For centuries, Berber women have turned to argan oil for their cosmetic and culinary recipes. This vegetable oil is extracted from the seeds of the kernels of the fruit of the argan tree, a species endemic to Morocco. Its beneficial properties are attributed to its richness in oleic acid (omega-9), linoleic acid (omega-6), tocopherol (vitamin E), and squalene.
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The benefits of argan oil on the skin.
Summary
- What is argan oil?
- Argan oil, the best ally for mature skin
- Argan oil for nourishing dry and dehydrated skin
Published June 27, 2022,
updated on February 9, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
3 min read
What is argan oil?
Known by its I.N.C.I. name, "Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil", argan oil is derived from the cold pressing of kernels extracted from the fruits of the argan tree, a tree with the botanical name Argania spinosa which primarily grows in the southwest of Morocco. Globally recognized for about thirty years for its multiple cosmetic benefits, argan oil represents a significant economic wealth for Morocco. Local producing companies, organized in a network around an EIG (Economic Interest Group), have received several certifications such as the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) or the Ecocert Bio in 2014.
Note:In skin and hair care, argan can also be introduced in the form of an extract (I.N.C.I.: Argania Spinosa Kernel Extract). The properties of this ingredient remain substantially similar to those of the vegetable oil: the extract is also softening, nourishing, and emollient.
Argan oil, the best ally for mature skin.
Argan oil limits skin aging by inhibiting reactive oxygen species. As a reminder, these are naturally produced by the body but are produced in excess when cells are exposed to a stress (UV exposure, pollution, smoking, diet too high in fats and/or sugars). They tend to react with other molecules to form an electron pair and stabilize, which causes damage to cells (lipid peroxidation at the membrane level), to DNA and to the body's proteins. Aging is accelerated and wrinkles appear on the skin's surface. Argan oil contains natural anti-radical compounds such as vitamin E and squalene. These molecules donate an electron to free radicals, stabilize them, and thus prevent them from causing harm and accelerating the natural aging of the epidermis.
Argan oil for nourishing dry and dehydrated skin.
This vegetable oil is rich in fatty acids, particularly in omega 6 and 9. When applied to the skin, it is recognized for its excellent nutritive properties and softening effects. It also prevents dehydration by strengthening the barrier function of the epidermis. As a reminder, the hydrolipidic film improves the resistance of the horny layer against external aggressions and limits insensible water loss. It is suitable for all skin types but is particularly recommended for the care of dry skin, whether it be on the face or other parts of the body prone to dry periods such as the hands or feet.
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