UNESCO inscribes Argan as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Morocco. Argan oil is a substance extracted from the kernels of the Argan tree. It contains many active ingredients used in the skin and hair care industry since the 2000s.
Its oval-shaped green to yellow fruits, which turn brown on ripening, contains a very hard kernel that contains one to three seeds from which a precious oil is extracted. Because of its exquisite taste and cosmetic qualities, this oil is widely used both for culinary applications and for ancestral beauty rituals. It is obtained by a, usually entirely manual, craft process.
Argan oil is the precious beauty secret of Moroccan women, for skin but also for hair and nails.
- High contents of the antioxidants like E vitamers (a form of the vitamin) especially γ-tocopherol, Squalene, and oleic acid (unsaturated fatty acid) are likely to enhance the cancer prevention effects on the skin.
- Experiments showed that Argan oil is effective in second-degree burn healing.
- A high concentration of Squalene lubricates and protects the skin from UV radiation.
- It also controls sebum production, it has anti-sebum activity, so used in many creams and masks for oily skin.
Ingredients
The Argan tree is the quintessential emblem of Morocco, deeply rooted in local traditions and uses. However, this ancestral tree is now threatened by uncontrolled exploitation. Because only awareness of local populations will enable us to preserve the argan forest, we have supported sustainable development initiatives which have been started on-site. In order to improve the return from the production of Argan oil we have identified novel cosmetic applications for different co-products from the Argan tree like leaf or kernel extracts.
A simple recipe
Mix equal parts of argan oil and milk and apply to hands. This preparation leaves the hands soft and smooth.
Is Argan oil safe for skin?
Argan seeds oil is a traditional food ingredient in Morocco and applied to the skin for centuries. There is no evidence of toxicity in scientific literature.
So, if you don't have allergic reactions to Argan oil or its components, it's a safe and natural ingredient for your skincare routine.
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