CAS Number:
223747-87-3
Chemical / INCI Name:
Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil
EC Number:
271-298-0
Source:
Derived from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), native to Morocco
Other Names:
Argan Oil, Moroccan Argan Oil, Liquid Gold of Morocco, Argania Oil
Uses:
Argan Oil is a luxurious, golden-yellow oil extracted from the kernels of the argan tree. Often called "Liquid Gold," it is one of the most prized and versatile oils in cosmetics, valued for its exceptional nourishing, anti-aging, and protective properties .
· Skin Care: Widely used in facial serums, moisturizers, anti-aging creams, body lotions, and eye creams. It deeply hydrates, improves elasticity, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, soothes inflammation, and helps regenerate skin cells .
· Hair Care: Used in hair oils, conditioners, masks, serums, and leave-in treatments to nourish dry scalp, repair damaged hair, tame frizz, add brilliant shine, and protect against heat and environmental damage .
· Facial Care: Excellent as a carrier oil for essential oils and active ingredients. Its non-comedogenic nature makes it suitable for most skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin .
· Nail & Cuticle Care: Used to strengthen brittle nails and soften cuticles .
· Lip Care: Used in lip balms and treatments for its intense moisturizing properties .
· Massage & Aromatherapy: Provides smooth, nourishing glide in massage products .
· Soap Making: Valued in soap making for its conditioning properties and stable lather .
· Anti-Aging: Exceptionally rich in antioxidants (vitamin E, polyphenols), essential fatty acids, and sterols that combat free radicals, support collagen production, and slow signs of aging .
Origin
Argan Oil is a 100% natural, plant-derived oil obtained from the kernels of the argan tree, which grows exclusively in Morocco. The traditional extraction process is labor-intensive:
· Harvesting: Argan fruits are harvested from wild trees .
· Drying: Fruits are dried in the sun .
· Depulping: The outer pulp is removed to reveal the hard nut .
· Cracking: The hard nut is cracked open by hand to access the kernels .
· Grinding: Kernels are ground into a paste .
· Pressing: The paste is pressed to extract the oil .
· Filtration: The oil is filtered to produce pure argan oil .
The resulting oil can be:
· Cosmetic Grade: Cold-pressed from roasted kernels, resulting in a darker color and nutty aroma .
· Culinary Grade: Cold-pressed from unroasted kernels, resulting in a lighter color and more delicate flavor
What does Argan Oil do in a formulation?
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Emollient: Softens and smooths the skin without greasiness .
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Skin Conditioning Agent: Nourishes, regenerates, and improves skin texture and elasticity .
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Hair Conditioning Agent: Moisturizes, repairs, tames frizz, and adds brilliant shine .
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Carrier Oil: Dilutes essential oils and active ingredients .
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Occlusive Agent: Forms a protective barrier on skin to prevent moisture loss .
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Anti-Aging Agent: Exceptionally rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids that combat free radicals and support skin regeneration
Safety Profile:
· General Hazard Classification: Considered safe for topical use. GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) for consumption .
· Irritation & Sensitization: Generally regarded as non-irritating and non-sensitizing for most skin types, including sensitive skin .
· Comedogenicity: Considered non-comedogenic (rated 0-1 on a scale of 0-5, very low risk of clogging pores). Its similarity to human sebum makes it well-tolerated by most skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin .
· Allergenicity: Tree nut allergies may extend to argan. Individuals with known tree nut allergies should exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider before use .
· Grades:
· Cosmetic Grade (Roasted): Darker golden color, nutty aroma, rich in antioxidants .
· Culinary Grade (Unroasted): Lighter color, milder flavor, also suitable for cosmetics .
· Virgin/Organic: Highest quality, cold-pressed, unrefined, maximum nutrient retention .
· Stability: Argan oil has good oxidative stability due to its high content of monounsaturated fats (oleic acid) and natural antioxidants (vitamin E, polyphenols) .
· Storage: Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. It remains liquid at room temperature .
· Shelf Life: Typically 1-2 years when stored properly .
· Regulatory Status: Approved for use in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals worldwide .
Technical profile:
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Property
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Values
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Appearance
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Clear, golden-yellow to amber oily liquid
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Odor
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Characteristic nutty/earthy aroma (cosmetic grade) or mild (culinary grade)
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Acid Value
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≤ 1.0 mg KOH/g
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Peroxide Value
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≤ 5.0 meq/kg
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Iodine Value
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95 - 110 g I?/100g
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Saponification Value
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185 - 200 mg KOH/g
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Unsaponifiable Matter
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0.5 - 1.5% (rich in sterols, vitamin E, polyphenols)
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Refractive Index
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1.465 - 1.470 at 20°C
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Specific Gravity
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0.906 - 0.919 at 20°C
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Melting Point
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Approximately -5°C to -15°C (5-23°F) - remains liquid at room temperature
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Flash Point
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240°C (> 464°F)
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Solubility
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Insoluble in water; soluble in oils and organic solvents
Fatty Acid Profile Oleic Acid (~40-50%), Linoleic Acid (~30-40%), Palmitic Acid (~10-15%), Stearic Acid (~4-8%)
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Vitamin E Content
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60-80 mg/100g (exceptionally high)
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Shelf Life
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1-2 years when stored properly
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Recommended Use Level
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1 - 100% (can be used as a base oil)
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