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One of the rarest oils in the world, Argan is rich in vitamin E and is good for skin repair. Rich in EFAs, it helps to renew cell structure and revitalize the skin. Recommended for acne, stretch marks and chicken pox and conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
The Argan Tree, from the Sapotaceae family, grows only in Morocco, where it has been a well kept secret, known only to Berber women in that country.
To produce Argan oil for cosmetic use, freshly harvested kernels from the fruit of the Argan tree are pressed and filtered through an organic cotton sieve, to extract the aromatic oil.
It works wonders on wrinkles and dry skin. Used also for the care of the scalp, it restores shine to dull, lifeless hair and it strengthens brittle nails. It can also relieve the pain occurring in joints and is very good for massage.
The Argan Tree is very resistant, thriving in the aridity of the region and living between 150 to 200 years, surviving heat, drought and poor soil. The thorny tree reaches heights of eight to ten metres, and is often twisted and gnarled, allowing goats to clamber along its branches, feeding on the leaves and fruit.
The fruit has a fleshy exterior, similar to an olive, though larger and rounder. Inside, there is a nut with an extremely hard shell. This, in turn, contains two or three almond shaped kernels.
The production of Argan Oil is mainly managed by women and is a lengthy process still done using traditional methods. Each nut must be cracked open to remove the kernels and it is said that to produce just one litre of this oil can take up to twenty hours of work!
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