Argan oil is a natural ingredient that’s been passed down through the generations. While it’s been a culinary staple in Moroccan cuisine for decades, it’s been used as a beauty treatment for centuries. Argan oil is packed full of nutrients and fatty acids that your skin loves. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it a powerful skincare ingredient that can work miracles. These properties have led to argan oil being nicknamed ‘liquid gold’ within the beauty industry. Whatever your skin type is, you can benefit by adding this natural ingredient to your routine.
It’s one ingredient that beauticians, celebrities, and dermatologists swear by. If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your skincare routine, argan oil is the perfect choice for you. We’re telling you everything you need to know about this wonder ingredient and why you should be incorporating it into your skincare routine.
The History of Argan Oil
Argan oil comes from Morocco’s native argan trees. The Amazigh community has traditionally used it as part of their beauty rituals and as a cooking ingredient. This luxury ingredient takes around 45 minutes for suppliers to extract just 4 ounces of argan oil. It takes 30 kilograms of nuts to produce just one kilogram of argan oil. Argan oil is a commodity that is a staple in Amazigh culture, famous for its healing properties, health benefits, and skin nourishment.
Although Argan oil is an ingredient you’ll see in products all over the world, it’s only found in Morocco. Women within the Amazigh community form co-operatives that work along the route that leads to Essaouira. Of the estimated two million people who harvest from argan trees, the majority of them are Amazigh women, who use it as their main form of income. It’s historically always been the role of women to cultivate argan oil for both local use and exportation.
These women grind the nut from the argan tree by hand, ensuring it’s the purest and finest version to be used in beauty and culinary products. Although other countries have tried to grow argan trees, it’s only Agadir and Essaouira that have mastered the art of caring for these plants. A cold-pressed process is used to turn the nut into the argan oil that we know and love.
As argan oil has become one of the most in-demand ingredients in the beauty industry, these women have been able to come together to form cooperatives. It’s one of the few opportunities that Amazigh women have to make their own income. Purchasing argan oil that is sustainably sourced can help these women continue to support their communities and families.
What is Argan Oil?
Argan oil is a golden liquid with a natural nutty aroma, making it one of the beauty industry’s most potent and popular natural ingredients. If you’ve ever wondered what liquid gold would be like, take a look at argan oil. You’ll often hear people refer to argan oil as being like ‘magic’ for your skin.
Argan oil is a popular addition to food dishes due to its extensive health benefits. Early research has suggested that it can be used to help those with diabetes, as it can reduce insulin resistance and lower your blood sugar. You’ll often find it used as a drizzle over food or for dipping bread into.
Within the Amazigh culinary scene, argan oil is blended with other local ingredients, mainly almonds and honey, to make ‘amlou’—a popular nut butter. Most people consider argan oil to be a healthier alternative to olive oil, as it can be used for similar purposes without negatively impacting your heart health.
As the beauty industry looks to incorporate more natural elements, argan oil has become one of the most in-demand ingredients. You’ll often find it incorporated into moisturizers, shampoos, and face creams. It’s one ingredient that we swear by at Akal Skin.
Benefits of Argan Oil for Your Skin
The versatility of argan oil has made it one of the must-have beauty ingredients. You can use it in everything from your skincare products to hair treatments. It’s considered the secret to healthy, glowing skin. While it’s a popular ingredient for face creams and moisturizers, argan oil can also be taken as a supplement to aid with your use of it as a skincare product. Argan oil helps maintain your skin’s natural protective barrier, preventing free radical damage that accelerates the aging process.
Dry Skin
One of the key components of argan oil is vitamin E, which hydrates your skin and reduces free radical damage. The fatty acids in argan oil make it an ideal ingredient for any moisturizing product, whether it’s for your hair or skin. One study found that using argan oil can help older women improve their skin’s moisture retention.
Due to its moisturizing properties, argan oil is a popular treatment for conditions such as rosacea and psoriasis. If you suffer from these conditions or similar ones related to dry skin, it’s best to apply your argan oil directly to the area to help treat both the symptoms and the cause of your condition.
Argan oil was originally used as an at-home remedy to help calm inflammatory skin. As it’s rich in antioxidants, it’s able to treat your skin from the dermis layer to tackle redness and breakouts. A case study has supported the belief that argan oil can help protect your skin from sun damage, including hyperpigmentation and long-term damage.
There are early indications that using argan oil regularly as part of your daily routine can help prevent skin cancer, including melanoma, by protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.
Acne Breakouts and Scarring
Argan oil helps prevent and treat acne. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and irritation. It also helps hydrate dry skin, which can prevent breakouts. Research suggests it can significantly accelerate healing, and its antibacterial and antifungal properties help prevent infections while fading acne scars.
Preventing Stretch Marks
Argan oil supports skin elasticity and is commonly used during pregnancy or bodily changes to prevent stretch marks. It aids the elastin in your skin, helping it remain supple.
Aging Gracefully
Argan oil supports cellular turnover and protects collagen and elastin, which keeps skin firm and youthful. Research shows that it enhances anti-aging benefits when used topically and orally. Studies confirm benefits for menopausal women, improving elasticity and moisture retention.
Different Skin Types
Argan oil is suitable for all skin types — oily, dry, or combination. Despite its hydrating nature, it helps reduce excess sebum production. One study found it significantly decreased skin oiliness in just four weeks. It’s also effective in treating conditions like atopic dermatitis thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects. Research supports this use.
A Natural Ingredient That is Safe to Use
Unlike many synthetic products, argan oil is natural and safe for most people. The only caution is for those with tree nut allergies. If you’re embracing clean beauty, argan oil is an ideal addition to your routine. You can use it pure or blended in skincare and haircare. Apply to damp skin or hair for best results.
The Sustainability of Argan Oil
Argan trees were designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1998 for their role in preventing desertification and protecting ecosystems. Fortunately, the demand for argan oil helps preserve these trees. Harvesting the fruit doesn’t harm the tree, as the fruit is collected from the ground.
The oil is extracted via cold-pressing after drying and cracking the nuts. At Akal Skin, our oil is certified organic by the USDA and sustainably sourced in the Souss Massa region — where our founder, Salma, was raised. The oil is produced by a women’s cooperative that provides fair wages, education, and community support.
These cooperatives have reinvested their profits in vital local projects like clean water access and women’s empowerment. Supporting Akal Skin means supporting this cycle of sustainability, dignity, and community care.
Our mission at Akal Skin is to help you create a daily ritual with self-love at its heart. Argan oil has gone from a sacred tradition to a globally revered skincare essential. We believe every woman deserves to be nourished by the earth — and we’re honored to share this tradition with you.