Argan oil or argane is a vegetable oil produced from the kernels of the argan tree‘s fruit. The argan tree is an emblematic tree found in the south of Morocco, in the Souss-Massa region.
This oil has been produced for centuries by the Berber women of this region. For centuries this oil has been used for culinary, cosmetic and medicinal purposes. Worldwide, it has only been used for about ten years.
Today argan oil is an essential product in cosmetics and medicine.
It is used to hydrate the skin, regenerate it and fight its aging. It is also used to moisturize the hair, make it stronger and more supple. This oil is perfect to tame curly hair. These virtues are recognized worldwide.
Argan oil contains the vitamins A, C, E; it is antioxidant and contains fatty acids.
The argan oil used in cosmetics has virtues against hair loss, eczema, and skin dehydration.
It is also used in cooking. It is appreciated for preparing typical Moroccan dishes. This oil is very nutritious; Moroccans like to consume it in a mixture based on almonds and honey called amlou.
Argan oil is also recognized for its medicinal virtues. It has properties to repair the skin barrier, to heal wounds and also anti-inflammatory effects and possibly anti-cancer properties.
All these qualities make argan oil an exceptional product. Since 2009, at the request of Morocco, argan oil has been registered by the European Union as an agricultural product protected by a geographical indication. The practices and know-how associated with it are also registered on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
