For the body
In a creamy or oil-based scrub, its grains remove dead cells and impurities: skin is smoother and softer, ready to receive a care product.
Plant powderMoroccan heritage
Argan shell powder
The argan tree a tree endemic to southwestern Morocco.
The nut its hard shell, crushed into grains for scrubbing.
Shell and kernels the shell surrounds the kernels from which the oil is pressed.
The grain fine for the face, firmer for the body.
INCI · ARGANIA SPINOSA SHELL POWDERCreate my argan shell range
- INCI name
- ARGANIA SPINOSA SHELL POWDER
- Other names
- Ground argan shell, argan nut shell powder
- Family
- Exfoliating plant powder
- Origin
- Argan tree (Argania spinosa), a tree endemic to southwestern Morocco
- Part used
- Shell of the nut, dried and ground
- Areas
- Body, face, hammam
In brief
Argan shell powder in 30 seconds
By the Carmel Cosmetics Labs R&D team · updated October 18, 2026
- INCI nameARGANIA SPINOSA SHELL POWDER (argan nut shell powder)
- What it isthe shell of the argan nut, dried then ground
- For skina natural scrub grain, fine for the face, firmer for the body
- For the formulaan abrasive function according to the CosIng database
- Originthe argan tree, endemic to southwestern Morocco
( A )WHAT IT IS
What is argan shell powder?
Argan shell powder is obtained by drying then grinding the hard shell of the argan nut, the fruit of the argan tree (Argania spinosa). The shell makes up about 86% of the nut: it is the part that surrounds the kernels from which argan oil is pressed. Declared as ARGANIA SPINOSA SHELL POWDER, it is classed by the CosIng database as an abrasive and serves as a natural grain in body and face scrubs.
Argan shell, apricot kernel or argan oil: the difference
Argan shell
The shell of the argan nut, ground, declared as ARGANIA SPINOSA SHELL POWDER. A firm plant grain, at the heart of our body and face scrubs.
Apricot kernel
Another plant scrub powder, from the apricot kernel, often paired with argan shell to adjust the size and feel of the grain.
Argan oil
The oil pressed from the kernels, declared as ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL. It nourishes the skin; the shell exfoliates. The two are often found in the same scrub.
( B )ITS BENEFITS01 02 03
Benefits of argan shell powder for skin
For the face
Ground more finely, it makes a gentle face scrub, to be used once or twice a week, for clean skin and a more radiant-looking complexion.
For the formula
A plant-based grain, from a part of the nut that oil production leaves aside. It tells the story of the argan tree, whose practices and know-how have been on UNESCO's intangible heritage list since 2014.
How to use an argan shell scrub
- Body
On damp skin, massage in circular movements, focusing on elbows, knees and heels, then rinse with lukewarm water.
- Face
A small amount of fine scrub massaged in without pressing, avoiding the eye area, once or twice a week, then rinsed.
- Hammam
After the black soap and the steam, the argan shell scrub extends the ritual, before the rinse and the care oil.
( C )IN OUR PRODUCTS
Launch your argan shell range
We place it at the heart of body and face scrubs, and of care for the hammam ritual, ready to carry your brand. Choose a category to see our formulas.
Catalog products with argan shell powder
( D )FORMULATOR NOTES
How we build it in
What our formulators take into account when argan shell powder goes into your product.
Often paired with
- 01Grain size
We choose the particle size by area: finer for the face, firmer for the body, with consistent sieving from batch to batch.
- 02Well-distributed grains
In a cream or gel base, we adjust the viscosity so the grains stay in suspension and do not sink to the bottom of the jar.
- 03Microbiological cleanliness
A raw plant material, the powder is checked on receipt, and the complete formula is made with osmosed water.
- 04The right INCI name
The INCI list shows ARGANIA SPINOSA SHELL POWDER for the shell, and ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL only if argan oil is also in the formula.
Did you know?
The argan nut, from kernel to shell
- 86 %
The shell makes up about 86% of the argan nut: a large volume to make use of after the oil is extracted.
- UNESCO 2014
The practices and know-how linked to the argan tree have been inscribed since 2014 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- Argan forest
The Arganeraie, in southwestern Morocco, has been a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1998; it covers nearly 2.5 million hectares.
Argan shell powder: your questions
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What is argan shell powder?
Argan shell powder is the hard shell of the argan nut, dried then ground into grains of varying fineness. Declared as ARGANIA SPINOSA SHELL POWDER, it is classed as an abrasive by the CosIng database. It serves as a natural grain in body and face scrubs.
What is an argan shell scrub used for?
An argan shell scrub removes dead cells and impurities for smoother, softer skin. On the body, it prepares the skin to receive an oil or a milk; on the face, in a fine grain, it leaves clean skin and a more radiant-looking complexion.
How do you use an argan shell scrub?
Apply it to damp skin and massage in small circles, focusing on rough areas such as elbows, knees and heels. Rinse with lukewarm water, then apply a body oil or milk. For the body, once or twice a week is enough.
Is argan shell powder suitable for the face?
Yes, provided it is finely ground and built into a gentle base. Massage without pressing, avoiding the eye area, once or twice a week at most. Avoid scrubbing irritated skin or after sunburn.
What is the difference between argan shell and argan oil?
They come from the same fruit but not the same part. The oil is pressed from the kernels and nourishes the skin; the shell around them is ground into grains to exfoliate. On a label, the shell is called ARGANIA SPINOSA SHELL POWDER and the oil ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL.
Can you create an argan shell range with Carmel Cosmetics Labs?
Yes. Carmel Cosmetics Labs builds argan shell powder into body scrubs, face scrubs and care for the hammam ritual in white label, or into an exclusive private label formula, made in our ISO 22716 factory in Aït Melloul, Morocco. We support you from choosing the formula through to packaging with your brand.
Sources
- European Commission, CosIng database: ARGANIA SPINOSA SHELL POWDER (argan nut shell powder)
- UNESCO, Argan, practices and know-how concerning the argan tree, Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2014)
- UNESCO, MAB Programme: Arganeraie biosphere reserve (1998)
- Jordà-Reolid M. et al., Incorporation of Argan Shell Flour in a Biobased Polypropylene Matrix for the Development of High Environmentally Friendly Composites by Injection Molding, Polymers 15(12) (2023)
Your argan shell range, made in Morocco
Send your brief: we formulate and manufacture your argan shell scrubs in our ISO 22716 factory in Aït Melloul. Free consultation and a selection of formulas, no commitment.