The Argan tree, from kernels of which the oil is produced, is an endemic plant entered to the UNESCO list of World Heritage. Collecting argan fruit and production of oil is a painstaking and time-consuming process. The oil is pressed using a traditional method by Moroccan women. Its first stage is crushing the nut and retrieving kernels. Kernels are ground on stone quern. The resulting oily mash is hand pressed. As much as 30 kg of Argan fruit is required to produce 1 litre of oil. Note, Untreated + Unscented Argan oil will have a natural smell, sometimes similar to olive oil.

Cosmetic and culinary Argan Oil – differences

The cosmetic oil is broadly used in cosmetic industry and dermatology. It is cold pressed and has a characteristic golden colour. It is practically odourless, and for external use. As an independent product it may be massaged into face and décolletage skin, used as a body balm, hair and nail serum.

The culinary Argan Oil is made of roasted argan tree fruit, it has a nut smell and taste. It is also darker compared to the cosmetic one. It is used as an addition to salads, meat, grilled vegetables and as an ingredient of a sweet dip (amlou). Due to its high content of valuable fatty acids it is a great dietary supplement but much cheaper to produce and far less effective as a cosmetic product.

Only the original product containing 100% Moroccan oil has the rich pro-health and care properties. What things should be considered to avoid dishonest vendors? Here are some useful tips.

If a cosmetic oil intended for face and body care smells with nuts (and is relatively cheap), it is surely a culinary oil, sold as a cosmetic one. The cosmetic oil is more expensive, as its production is more costly (additional filtration). Used topically has highly favourable effects (among others it reduces wrinkles and scars, soothes irritations, supports reduction of cellulite).

Price is not always a correct marker of quality. The original Moroccan oil is one of the most expensive cosmetic oils so beware of cheap offers. On the other hand it is not as expensive as, for example, prickly pear seed oil.

Argan oil is fluid and clear, and does not turn solid at room temperature. It is a very important piece of information, because – due to its rarity and value. Argan oil is often diluted with paraffin, rape seed oil or sunflower oil. 

Oil or essential oil?

Another important question is the correct terminology. The term “essential oil” is quite often used as a synonym of the term “oil”. But in reality both terms are largely different. Vegetable oil is a liquid fat of herbal origin. At room temperature it is fluid. On the other hand, the essential oil is a concentrated, usually liquid substance obtained from a particular part of a plant, possessing a characteristic smell or taste.

To be used directly on skin, essential oil has to be dissolved in oil. It is possible to prepare a mixture of various vegetable oils, scented with several drops of an essential oil. If what you need is a pure oil obtained from Argan tree fruit, with no natural or synthetic additives, choose a product referred to as “Argan Oil”.

There are numerous sellers on e-Bay who sell Argan oil with a characteristic nutty scent, and many customers are misled thinking that it is the most pure form of Argan oil but it is not.