The Ultimate Guide to Pure Moroccan Argan Oil: History, Benefits & How to Choose the Real Thing

By Said Benazaize, Founder of Truly Moroccan

Key Takeaways

• Pure Moroccan argan oil comes from the Argania Spinosa tree, native to southwestern Morocco
• Authentic oil contains only one ingredient: Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
• Cold-pressed production preserves the oil's full nutritional profile
• Argan oil has been used in Moroccan beauty rituals for centuries — long before it became a global trend
• Choosing a transparent, ethically sourced supplier is essential

Introduction

Growing up in Morocco, argan oil was never a luxury product. It was simply part of life. My grandmother used it on her hair. My mother kept a small bottle on the kitchen shelf. Long before it appeared on the shelves of Boots or Holland & Barrett, Moroccan families were pressing argan kernels by hand and passing the oil between generations as something precious but ordinary.

Today, argan oil is one of the most sought-after beauty oils in the world. But with popularity comes imitation. Diluted products, misleading labels and oils blended with cheaper alternatives have flooded the market. This guide exists to cut through the noise — to share what authentic Moroccan argan oil really is, how it is made, what it does, and how to make sure you are buying the real thing.

What Is Moroccan Argan Oil?

Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the Argania Spinosa tree, an ancient and resilient species found almost exclusively in the Souss-Massa region of southwestern Morocco. The tree is so important to Morocco's ecosystem and culture that UNESCO designated the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve a World Heritage Site.

The oil is extraordinarily rich in:

• Vitamin E (tocopherols) — a powerful antioxidant that protects skin and hair from environmental damage
• Oleic acid (Omega-9) — deeply moisturising and softening
• Linoleic acid (Omega-6) — helps reduce inflammation and supports skin barrier function
• Polyphenols and sterols — anti-inflammatory and skin-conditioning compounds

This nutritional profile is why argan oil works across so many applications — hair, skin, nails, beard — without feeling heavy or greasy.

The History of Argan Oil in Morocco

Argan oil has been part of Moroccan life for over a thousand years. Berber communities in the Souss valley were the first to discover its properties, using it to nourish skin in the harsh desert climate, condition hair, and even as a dipping oil for bread (culinary argan oil, roasted before pressing, is a Moroccan delicacy).

For generations, the knowledge of harvesting and pressing argan oil was held almost entirely by Berber women. The work was labour-intensive — collecting fallen fruit, cracking the hard shells by hand, grinding the kernels on stone mills. This knowledge was passed from mother to daughter, community to community, long before the outside world took notice.

It was only in the 1990s and 2000s that argan oil began to attract international attention, first from cosmetic researchers, then from global beauty brands. Today, women's cooperatives across the Souss region produce argan oil using both traditional and modern methods, providing livelihoods for thousands of families.

How Authentic Argan Oil Is Made

The quality of argan oil depends entirely on how it is produced. Here is what the process looks like when done properly:

1. Harvesting — Ripe argan fruit falls naturally from the tree between June and August and is collected by hand.
2. Drying — The fruit is sun-dried to loosen the pulp from the hard nut inside.
3. Cracking — The hard shell is cracked (traditionally by hand using two stones) to extract the kernel.
4. Cold pressing — The kernels are pressed without heat to extract the oil, preserving the full vitamin and antioxidant content.
5. Filtering — The raw oil is filtered to remove any sediment.

The result is a pure, golden oil with a faint nutty scent. If your argan oil has no scent at all, it may have been deodorised or heavily processed. If it smells strongly rancid, it has gone off.

Benefits of Argan Oil for Hair

Argan oil is perhaps best known as a hair treatment, and for good reason. A few drops go a long way.

For frizzy or dry hair: Argan oil smooths the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and adding shine without weighing hair down. Apply a small amount to damp hair before styling, or use as a finishing oil on dry hair. Read more in our guide to argan oil for frizzy hair.

For damaged or colour-treated hair: The fatty acids in argan oil help repair and strengthen the hair shaft. It is particularly effective on hair that has been bleached, heat-styled or chemically treated.

For split ends: A drop of argan oil worked into the ends of dry hair helps seal and smooth split ends between cuts. See our argan oil for split ends guide.

For scalp health: Argan oil's anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe a dry or irritated scalp. Read more about argan oil for scalp health.

How to use: Apply 2–4 drops to palms, rub together, and work through mid-lengths and ends. For a deeper treatment, apply generously to dry hair, leave for 30 minutes (or overnight), then shampoo out.

Benefits of Argan Oil for Skin

Argan oil absorbs quickly into skin, leaving it soft and nourished without a greasy residue — a quality that sets it apart from heavier oils like coconut or castor oil.

