Argan Oil

Carrier Oil · Argania spinosa

Argan Oil

Morocco's “liquid gold”

A golden, nutrient-dense oil pressed from the kernels of the argan tree — prized for the way it conditions skin and hair without weighing them down. Hover any measure to see where argan sits on the scale.

Weight
Medium
Heavy
Medium
Light
How heavy the oil feels on skin. Lighter oils absorb fast and sit weightless; heavier oils cushion and linger.
Absorption
Moderate
Fast
Moderate
Slow
How quickly the oil sinks in. Fast feels dry-touch; slow stays on the surface for longer-lasting conditioning.
Finish
Slight Sheen
Rich
Slight Sheen
Natural
Matte
The look left on the skin — from a flat, matte finish to a rich, visible sheen.
Vitamin E
High
High
Moderate
Low
Natural antioxidant (tocopherol) content. Higher levels help protect skin and keep the oil stable.
The Basics

What it is

Argan oil comes from the kernels inside the fruit of the argan tree, which grows almost exclusively in southwestern Morocco. The kernels are cold-pressed to release a light golden oil that's been used for generations in skin and hair care.

What makes it special is its balance: rich enough to genuinely condition, yet light enough that it sinks in without leaving a heavy, greasy film. That's how it earned the nickname “liquid gold.” It's gentle, widely tolerated, and works as well on hair as it does on skin.

Quick Facts

Botanical nameArgania spinosa
OriginMorocco
SourceTree kernels
ExtractionCold-pressed
ColourGolden
ComedogenicLow (0)
Also calledLiquid gold
Where it comes from

The Plant & The Seed

Argan tree

The Argan Tree

A hardy, slow-growing tree native to the semi-desert Souss valley of southwestern Morocco. It can live up to 200 years and shrugs off intense heat and drought — its deep roots even help hold the soil together against desertification.

Argan fruit and kernel

The Fruit & Kernel

Each fruit holds a hard-shelled nut, and inside that, one to three small oil-rich kernels. It takes a remarkable amount of fruit — and traditionally hours of hand-cracking — to gather the kernels that are then cold-pressed into argan oil.

Composition

The Compound Profile

Argan oil is roughly 80% unsaturated fatty acids — the building blocks that decide how it feels, absorbs and conditions. Here's the typical breakdown:

Oleic Acid Omega-9 · monounsaturated
45%
Linoleic Acid Omega-6 · polyunsaturated
35%
Palmitic Acid saturated
12%
Stearic Acid saturated
6%
Beyond Fatty Acids

The minor compounds are where a lot of argan's reputation comes from:

Tocopherols (Vitamin E)
Natural antioxidants that keep the oil stable and support the skin barrier.
Polyphenols
Plant compounds behind argan's soothing, protective character.
Squalene
A lipid also found in skin, helping argan feel compatible and smoothing.
Why People Love It

Key Benefits

Lightweight Conditioning

Softens hair and skin without the heavy, greasy feel of denser oils.

Antioxidant-Rich

Naturally high vitamin E helps protect against everyday environmental stress.

Skin-Friendly Balance

Its fatty-acid mix is close to skin's own oils, so it tends to feel comfortable.

In Our Formulations

Where you'll find it

Argan acts as a balancing carrier in our blends — nourishment and a soft sheen while keeping the feel light and wearable. Browse everything it appears in, or start with a few favourites below.

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