Argan Oil, Cold Pressed, Lightly Roasted, Organic, 500 ml

Argan oil from lightly roasted argan kernels, cold-pressed, serves as a nourishing oil in the oil phase of creams, serums and butters as well as directly on skin, hair and nails. It originates from Morocco, where the argan tree grows, and holds BIO certification. Brief roasting of the kernels before pressing gives it a nutty scent and a deeper yellow shade than oil from unroasted kernels.

Why it stands out

• Softening and suppleness – as an emollient it fills minor surface irregularities, leaves skin smoother and helps reduce water loss. Dry and flaky skin benefits most.
• Pleasant feel on application – absorbs gradually and does not leave a noticeably greasy film. Suitable for daytime products and facial serums.
• Nutty character – the roasting scent remains detectable in the finished product. In unscented formulations it is a natural part of their character; in scented ones, factor it in when selecting the fragrance.
• Hair and nails – traditionally used in Morocco to care for hair and nail beds. In cosmetics it is added to hair tip oils, masks and cuticle oils, where it softens and adds shine.

Use in formulation

It dissolves in oils and fats, not in water. In emulsions it belongs in the oil phase, where it combines freely with other vegetable oils, butters and waxes. In anhydrous products such as balms, body butters, oil serums and hair oils it can form both the base and the entire content of a formulation.

As with other cold-pressed oils, add it only to the cooling emulsion. It does not need to be heated together with emulsifiers and waxes, and will thus retain its scent and properties better. The proportion in the emulsion depends on whether the oil is intended as the main emollient or merely a complement. Verify the final dosage in the finished formulation.

Suitable for products such as

• Facial serums and oils – on their own or blended with lighter oils for dry and mature skin.
• Creams and body lotions – as an emollient in the oil phase, contributing to a supple feel.
• Hair oils and masks – on tips and lengths, in pre-wash masks.
• Balms and body butters – in anhydrous formulations together with butters and waxes.
• Nail and cuticle oils – in small packaging with a dropper or brush.
• Cold-process soap – as part of the oil blend, usually in a smaller proportion alongside base oils.

Good to know

• Colour – the yellow oil can shift the shade of a white cream towards a warmer ivory at higher dosages. In transparent oil serums the yellow colour is, on the contrary, an advantage.
• Toners and water-based products – without a solubiliser the oil will not stay dispersed in water. Incorporate it into toners and mists via a solubiliser or opt for an emulsion.
• Preservation – pure oil and anhydrous products do not require a preservative. Every formulation containing water requires one, regardless of the oil proportion.

Roasted and unroasted argan oil

Both versions are cold-pressed from the kernels of the same tree. With the roasted version the kernels are briefly heated before pressing, giving the oil a nutty scent and a deeper colour. The unroasted oil is lighter and has a milder scent, making it the more common choice for scented facial products where the oil's own aroma should not interfere. The roasted version suits products where a natural scent is intended to be part of the character: body and hair oils, balms and unscented serums.

Frequently asked questions