For daily moisturising: A few drops warmed between the palms and pressed into clean, slightly damp skin provides lasting hydration. It works well on the face, body, elbows and heels.

For the face: Argan oil is non-comedogenic (it does not clog pores), making it suitable for most skin types including combination and oily skin. Read our full guide to using argan oil on your face.

For mature skin: Rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, argan oil helps support skin elasticity and protect against premature ageing. See our guide on argan oil for mature skin.

For eczema and dry skin conditions: The anti-inflammatory fatty acids in argan oil can help soothe irritated, flaky skin. Read more about argan oil for eczema and argan oil for dry skin.

Benefits of Argan Oil for Nails

Argan oil is an excellent nail and cuticle treatment. Massaging a drop into each nail and cuticle daily helps strengthen brittle nails and soften dry, cracked cuticles. Read more in our guide to argan oil for nails.

Benefits of Argan Oil for Beards

Argan oil conditions coarse facial hair and moisturises the skin beneath, reducing beard itch and flakiness. Its lightweight texture means it conditions without leaving a heavy, greasy residue — ideal for everyday use.

How to Identify Pure Moroccan Argan Oil

This is where many buyers go wrong. Here is what to look for:

• Ingredients list: Should read only Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil. Any additional ingredients mean it is a blend, not pure argan oil.
• Origin: Should clearly state Morocco as the source.
• Colour: Pure cosmetic argan oil is golden yellow. Very pale or colourless oil may have been heavily processed.
• Scent: A faint, slightly nutty aroma is normal. No scent at all suggests deodorisation. A strong, unpleasant smell means it has gone rancid.
• Packaging: Dark glass bottles protect the oil from light degradation. Avoid plastic bottles for pure argan oil.
• Price: Genuine pure argan oil cannot be very cheap. If the price seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

Read our detailed guides: How to Choose Argan Oil That's Truly Pure and What Makes Argan Oil Authentic?

The Traditional Moroccan Hammam Ritual

In Morocco, argan oil is the final step in the hammam — the traditional bathhouse ritual. After cleansing with black soap (savon beldi), exfoliating with a kessa glove, and applying ghassoul clay, argan oil is massaged into the skin while it is still warm and open from the steam. The result is deeply nourished, glowing skin.

You do not need a hammam to recreate this at home. Apply argan oil immediately after a warm shower, while your skin is still slightly damp, for maximum absorption.

Argan Oil vs Other Oils

Compared with coconut oil, argan oil feels significantly lighter and is less likely to clog pores. Compared with jojoba oil, argan oil is particularly valued for its vitamin E content and centuries of use in Moroccan beauty traditions. Compared with rosehip oil, argan oil is more versatile — suitable for hair, body and nails as well as the face. Compared with castor oil, argan oil is far lighter and easier to use daily without dilution.

Read our comparisons: Argan Oil vs Rosehip Oil | Argan Oil vs Jojoba Oil

Available Sizes

Our pure Moroccan argan oil is available in two sizes, both in dark amber glass bottles with pipette dispensers for precise application:

• 50ml Pipette — ideal for travel or trying argan oil for the first time
• 100ml Pipette ⭐ Best Seller — our most popular size, great value for daily use

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use argan oil every day?
Yes. A few drops daily on hair, skin or nails is perfectly safe and beneficial for most people.

Is argan oil suitable for oily or acne-prone skin?
Yes — argan oil is non-comedogenic and its linoleic acid content can actually help balance sebum production. Read more: Is Argan Oil Good for Acne? and Is Argan Oil Good for Oily Skin?

How long does a 100ml bottle last?
With daily use of 2–4 drops, a 100ml bottle typically lasts 3–4 months.

Does argan oil expire?
Yes. Pure argan oil has a shelf life of approximately 2 years when stored in a cool, dark place. The dark glass bottle helps protect it from light degradation.

Is Truly Moroccan argan oil ethically sourced?
Yes. We work directly with producers in Morocco and have done since 2012. Our oil is fairly traded and not tested on animals.

What is the difference between cosmetic and culinary argan oil?
Cosmetic argan oil is cold-pressed from unroasted kernels. Culinary argan oil is pressed from lightly roasted kernels, giving it a richer, nuttier flavour. Only use cosmetic-grade oil on skin and hair.

About the Author

Said Benazaize is the founder of Truly Moroccan. Born in Morocco, he has spent over a decade working directly with Moroccan artisans and producers to bring authentic Moroccan beauty, wellness and home products to customers throughout the UK. Every product in the Truly Moroccan range is chosen for its authenticity, quality and connection to Moroccan craft traditions.

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