Products
Argan oil is commercially available as pure oil, open goods, in the form of capsules and in numerous cosmetics in various qualities. Due to the complex production and low supply, genuine argan oil is more expensive than common fatty oils.
Stem plant
The fatty oil (Arganiae oleum) is extracted from the fruits of the argan tree Skeels from the family of sapotes, which is native exclusively to southwestern Morocco.
Medicinal drug
The fruit kernels are used as the medicinal raw material, which contain seeds that are traditionally roasted, ground, boiled and pressed by local women in an elaborate process. However, some oils are also produced by machine and extracts are prepared with solvents for cosmetics (e.g., Argania Spinosa Kernel Extract).
Ingredients
The components of argan oil include:
- Lipids: triglycerides containing saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, e.g. omega-6 fatty acids, omega-9 fatty acids.
- Antioxidants, e.g. vitamin E (tocopherols).
- Phytosterols
Effects
Argan oil has skin-nourishing, moisturizing, health-promoting and antioxidant properties. The oil is also attributed numerous medicinal and therapeutic effects.
Fields of application
- As a skin care agent
- As a high quality gourmet cooking oil
- For medicinal purposes
