Argan oil is popularly known as “Liquid Gold”. It is derived from the kernel of the Argan fruit and is one of the world’s most expensive oils. Moroccan women, since ages, have used Moroccan oil to keep their skin, hair, and entire body nourished and young. And, these days, this molten gold-hued oil is a potent weapon used by countless celebrities to maintain their skin and hair. By Moroccan oil, we mean Argan oil, a term commonly used as a synonym for Moroccan oil.
Moroccan oil is made from the kernels of the argan tree fruit that grows almost exclusively in Morocco. This oil is one of the rarest in the world due to the small supply and the limited growing area – hence the high price and the hype. Traditionally, the oil is produced by hand. First the soft pulp is stripped from the nuts, which are then laid out in the sun to dry. Stones are used to crack open the dried nuts so the seeds can be removed. Next, they’re gently roasted to give the oil a rich, nutty flavor. A little water is added to the
roasted seeds and they are ground into a thick paste which is squeezed by hand to extract the oil.
Chemically speaking, argan oil consists of a blend of fatty acids (over 70% oleic and linoleic acids.) It is also rich in vitamin E, phenols, and carotenes. Historically, argan oil has been used in cooking, but since it’s so rich in essential fatty acids it has been found to be beneficial for hair and skin.
Identifying Pure Moroccan Oil
Moroccan oil hair products can vary in the amount of oil they contain. A simple way for buyers to identify 100 percent pure Moroccan oil is to read the list of ingredients on the container. If the label does not say “100 percent Argan oil,” then it is not a pure Moroccan oil product. Another identifying feature can be its bottle. Pure Moroccan oil should come in a dark glass container. If the oil is exposed to light, as with a clear glass bottle, its properties can quickly break down and deteriorate.
Contents of Moroccan Oil
The fatty acids in Moroccan oil are what give this oil its antioxidant properties, making it an ideal natural product for use on hair. The following table provides a list of the fatty acids in pure Moroccan oil as well as a guide to their amounts.
| Fatty Acid | Percentage | Description |
| Oleic Acid | 42.8 percent | Monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid |
| Linoleic Acid | 36.8 percent | Unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid |
| Palmitic Acid | 12 percent | Saturated fatty acid |
| Stearic Acid | 6 percent | Saturated fatty acid |
| Linolenic Acid | less than 5 percent | Omega-3 fatty acid |
As well as the various fatty acids listed above, Moroccan oil also contains vitamin E, a naturally occurring antioxidant. The combination of these fatty acids and antioxidant properties make Moroccan oil not only good for hair, but also for use on the skin and in cooking.
Packed with Vitamin E, various essential fatty acids and plentiful antioxidants, Argan is a one-stop solution for various skin and hair conditions.
Multi-Benefits of Moroccan Argan Oil
Skin Benefits Of Moroccan Argan Oil:
1. For A Healthy And Glowing Skin:
Loaded with assorted antioxidants and essential fatty acids, this oil has immaculate restorative properties. Just apply a little on your skin and massage it just before you hit the bed to find yourself with soft, healthy, and glowing skin.
2. Delays the Onset Of Premature Ageing:
The alarmingly increasing levels of pollution and the harsh sun rays leave no chance to damage our skin. The result – the skin is crowded with free radicals. These free radicals deplete the moisture levels, leaving the skin dry. This, on the other hand, sets the stage for premature ageing. While Vitamin E in Moroccan oil thwarts free radical damages, the saponins enhance the moisture level, ensuring that the skin doesn’t lose its firmness, elasticity, and radiance.
3. Nourishes Sensitive Skin:
Sensitive skin needs a very intense cleansing and moisturizing routine. And, Argan oil is the best deal. Just dab a little on your skin and massage it gently every night before you sleep to nourish and moisturize the skin. You can even use an Argan oil infused cleanser in your bath regimen.
