| What is it? |
A liquid oil pressed from the kernels of the Moroccan Argania Spinosa tree. |
| Appearance |
A golden liquid oil. |
| Texture |
Smooth and rich, though relatively light. |
| Scent |
The unrefined variety has a slight nutty scent that I really like, the refined variety doesn’t smell like much. |
| Absorbency Speed |
Average; if you apply very little and spread it around it absorbs in a flash. |
| Why do we use it in formulations? |
It’s a beautiful, rich oil that’s high in Vitamin E MT-50 (USA / Canada). It’s beautiful in lotions and serums, but due to it’s relatively high cost, I prefer to use it in projects like serums rather than soaps and lotions so it can really shine; like all carrier oils, if you use it highly diluted in a lotion or body butter, you won’t be able to appreciate its awesomeness as much. |
| Do you need it? |
Argan oil was one of the first oils I ever purchased and I’ll never be without it. I only ever purchase 100ml/3.3fl oz at a time as I tend to only use it neat or mixed with one other pricier carrier oil. |
| Refined or unrefined? |
I prefer unrefined. |
| Strengths |
A fantastic all-in-one serum, rich in vitamins and minerals. Your skin and hair will love it! |
| Weaknesses |
It is a little pricey as far as carrier oils go. |
| Alternatives & Substitutions |
As a serum ingredient, it’s irreplaceable. If you are planning on using it in lotions, body butters, or soaps, you can easily swap it for other average absorbing carrier oils like jojoba, sweet almond, or olive. |
| How to Work with It |
I love it in serums and used neat. A funnel always helps getting it from one bottle to another, and I recommend discarding the orifice reducer/dropper top your bottle might come with—it’s a pain! |
| Storage & Shelf Life |
Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, argan oil (USA / Canada) should last up to two years. |
| Tips, Tricks, and Quirks |
Try transferring some to a 15ml/half ounce glass bottle with an eye dropper lid for easy daily use. |
| Recommended starter amount |
100mL (3.3fl oz) or less |
| Where to Buy it |
For the love of your pocketbook, don’t buy it from shops like Sephora, even though you can. Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier or Amazon. |
