For skin and face
Its oleic and linoleic fatty acids nourish dry skin, help keep it supple and ease the feeling of tightness. It absorbs well and leaves a satin finish.
Plant oilMoroccan heritage
Argan oil
The argan tree native only to southwestern Morocco.
Its fruit ripens slowly in the Souss sun.
The kernel hidden in a very hard nut, cold-pressed.
The oil the liquid gold of your formulas.
INCI · ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OILCreate my argan range
- INCI name
- ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL
- Family
- Plant oil
- Origin
- Argan tree, Souss region (Morocco)
- Part used
- Fruit kernel, cold-pressed
- Grades
- Conventional and organic
- Areas
- Face, hair, body, lips, hammam
In brief
Argan oil in 30 seconds
By the Carmel Cosmetics Labs R&D team · updated October 2, 2026
- INCI nameARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL
- For skinnourishes and softens dry skin
- For hairadds softness and shine to the lengths
- Compositionabout 80% unsaturated fatty acids, plus vitamin E
- Originthe argan tree, native only to southwestern Morocco
( A )WHAT IT IS
What is argan oil?
Argan oil is a plant oil pressed from the kernel of the argan tree fruit (Argania spinosa), a tree native only to southwestern Morocco. Rich in unsaturated fatty acids and tocopherols (vitamin E), it is used in cosmetics to nourish and soften the skin and to give hair softness and shine.
Typical average values from the literature. They vary by origin and batch; the certificate of analysis for each batch is the reference.
Cosmetic or culinary: the difference
Cosmetic argan oil
Unroasted kernels, cold-pressed. Golden yellow color, light scent. This is the one in our products.
Culinary argan oil
Kernels roasted before pressing. Darker color, nutty taste. It is for eating, not for formulating.
( B )ITS BENEFITS
01 02 03
Argan oil benefits for skin, face and hair
For hair
On dry or dull lengths, it coats the hair fiber, reduces the look of damaged ends and adds softness and shine. Used sparingly, it does not weigh hair down.
For the formula
Naturally rich in tocopherols (vitamin E), antioxidants that help protect the oil phase from oxidation.
How to use argan oil
- Face
A few drops in the evening on clean skin, alone or mixed with your cream.
- Hair
As a pre-shampoo oil treatment, or a drop on the ends.
- Body
Massaged into still-damp skin after showering.
( C )IN OUR PRODUCTS
Launch your argan oil range
We formulate it a few kilometers from the argan forests, in products ready to carry your brand. Choose a category to see the formulas.
( D )FORMULATOR NOTES
How we formulate it
What our formulators consider when argan oil goes into your product.
- 01Oil phase
It goes into the oil phase of emulsions, balms and oils, or is used neat as a dry oil.
- 02Protect from oxidation
Rich in unsaturated fatty acids: we pair it with an antioxidant and favor opaque or airless packaging.
- 03Organic grade available
For a certified range, we use an organic grade, with supplier documentation.
- 04Origin as an asset
Its Moroccan origin can be highlighted on the packaging, provided it is documented in the product file.
Did you know?
A heritage recognized worldwide
- 1998
The argan forest of southwestern Morocco becomes a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
- 2014
Argan-related know-how is added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
- May 10
International Day of Argania, proclaimed by the UN in 2021.
Argan oil: your questions
An argan oil project?Our product specialist will answer on WhatsApp.Message us on WhatsApp
What are the benefits of argan oil for the face?
It nourishes dry skin, helps keep it supple and leaves a satin finish with no greasy film. In the evening, a few drops on clean skin are enough, alone or mixed with your cream.
How do you use argan oil on hair?
For dry hair, apply as an oil treatment 30 minutes before shampooing, or put a drop on the ends after styling for shine.
What is the difference between cosmetic and culinary argan oil?
Cosmetic oil comes from unroasted, cold-pressed kernels: it is golden and almost odorless. Culinary oil comes from roasted kernels: it is darker, with a nutty taste.
How can you tell if argan oil is pure?
Its INCI list contains a single ingredient: ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL. Organic certification and documented Moroccan origin are extra guarantees.
What is argan oil in cosmetics?
It is a plant oil pressed from the kernel of the argan tree fruit, a tree from southwestern Morocco. In cosmetics, it is used to nourish skin and hair, in creams, masks, hair oils and shampoos.
What is the INCI name of argan oil?
Its INCI name is ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL. This is the name that appears in the ingredient list on the packaging.
Can I create an argan oil range with Carmel Cosmetics Labs?
Yes. We use it in our white label formulas or in an exclusive private label formula, manufactured in our Aït Melloul factory, in the heart of argan country.
Sources
Your argan oil range, made where the argan tree grows
Send your brief: we formulate and manufacture in our ISO 22716 factory in Aït Melloul, in the heart of the Souss. A selection of formulas and a detailed quote, with no commitment.