Argan
The argan tree, a miracle of nature
The argan tree is a thorny tree with edible fruit and an oleaginous kernel found mainly on the arid hills of Morocco and more rarely in the regions of Andalusia and Mexico. The argan tree or Argania spinosa L. is a plant of the Sapotaceae family. It is characterized by a short, often gnarled trunk with low branches and spiny leaves.
It is a tree endemic to Morocco (where almost its entire population is located, i.e. 20 million trees spread over 830,000 hectares) and Algeria (in the Tindouf region). Due to its role as a rampart against erosion and the advance of the Saharan desert, and as a major economic resource for the inhabitants of Souss-Massa, the vast argan grove of this region has benefited since 1998 from the status of Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve in order to protect it. The locals produce argan oil from its fruit, which has multiple uses for cooking, medicines and cosmetics.
The argan tree is considered by Moroccan Berbers as a miracle of nature. First, the wood and hard shells of fruits are used in cooking to fuel the fire. Then, the leaves of the tree, the dried pulp of the fruits and the cakes resulting from the extraction are used as animal feed. Finally, argan oil is used both for its culinary virtues and for its remarkable medicinal or cosmetic properties.
Making argan oil
In a screw press, the healthy and cleaned seeds are pressed in the first cold press, without any intervention of solvent or chemical product. Then the oil is successively filtered on blotting paper. The oil is then stored away from light and heat.
Properties of argan oil
Argan oil is regenerating. It softens and softens the skin thanks to linoleic acid, which is known to be very effective. It maintains the skin in good condition and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is renowned for its toning properties and is ideal for anti-aging care. Rich in antioxidants, it nourishes and repairs the skin.
INCI name and functions of argan oil
Argania spinosa kernel oil
- Emollient: Softens and smoothes the skin
- Skin conditioning: Maintains skin in good condition
