The Argan fruit is small and is either round, oval, or conical in shape. It ripens and falls from the tree in the late summer; it is never picked from the trees. Its outermost layer is a thick peel, which protects the fleshy pulp that encloses a nut with a hard shell. This nut comprises 25% of the fruit’s weight and holds up to three kernels that are rich in oil. Depending on the extraction method, the kernels yield 30% to 50% of the oil. To produce 1 kg of oil, 30 kg of Argan nuts are required.

Historically, Argan Oil was extracted when goats would climb the tree and eat the fruit, after which time the ingested fruits’ husks would pass through their digestive tracts and the clean kernel would be collected from the goats’ droppings. This method reduced the amount of effort required for extraction. Presently, the production process involves modern technology that is streamlined and thus more hygienic from the initial stages of the fruit collection; however, Argan Oil co-operatives continue to function along the trees’ native coast, and the women there grind the fruit by hand to produce the oil for their cosmetic and culinary purposes (*New Directions Aromatics’ carrier oils should never be ingested). The hard nut must also be cracked by hand with the use of rocks as tools in order to protect the “liquid gold” inside the shells.

The first step in the oil extraction process is to dry the collected fruit in the open air. Once dried, the fleshy pulp is removed by hand, although some producers opt to remove the pulp mechanically without drying the fruit first. Next, the Argan nut is cracked to obtain the kernels. This demanding and time-consuming process must be done by hand using stones, as the attempts to mechanize it have been unsuccessful. The kernel shells are ground down and can be used in pottery as well as for cosmetic exfoliants. The kernels themselves are also mechanically ground and then cold-pressed, which results in a brown mash that exudes pure, unrefined Argan Oil. This unfiltered Argan Oil is transferred to vessels and left to sit for approximately two weeks, during which time the suspended solids in the oil settle at the bottom. Once the oil has been cleared of this debris, it is further filtered for enhanced purity and clarity.

The uses of Argan Carrier Oil are abundant, ranging from medicinal to cosmetic. Its many forms include oils, gels, lotions, soaps, shampoos, sprays, and candle making.

Used topically, Argan Carrier Oil works as a fast-absorbing, non-greasy moisturizer that can be used as a nighttime serum to soothe acne, balance skin’s oil production, and reduce the appearance of stretch marks, wrinkles, and scars. After the face is cleansed with a natural cleanser, Argan Carrier Oil can be applied to the face and neck using gentle, circular motions. Applied all over the body, especially to areas affected by soreness and stiffness, Argan Oil will provide relief while softening, hydrating, providing strength to the skin, while boosting its elasticity. On feet, hands, and nails, Argan Oil moisturizes and conditions damaged hair and skin that appears to be cracked and splitting, while preventing future dryness.

In hair, Argan Carrier Oil can be used as a leave in conditioner or a hair mask to repair damage such as split ends and dryness. To smooth hair and enhance its manageability, simply smooth the oil onto the hair to coat the hair shaft from root to tip. Massaging it into the scalp with the finger tips will stimulate circulation and boost hair growth. This hydrating conditioner will soften hair, increase its sheen, smooth frizz, and nourish it to make it appear healthier, stronger, and richer in color. This treatment can soothe and reduce dryness of the scalp and dandruff while promoting hair growth and improving its length, thickness, and texture.

As with all other New Directions Aromatics products, carrier oils are for external use only. The Argan fruit is a stone fruit rather than a tree nut; however, the oil is derived from the fruit’s nut, which contains the proteins that trigger allergic responses. Accordingly, those with nut allergies should be cautious about using Argan Oil, as there have been some cases, though rare, that have reported adverse reactions. Despite the fact that Argan Oil is largely used in cosmetics for the purpose of treating acne and wrinkles, it may potentially cause an allergic reaction that could involve acne as well as anaphylaxis, difficulty breathing, rashes, and itchy, red, scaly skin. These reactions could possibly be caused by impure or low quality Argan Carrier Oil. It is recommended that a skin patch test be conducted on a small area on the inner arm to test for any potential reactions.

Argan oil is the perfect substitute for both of those products. It’s light enough to use during the day, but effective enough to give you the results you want overnight–the ideal beauty solution for a busy woman who has more to worry about than which moisturizer she’s grabbing when she reaches into her cabinet.

When you’re looking for a natural moisturizer for your hair, face, and body, argan oil is the perfect solution. You can use it to reduce acne, help increase your skin’s protection from dangerous UV rays, and help prevent stretch marks.

It’s perfect for a deep conditioning treatment that’s left in overnight or a light conditioner that will smooth down fly aways and leave your hair looking great all day long.

If you’re able to add just one more item to your beauty box, pick up a bottle of argan oil. This is one beauty craze that you definitely shouldn’t ignore!