4. Natural Care For Luscious Lips:
Keeping your lips smooth and luxurious is now easy. Just add 3 to 4 drops of Moroccan oil with brown sugar and vanilla. Use this mixture to exfoliate the dead skin cells off the lips, and reveal that addictive shine.
5. Prevents And Cures Acne:
Packed with various antioxidants, this Vitamin E-rich oil is a perfect anti-inflammatory agent. People suffering from acne can make use of the anti-inflammatory nature of this oil to combat and ward off acne. The scars also fade off, eventually.
6. Innate Scars Healing Properties:
Put an end to your stretch mark worries. Just massage in a little Moroccan oil on the affected areas regularly, and see the difference. The triterpenoids are known to heal the tissue scars and protect the skin from developing infections.
7. Natural Remedy For Various Skin Disorders:
The anti-inflammatory nature along with its healing and skin softening properties make this oil a much sought after natural cure for various inflammatory skin conditions, such as chicken pox and eczema.
8. Keeps Your Nails Smooth And Lustrous:
Shiny, pink nails are indicators of good health. For that you can take the help of Vitamin E-enriched Argan oil. Just massage them regularly to strengthen the bones and add a lustrous sheen to them.
9. Natural Shaving Cream:
Stop shelling out your cash on that expensive shaving cream. Argan oil doubles up as a shaving cream too. Just apply a few drops of this oil on the cleansed skin and shave, to get rid of the hair. You can even use it as an aftershave to keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Benefits of Moroccan Oil for hair
10. Bid Adieu To Your Split Ends Forever:
People, who love to own long hair without fearing split ends, should definitely give Moroccan oil a try. Applying this regularly on your hair could cut down the occurrences of split ends to a great extent. It penetrates into each shaft, strengthening the strands from within. It ensures that the hair is healthier and grows longer and thicker, without being damaged by split ends. Just use it as massage oil. Make sure the shampoo and conditioner you use also contain the same for better benefits.
11. Keeps Frizzy Hair Under Control:
Packed with omega 9 and omega 3 fatty acids, and Vitamin E, this is the perfect solution for untamable frizzy hair. Light in weight, this easily smooths down frizzy hair by moisturizing it in a non-greasy way. Just add a few drops to your palm, rub, and smooth out the frizz. An easy-to-carry leave-on conditioner, in short!
12. Gives Your Tresses A Healthy Shine:
Hair, akin to our skin, is exposed to countless damages. Also, your dieting and lifestyle changes worsen the conditions. Moroccan oil is packed with various vitamins and antioxidants that render it the potential to strengthen and smoothen the hair, returning its natural shine and softness. Massage this oil into your hair and leave aside for at least 60 minutes before washing off. You can use this as a weekly hair care treatment.
13. Repairs Hair Damage:
The excessive use of chemicals is sure to blow away the shine and health of your hair, leaving it intensively damaged. Applying this oil could actually help in strengthening the hair from the follicle till the tip. The damages are repaired, leaving the hair once again strong and hydrated, while replacing its lost elasticity and smoothness.
14. Natural Anti-Dandruff Remedy:
Dandruff triggered by a dry scalp could be thwarted off by massaging this oil into the scalp. Start by massaging into the scalp, slowly moving your fingertips in circular motions. Repeat the process, increasing slowly, till they start penetrating the roots. Dip a large, clean towel in hot water, squeeze out the excess water, and use this towel to wrap your hair and scalp. This will ensure that the scalp gets hydrated. Repeat thrice a week for dandruff-free hair.
15. Natural Styling Agent:
You can use the non-greasy and lightweight Moroccan oil in place of chemical enriched styling agents. Just apply a few drops before any of the styling procedures, including straightening and blow drying. This ensures that your hair is safe from the heat damages. At the same time, it also guarantees a smooth finishing that lasts longer.
16. Lowers Cholesterol Level:
Argan oil is rich in plant sterols (schottenol and spinasterol), which are found in no other vegetable oil. Studies have proven that these plant sterols help to reduce the inflammation in the body and also inhibit the absorption of cholesterol by the intestine. It also promotes circulation and helps to enhance the body’s immunity. The phytosterols are unsaturated fatty acids, which increase the level of LDL (good cholesterol) in the body.
