowly begin to ooze. It will be stored and decanted for several days before being filtered to obtain a pure liquid oil. For extraction, in cosmetic use, cold pressing will be favored to preserve all its virtues.
Jeanette Atme Daou