Description
Cosmetic-grade cold-pressed oil from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), endemic to southwestern Morocco. Rich in oleic acid, linoleic acid, vitamin E (200 to 300 mg per kg), and characteristic plant sterols.
Pale to golden yellow clear liquid with a mild, slightly nutty aroma. The cosmetic grade is produced from raw (un-roasted) kernels, distinguishing it from culinary argan oil which uses roasted kernels.
We supply cosmetic-grade Argan Oil from manufacturers in China with cross-border sourcing from cooperatives in the Souss-Massa region of Morocco, holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production.
Common market grades include 100 percent pure cosmetic argan oil, virgin first-cold-press grade, and ECOCERT or COSMOS organic-certified material. Fair-trade and women's-cooperative certifications are increasingly available.
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering fatty-acid composition, tocopherol content, plant sterols, peroxide value, and authenticity markers.
Introduction
The argan tree is a small thorny tree endemic to southwestern Morocco and adjacent Algeria, where it has been harvested traditionally by Berber women for centuries. UNESCO designated the argan production area as a biosphere reserve in 1998 to protect the unique ecosystem.
Traditional production involves hand-extraction of kernels from the hard nut, followed by cold-pressing without solvent. The labor-intensive process and limited geographic range support sustained price premium versus other cosmetic oils.
The oil's distinctive composition includes high tocopherol content (gamma-tocopherol predominantly), schottenol and spinasterol plant sterols, and a fatty-acid profile balanced between oleic (45 to 50 percent) and linoleic (30 to 35 percent). Vitamin E and sterol content underpin antioxidant and anti-aging positioning.
Hair-care launched argan oil into the mainstream cosmetic market in the late 2000s, and it remains the largest application. Adulteration with cheaper oils is a recognized authenticity issue; gas-chromatographic fatty-acid analysis and sterol fingerprinting are standard verification methods.
Where it is used
- Premium hair-care: hair serums, conditioners, and leave-in treatments (the largest commercial application)
- Premium skincare: anti-aging serums, face oils, and night creams
- Nail-care products and cuticle oils
- Lip-care: balms, glosses, and treatments
- Massage and body oils in premium spa applications
- Soap and bar-saponification (in modest inclusion for marketing position)
- Anti-aging professional skincare lines
- Premium beard oils and men's grooming
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Pale to golden yellow clear liquid |
| Oleic acid (C18:1) | 43% to 49% |
| Linoleic acid (C18:2) | 29% to 36% |
| Palmitic acid (C16:0) | 11% to 14% |
| Tocopherols (total) | 200 to 300 mg/kg |
| Plant sterols | 1.5 to 2.7 g/kg |
| Acid value | ≤ 1.0 mg KOH/g |
| Peroxide value | ≤ 10 meq O2/kg |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 0.1 mg/kg |
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