Argan oil: the secret to radiant skin and sublime hair

Argan oil from Morocco: the complete guide to choosing and using it properly

Trésors du Souk · Practical guide · 10-minute read

Nicknamed “Morocco's liquid gold,” argan oil is now sold everywhere, from supermarkets to international cosmetics brands. But not all argan oils are created equal. Here's how to recognize genuine argan oil from Morocco and make the most of it every day.

Where does argan oil really come from?

Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), a tree that grows naturally only in southwestern Morocco, mainly around Agadir and Essaouira. This geographical rarity partly explains why authentic argan oil costs more than a classic vegetable oil: it takes about 30 kg of fruit to produce a single liter of oil.

Traditionally, extraction is carried out by Moroccan women's cooperatives, using know-how passed down from mother to daughter for generations: the fruits are shelled by hand, the kernels are roasted or left unroasted depending on the intended use, then cold-pressed to preserve their active compounds as much as possible.

How can you recognize the best argan oil?

Three simple criteria can help distinguish quality argan oil from diluted or poor-quality argan oil:

• Origin: a genuine argan oil from Morocco specifies the production region, not just “made in Morocco” on the label
• The extraction method: cold pressing preserves vitamin E and fatty acids, unlike chemical or industrial heat-based processes
• The ingredient list: it should contain only one ingredient: Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil

The benefits of argan oil, use by use

One oil, four uses: face, hair, nails, and body.

Argan oil for the face

Rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, argan oil is a natural antioxidant that helps combat skin aging. Applied in the evening to clean skin, it deeply nourishes without clogging pores, even on combination skin.

Argan oil for hair

As a pre-shampoo mask or a leave-in serum on dry ends, it smooths the hair cuticle, reduces frizz, and restores shine to dull, brittle hair.

Nails and cuticles

A few drops massaged in every evening strengthen brittle nails and soften cuticles.

How to use argan oil properly: a step-by-step guide

1. Start with a small amount. 2 to 3 drops are enough for the entire face: argan oil is concentrated, so there is no need to use a lot.
2. Warm it between your hands. This helps absorption and prevents a greasy surface feel.
3. Apply it last in your facial routine, after moisturizer, to seal in hydration.
4. For hair, apply only to the lengths and ends (never the roots if your hair is already oily at the roots).
5. Suitable for daily use, morning and/or evening, with no risk of overuse on skin or hair.

Which argan oil format should you choose?

Depending on your needs and budget, several sizes are available. The 60ml bottle of pure oil is suitable for targeted use on the face and nails. For daily use on the body and hair, the 100ml spray is more practical to dispense. For long or very dry hair, our non-greasy concentrated serum specifically targets the ends without weighing down the hair. To incorporate argan into your entire routine, our shampoo and argan soap naturally complete the ritual. For the whole family or intensive use, our 250ml size remains the most economical over time.

Frequently asked questions