Exploring Argan Oil: A Sustainable Story from Morocco

Since we have been buying raw ingredients for our soap making operation we have been learning some of the most interesting stories about small “micro-economic” enterprises that little by little change the world.   One of the truely amazing stories is that of Argan Oil.

Argan Oil comes from the Argan trees, which grow in North Africa, primarily in Morocco.  These trees can withstand tremendous drought, and have roots that sink deep into the soil and hold it fast from the advancing Sahara desert.  One of the big environmental problems of the past has been the clear cutting of these Argan trees.  Native Berbers of Morocco use Argan for the oil extracted from the nut fruits the trees produce.  It is a laborious hand done process to squeeze and extract this oil, and the oil of the kernel of the fruit, but the product is both a dietary benefit as well as a cosmetic benefit.

Now protected by UNESCO, an arm of the United Nations, these trees are revered, and carefully cultivated by the locals.  And the fruit nuts they give are collected and processed by small groups of Berber women.  Women in the Moroccan Berber culture have few privileges or rights.. so this small business of extracting Argan Oil has proved to be a great source of income, allowing them to get educated, and raise their overall prospects of life in Morocco.

Argan oil in soap provides deep hydration, anti-aging benefits, and intense nourishment due to its high vitamin E and essential fatty acid content. It acts as a gentle, non-irritating cleaner suitable for sensitive, dry, and acne-prone skin, improving elasticity and reducing inflammation without clogging pores. 

Key Benefits of Argan Oil in Soap:

• Deep Hydration and Moisturization: Argan oil is rich in fatty acids (oleic and linoleic) that keep skin hydrated, soft, and supple, preventing the dry, tight feeling common with traditional soaps.
• Anti-Aging and Skin Elasticity: High levels of vitamin E and antioxidants help combat free radicals, reduce fine lines, and improve skin elasticity for a more youthful, firmer appearance.
• Soothes Sensitive and Irritated Skin: It possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-acne properties, making it excellent for soothing conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and sunburn.
• Non-Comedogenic (Won’t Clog Pores): Despite being nourishing, it is lightweight, making it safe for oily or acne-prone skin while balancing sebum production.
• Gentle Cleansing: It provides a luxurious lather that cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. 

Argan oil is frequently found in artisanal and natural soaps, acting as both a nourishing agent and an antioxidant to protect skin from environmental damage.

We buy the Argan Oil to add to several of our products.  The argan oil provides a soothing ingredient that absorbs into the skin leaving it moisturized, smooth, while bringing a healing quality.  Moroccan Berbers use this for treating skin conditions, such as acne, and irritations of the skin.