About Argon Oil

Argon oil--also known as "argan" oil--is extracted from the kernels of the fruit from an argon tree. The argon tree grows wild and is listed as an endangered species under the protection of UNESCO. It has a deep root system that helps to protect it against soil erosion. Argon has a variety of uses that not only make it popular now, but which have made it popular throughout history as well.

Argon Properties

• Argon oil contains lipids and fatty acids such as oleic, palmitic and linoliec acids, vitamin E, phenols, carotene and the antioxidant ferulic acid.

Source

• Argon trees (arganaria spinosa) grow in the southwest of Morocco and the Araga and Negev regions of Israel. Before the Phoenicians arrived, the oil was sold in the markets of Morocco. It was used by the Berbers (indigenous Moroccans) many centuries before the onset of the modern era.

Hair Care

• According to The Beauty Brains, one of the primary uses of argon oil is for hair care. It is very effective for dry and damaged hair. Also called liquid gold, it has recently become more popular than jojoba oil and olive oil because of its high Vitamin E content and unsaturated fatty acids; namely Omega 3 and 9. These properties provide a tremendous amount of nutrition for the hair.

Skin Care

• According to the Argon Oil Society, it is also effective as an anti-aging oil used by Europeans. Argon oil restores the freshness and tightness of the skin. It prevents wrinkles brought about by premature aging and helps remove stretch marks from pregnancy. Argon oil is an excellent skin moisturizer, softening dry skin and reducing inflammation.

Culinary Use

• Argon oil is edible and is sometimes used in cooking. It has medicinal properties such as decreasing cholesterol levels, stimulating circulation and strengthening the body’s immune system. In some areas of the world, after extraction of the oil, the residue from the kernels—called "amiou"--is sweetened and then served as a dip in Berber households.