17. Healthy Digestion:
If you suffer from indigestion regularly, try using Argan oil. It increases the concentration of enzyme pepsin in the gastric juice, thus facilitating healthy digestion. It contains flavanoids, an anti-oxidant which reduces the inflammation both internally and externally.
Choosing The Right Moroccan Oil
1. Check The Ingredients:
Inclusion of additives could deplete you of Argan oil benefits. Ensure that your oil has zero additives and inclusions, which means a strict ‘no’ to fragrances and preservatives too.
2. Packaging:
This oil, in the pure form, comes only in dark glass bottles, as exposure to light could hamper its properties. Make sure it is not packed in plastic as plastic is known to interact negatively with this oil.
3. The Cost:
Manufacturing pure Argan oil is a tough, labor intensive task, which means you cannot get it with less price. Beware of all those ads where the Argan oil is priced at a temptingly low price. You might be the victim of adulteration and fraudulence. A 100 ml bottle of pure Argan oil could cost you a minimum of Rs. 400.
4. The Aroma:
This oil has a distinct nutty scent, which actually vanishes within seconds of coming into contact with your hair or skin. There are cases where you might end up buying odor-free oil. Yet, that could actually deprive you of various essential nutrients hidden in the oil. Opt out of any artificially-fragranced oils.
5. The Texture:
This oil is non-greasy, smooth, and slightly thick. It is light in weight and should easily be absorbed by the skin.
6. The Hue:
Moroccan oil used for cosmetic purposes, possesses a pale golden hue, while the one used for culinary purposes is deep golden.
7. The Credentials:
Ensure that the oil has necessary certifications and comes with a 100% pure or ‘Made in Morocco’ tag.
8. The Cloudy Factor:
Good quality Argan oil will be clear. Check for the presence of sediments, even in traces. The presence of impurities in small quantities could also hamper with the efficiency and effectiveness of the oil.
9. The Type Of Use:
Argan oil comes in two variants – culinary and cosmetic. Make sure you pick the cosmetic grade one for your beauty regimen. While the culinary one is made using roasted nuts, the latter one is processed from raw nuts to retain the benefits.
10. The Source:
Last, but not the least, identify the manufacturer. Make sure that the manufacturer is a certified one. Verify the credentials, so that you do not fall prey to some fake.
How To Use Argan Oil:
1. For Deep Conditioning The Hair:
Just apply a few drops on washed hair and comb your hair. Leave it as long as you want for deep conditioning. Wash the excess oil with a mild shampoo for soft, radiant tresses. Repeat this twice a week for best results.
2. For Easing Stretch Marks:
Add 3 drops of oil onto your palm and rub the palms. Apply on the affected area and massage gently in circular motions. Use it regularly to ease the stretch marks and soften the affected area.
3. For Hydrating The Skin:
Apply 3 to 4 drops of this oil on your face and neck. Massage using your fingertips, in circular, upward strokes to moisturize the skin. Do it twice a day for supple and radiant skin.
4. For Conditioning The Nails:
Add 1 tsp of this oil into a small bowl. Dip your index finger gently into the oil and rub on the cuticles and nails. Do this daily once, preferably before retiring for the day to get health and radiant nails.
Storage Moroccan Argan Oil
Proper storage of this oil ensures that the oil remains usable for a longer period of time.
Store in a dark, cool place, completely away from heat and light.
Use a glass bottle or container for storing the oil as metal or plastic containers might contain elements that could negatively interact with the oil.
A rich treasure trove of various antimicrobial elements, antioxidants, and various other powerful nutrients, Moroccan oil is indeed a valuable gift of Mother Nature. It still remains as one of the most sought after expensive oil because of its rare availability. Make sure you do not waste it if you have one in hand. Just try using it on your skin and hair, and see the difference.
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