Argan oil
Argan oil is pressed from the kernels of the fruit of the argan tree, Argania spinosa, which grows in southwestern Morocco. The fruit is dried and hulled, the hard nuts are cracked (often by hand in cooperatives) and the kernels are pressed. Cosmetic argan oil is pressed from unroasted kernels and is pale and mild; culinary argan oil is pressed from roasted kernels and has a nutty flavor. Brands buy virgin cosmetic oil, deodorized oil and organic grades.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Oil cold-pressed from unroasted kernels, pale gold with a light odor.
Oil pressed from roasted kernels with a darker color and nutty flavor, used in foods.
Virgin oil deodorized to remove most of its odor for fragranced or odor-sensitive products.
Oil from certified organic production, often with cooperative or fair-trade documentation.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store sealed in a cool, dark place, away from heat, and limit air exposure after opening. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, with acid value and peroxide value retested on aged stock.
Record grade (cosmetic or culinary, virgin or deodorized) and the cooperative or origin for each lot. Sterol results are worth keeping because argan is a frequent target for dilution.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
A Health Canada natural health product monograph lists argan seed oil, with the seed of Argania spinosa as the source material.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Distributor · Redmond, WA
US supplier of cosmetic ingredients repackaged in retail and bulk sizes, covering actives, butters, oils, waxes and emulsifiers for brands, contract manufacturers and independent formulators.
Distributor · Oxford, CT
Connecticut supplier, trading as Praan Naturals, of certified organic and conventional carrier oils, butters, waxes, clays and botanicals for personal care manufacturers.
Manufacturer · Deerfield, IL
US oleochemical producer whose personal care unit (which absorbed Jeen International) sources, blends and refines natural oils and butters in cosmetic, food and pharma grades, and makes glycerin.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include cosmetic virgin, culinary (roasted), deodorized and organic. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect fatty acid profile, sterol profile, acid value and peroxide value, uV absorbance (K232, K270) and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store sealed in a cool, dark place, away from heat, and limit air exposure after opening. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, with acid value and peroxide value retested on aged stock.
A Health Canada natural health product monograph lists argan seed oil, with the seed of Argania spinosa as the source material.
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