Argan oil is a cold-pressed vegetable oil from the kernels of the argan tree fruit, with a light texture that absorbs well into both skin and hair. If you are looking for facial oils for your routine, take a look at our Organic argan oil, or let our Advisor guide you according to your skin type.
How argan oil is made
This oil comes from the kernels of the fruit of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), which grows exclusively in south-western Morocco. For centuries it was made by Berber women using a traditional method that has stayed essentially the same to this day: the fruits are first dried, then the pulp is separated and the hard shell is cracked to obtain the small kernels. These are finally cold-pressed, which extracts the oil itself. Cold pressing, that is, without exposure to high temperature, is the reason it keeps its original composition and its gentle, nutty scent. This craft tradition is one of the reasons it is still regarded as one of the more precious vegetable oils in natural cosmetics.
Composition and nutrients of argan oil
It consists mainly of fatty acids and several accompanying substances that occur naturally in argan kernels. It contains vitamin E, which is commonly used in cosmetics as an antioxidant that protects the oil from turning rancid, and which also contributes to the feeling of hydrated skin. It also contains omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, that is, linoleic and oleic acid, which form the basis of light vegetable oils and help skin look softer and smoother. The last important component is squalane, a natural part of skin sebum, thanks to which the oil spreads pleasantly on the skin and does not feel greasy. You can read more about why vitamin E is so popular in cosmetics in the article about vitamin E.
How argan oil works on the skin
Thanks to its combination of light fatty acids, it is a popular choice for hydrating almost any skin type, including combination and oilier skin, because it absorbs well and leaves no shiny film on the surface. Regular use contributes to a feeling of softer, smoother and suppler skin that looks visibly more even. Some studies on the effects of argan oil on the skin focus on its composition, rich in fatty acids and tocopherols, but the effect is cosmetic, not therapeutic, which means it works only on the look and feel of the skin, not on the treatment of skin diseases. If your skin is prone to imperfections, reach instead for lighter, non-comedogenic products and discuss any problems with a dermatologist.
How the oil works on hair and nails
On hair, argan oil is most often used on the ends, which tend to be under the most strain from straighteners, hairdryers or the sun. A thin layer on dry or slightly damp ends helps smooth the hair fibre, so hair looks shinier and less brittle. With regular use the look of the hair gradually becomes more uniform and the ends split less, although the oil cannot join split ends back together, it only gives them a better look until the next trim. The same oil also suits a massage of the cuticles, where it gently softens their surface and acts as part of an ordinary manicure. This is always only cosmetic care for appearance, not support for growth or a solution to a hair problem.
How to use pure argan oil
Pure oil is versatile precisely because it can be used on several parts of the body in the same way, with a few drops warmed between the palms. On the face it is applied after cleansing and toning and gently massaged into the skin in circular movements until absorbed. For hair, a drop or two warmed in the palms and smoothed through the lengths and ends is enough, and for more intensive care it can be left on for longer under a cap. On the body it is best applied to slightly damp skin straight after a shower, when it spreads more easily and the skin takes it in more readily. The following table sums up the basic ways to use it:
| Where | How to apply | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Face | 2 to 3 drops after cleansing, gentle massage | Also suitable for an evening routine |
| Hair, ends | 1 to 2 drops warmed in the palms | Before blow-drying or as an overnight mask |
| Body | A few drops on damp skin | Best straight after a shower |
| Cuticles | A drop massaged into the area around the nail | Part of a home manicure |
Where to find argan oil at Panakeia
At Panakeia it appears as a product of its own and as part of the composition of other skin and hair products. Organic argan oil 100 ml contains only Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, a single ingredient with no additives, which makes it a universal choice for the face, body and hair. Kopaničiarska žehlička with retinol, night facial oil serum combines it with rosehip oil, squalane, sunflower oil and retinol for evening skincare. Stimulating hair serum with caffeine and ginger in turn combines argan oil with olive oil, black cumin and ginger and is used on the scalp for a shinier, fuller look of the hair.
- Organic argan oil 100 ml: a single ingredient, for the face, body and hair.
- Kopaničiarska žehlička with retinol: a night serum with argan oil for the skin.
- Stimulating hair growth serum with caffeine and ginger: argan oil for the scalp.
Did you know…
Did you know that the argan tree grows almost exclusively in south-western Morocco and that oil from its kernels has a protected geographical indication?