Organic Argan Oil

ARGAN OIL FROM MOROCCO

Argan oil is produced from the kernels of the argan tree, endemic to south-west Morocco, and is valued for its nutritive, cosmetic and medicinal properties.

The benefits of argan oil have been known for centuries by the women of Morocco who have used it traditionally in the daily care of their skin and hair. It regenerates the skin, restarts the vital functions of the cells and the growth process and neutralizes free radicals. It also relieves eczema and psoriasis. Argan oil is one of the world richest natural sources of vitamin E, phenols, phenolic acid, carotenes, squalene and essential fatty acids. You can use it as a treatment for dry skin, to minimize wrinkles and scars, and to reduce frizz and add shine to your hair.

The Argan tree grows in semi-desert soil, its deep root system helping to protect against soil erosion and the northern advance of the Sahara. The tree population was steadily dwindling and the area threatened by desertification, until a few years ago when, realizing that giving the argan forest an economic value would encourage conservation, cooperatives were formed to organize local Berber women for substantial argan nut processing and trade. Until then the benefits of the oil had been undervalued as it was only consumed locally.

Changes have been significant for the co-op members who are valued and respected for their work and now have a sense of pride and accomplishment. In an area where women traditionally are not educated or able to work outside the home, the cooperatives work to break that cycle by generating income for the women and their families, increase literacy, provide health insurance and supporting the entire community as a whole .