What a difference a year makes. Until 12 months ago, no-one knew about argan oil.
These days it’s one of the most talked about skin and hair care ingredients.
Produced from kernels of a tree only growing in the south-western part of Morocco, the nourishing and treasured oil is called liquid gold.
The oil was traditionally produced from undigested argan pits from the waste of goats eating the fruit but today the oil used in cosmetic and culinary products has usually been harvested directly from the tree.
Argan oil contains many beneficial nutrients such as tocopherols (vitamin E, an antioxidant), squalene (a natural moisturiser) and fatty acids, (80 per cent unsaturated fatty acids).
It is said to treat skin conditions like acne and eczema and to prevent heart disease when taken orally, though it is most often used in hair products as it makes hair shiny and healthy-looking.
Curious about this exciting new ingredient? Here are some products to try.
Orofluido Sahara
A dry oil that maintains the beauty of hair with added solar filters that protect the scalp from UVA/UVB rays. Includes vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps restore damaged cells.
L’Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil Rich Oil
Enriched with a special blend of avocado and grape seed oil, this lightweight oil cares for all hair types. Leaves hair looking shiny, feeling nourished and supple and with added shine.
Nashi Argan Beauty Treatment for All Kinds of Hair
A less well-known Italian brand has created a blend of precious natural oils to a treatment for all types of hair. Gives instant softness, removes tangles and helps manage thick, wavy hair. © Cover Media
