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Argan vegetable oil
Commonly known as:
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (INCI), Argan Oil, Argan Tree Oil, Iron Tree, Moroccan Olive Tree.
Botanical name:
Argania spinosa.
Extraction process:
First cold pressing.
Family:
Sapotaceae.
Part of the plant extracted:
Fruits (amandons).
Location:
South-West Morocco, Tindouf region in Algeria.
Flowering:
Spring.
Provenance, origin:
Morocco.
Phytochemical composition:
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid), monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid), saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid, stearic acid), sterols (spinasterol, schottebol, campesterol), vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols), phenolic compounds (ferulic acid, syringic, vanillic), triterpene alcohols (beta-amyrin, butyrospermol, tirucallol), triacylglycerides, carotenoids (xanthophylls), phytosterols (cycloartane), squalene.
Sensorial properties:
Appearance: Liquid oil; Colour: Yellow to amber; Scent: Slightly nutty; Feel: Oily.
Physical characteristics:
Quality: 100% pure, virgin, natural and organic ingredients; Density: 0.908-0.918g/ cm3; Oxidative potential: Very stable with an induction time of 16.6 (110°C, 10L/ h); Comedogenicity index: 0; Saponification index: 190-195mgKOH/ g; Insoluble in water; Soluble in chloroform and hexane.
Benefits:
Emollient, tones, soothes, heals, firms, softens, antioxidant, nourishes, moisturises, regenerates, protects, softens, anti-inflammatory, antifungal.
Concerns:
All skin and hair typologies, especially dry skin, mature skin and dry and damaged hair. Also recommended for dandruff, brittle nails, and to prevent stretch marks.
Details
Use
Face care (face creams, make-up removing oils, lip balms, after-shave care, eye care, masks); Body care (washing oils, nourishing nail care, balms, milks, hand and foot creams, solid soaps, shower gels, sun creams, massage oils); Hair care (shampoos, masks, care oils, lotions, detangling creams/balms.
Preservation
Stable plant oil. Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture in tightly closed containers. Do not leave near sources of heat and humidity. Store in an opaque glass bottle to slow down the oxidation of the vegetable oil and to preserve its properties.
Contra-Indications and Precautions
Argan oil is well tolerated by all types of skin and hair. It has no contraindications. It is suitable for pregnant and nursing women, as well as babies and young children.
Find out more
The Argan tree is found only in one region of the world: the arid zones of southwest Morocco. In the fruit of the argan tree is a nucleus that contains one to three seeds known as arganons. From these kernels is extracted the oil in question, with nourishing and protective virtues, recommended to take care of dry and dehydrated skin and hair.