Argan Oil – known as Liquid Gold of Morocco – is produced from the kernels of the Argan tree, which grows in the southwest of Morocco. Argan Oil has been used as a natural antioxidant for centuries by the Amazigh people of Southern Morocco and the Sahara. Today, it is a highly sought-after ingredient in luxury skin and haircare products.
So what makes the oil from this little nut so special? In this post, we share 8 reasons why pure Argan Oil is amazing for your body, your self-care routine and the planet!
1. It’s rich in essential nutrients
Argan Oil is full of fatty acids and also contains Vitamin E and Omega-6. It is a powerful natural antioxidant with many health and beauty benefits such as promoting healthy skin, hair, nails and even a healthy heart.
2. It treats skin conditions and scarring
Argan Oil is a popular natural skin remedy because it nourishes and hydrates without clogging the pores. It moisturises dry skin and treats conditions such as eczema, rashes, psoriasis and acne. It also reduces the appearance of scars, burns and stretch marks.
3. It keeps skin supple and youthful
One of the reasons Argan Oil has become known as ‘Liquid Gold’ is because it helps repair and maintain healthy skin cells, thereby reducing the signs of ageing. It also increases the suppleness and elasticity of the skin, making it a coveted natural ingredient in many luxury anti-ageing creams.
4. It helps maintain healthy hair
Another highly popular benefit of Argan Oil is that it nourishes dry and damaged hair, helping to keep it soft and silky. It can be used as a conditioner to moisturise the scalp, minimise the impact of heat on hair (for example from excessive blow-drying or straightening), seal in colour and prevent split ends.
5. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties
Aside from being a key component of many people’s beauty routines, one of the lesser known benefits of Argan Oil is its anti-inflammatory properties. When rubbed into muscles and joints, Argan Oil can reduce inflammation and relieve soreness.
6. It nourishes and strengthens nails
If you wash your hands a lot and/or use a lot of nail polish, your nails can easily become dry and brittle. Argan Oil nourishes and strengthens nails. When rubbed into the base of the nail, it simultaneously encourages nail growth and softens the cuticles – it’s the perfect addition to any manicure routine!
7. The Argan trade is good for the planet
The Argan tree provides food for animals through its leaves, shelter for other plants under its canopy and protection from desertification because its deep roots prevent from desert encroachment. The production of Argan Oil has led to the protection of Argan trees from deforestation and new trees have been planted to sustain the trade. In 1998, the Argan forest in Morocco was designated a UNESCO protected biosphere.
8. The Argan trade supports rural communities in Morocco
The Argan trade has grown in recent decades as the oil has become increasingly popular, particularly outside of Morocco. This has created jobs for Moroccans – especially women living in rural areas where the Argan trees grow – and opportunities for Moroccan businesses and entrepreneurs. A lot of companies selling Argan Oil (including Pink Jinn!) also have a social impact angle to their work.
For example, at Pink Jinn, our Argan Oil suppliers work with women’s cooperatives in Morocco to provide jobs and a fair wage to rural women, who extract the organic Argan Oil by hand. We also donate 1/3 of our profits to Project Soar Morocco, which works to empower vulnerable and marginalised adolescent girls by providing programs that help girls understand their value, voice, body, rights and path.
Pink Jinn’s Argan Oil is the purest and highest grade on the market and is certified organic by EcoCert. We blend it with pure lavender, Moroccan rose, and jasmine essential oils for additional benefits and a beautiful, natural scent. To experience the benefits for yourself (and support our Moroccan suppliers, Project Soar and the environment), click here to shop now!
For more information on the scientific studies and evidence underpinning the benefits mentioned about, check out this article by Healthline.
If you found this useful, you might also like:
6 beauty secrets from the Middle East and North Africa
6 social enterprises supporting local communities in the Middle East & North Africa