But it is worthy spending a little extra to buy 100% pure Argan Oil, instead of paying less for something you could easily find the drug store or your kitchen cupboard.
Did you know that even if you buy Argan Oil in Morocco, it is not a guarantee that the oil is not diluted, unless you know exactly where to buy. We source ours directly from a well-known manufacturer in South West Morocco and it is certified with ECOCERT (France) and the Organic Farmers & Growers (UK).
With the rising popularity of Argan Oil, there are so many brands to choose from. Unfortunately, there are too many that is not worth your money. So how you go about verifying an authentic Argan Oil?
1. Ingredient List
Look for Argan Oil that has only one ingredient: 100% Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil. No preservatives, no fragrance, no paraben and not even water. Just pure, cold pressed organic Argan Oil. Cosmetic research have shown that when you combine Argan Oil with other ingredients you actually DEGRADE the beneficial effects.
2. Packaging
Do not buy Argan Oil sold in clear or plastic bottles. Light breaks down the oil’s best properties and dark tinted glass is the only way to store this precious oil.
3. Price
Argan Oil is difficult to produce, labour tedious and can't possibly be the same price as any other vegetable oil. The price of Argan is also determined by the concentration in the bottle. This is not to say that the most expensive Argan Oil is the best either. Sure, the $19.90 brand looks really good but essentially contain less than 10% of Argan. But you also want to make sure you are paying for pure Argan Oil, not expensive marketing exercises and fancy packaging.
4. The scent
Argan oil has a mild nutty aroma. The scent disappears after few minutes upon contact with your skin, as true Argan Oil absorbs quickly. You should avoid strong smelling or odourless oil. Fragrance is also not necessarily a merit.
5. Texture
Argan Oil should be smooth, non-sticky and not too watery. It should disappear into your skin quickly and provide a soothing effect upon application.
6. Color
Pure Argan Oil from Morocco is a golden yellow colour. If the colour is too light, it is most likely diluted or mixed with other oils. Culinary Argan is a golden brown colour and should be avoided.
There are two types of Argan Oil in the market - cosmetic grade and culinary grade. To obtain culinary Argan Oil, the nuts are first roasted, which destroy most of the cosmetic rich nutrients. Cosmetic grade is not roasted and hence contains all the essential nutrients required by the skin and hair. Ensure that you are buying virgin or cold pressed Argan.
8. Fair trade
Look for ethically sourced pure Argan grown in the UNESCO protected Argan forest. The money you pay will help the local citizens. Argan Oil plays a vital in supporting local economy. We only sell 100% pure organic Argan Oil produced in Morocco by 22 cooperatives that give local women jobs to feed their children and families.
100% Pure Organic Argan Oil is available from our Carlton City Hotel studio for $45.00 (50ml). Limited stock available, reservation highly recommended.