About 15 metres in height and with a lifespan of 150 to 200 years, the argan tree (argania spinosa), also called the Moroccan Ironwood, is a species endemic to Morocco. It grows only in the west central part of the country (Essaouira region), an area hit by major droughts.

For centuries, Berber women from the Atlas mountains have sworn by the moisturizing and revitalizing qualities of argan oil for the skin. Today, the oil is winning over the hearts of women around the world and is arousing growing interest from the cosmetic, medical and food industries.

Unfortunately, the argan tree is a threatened species, which has led Berber women to undertake considerable efforts to create and manage argan oil production cooperatives to save the trees. In 1999, UNESCO added the argan tree to the world heritage list, thus protecting it by means of the World Biosphere Reserve Network.

Argan oil is now available in two forms, as edible oil and cosmetic oil. Did you know that edible argan oil contains some extraordinary properties? They say that two spoonfuls taken every morning on an empty stomach will give you back the hourglass figure you had when you were twenty. Wait for an hour or two before having breakfast.

The cosmetic oil has wonderful anti-aging properties for any woman wanting to nourish her skin and diminish wrinkles. It has always been used by southern Moroccan women for skin and hair care because of its high vitamin E content. It naturally revitalizes the skin and protects against drying and aging by restoring the skin’s hydrolipidic layer and by increasing the supply of nutrients to the cellular level.

This oil also works wonders for the hair and nails, and there has recently been a beauty line launched based on argan oil. We’ve experimented with these beauty recipes and we’re sharing our discoveries with you…