Where does argan oil come from, and how is it made?
Argan oil has been called the 'liquid gold of Morocco' for centuries, and not without reason. This precious oil has a unique origin, a labour-intensive production process, and properties that make it one of a kind in the world of natural skincare. But where does argan oil actually come from, and how is it made? In this article, we take you to the Souss Valley in Morocco, the only place on earth where the argan tree grows. You will discover how the oil is extracted, why it is so expensive, and how to recognize genuinely pure argan oil.
Where does argan oil come from?
Argan oil comes from Morocco, more specifically from the Souss Valley in the southwest of the country. This is the only region in the world where the argan tree (Argania spinosa) grows naturally. The area between Agadir, Essaouira and Taroudant is home to the largest argan forest in the world, which was recognised by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve in 1998. The argan tree is a true survival champion. It thrives in dry, rocky soils and can withstand temperatures of up to 50°C. With a lifespan of 150 to 200 years, it has formed the backbone of the Moroccan countryside for generations not only as a source of oil, but also as protection against desertification.
The argan tree: a tree of life
The argan tree (Argania spinosa) is also known in Morocco as 'shajarat al-argan' or 'tree of life'. The tree can grow up to 10 metres tall and bears small, olive-like fruits. Inside each fruit is a hard nut, and within that are one to three kernels the source of the precious argan oil.
Notable fact: a mature argan tree takes around 15 years before it bears fruit for the first time. This long growth process directly contributes to the rarity and value of the oil.
How is argan oil made?
The production process of argan oil is time-consuming and requires great craftsmanship. There are two methods: the traditional manual method and the modern mechanical method. Both produce high-quality oil, but the traditional process gives the oil its special character.
Step 1: Collecting the fruits
The harvest of argan fruits takes place between June and August. The fruits are either picked up from the ground after they have fallen, or plucked directly from the tree. In the traditional approach, the fruits are first dried in the sun, after which the outer skin comes off more easily.
Step 2: Cracking and extracting the kernels
After drying, the hard nuts are cracked by hand a technique that Berber women have passed down from generation to generation. Using two stones, the nut is broken open to reveal the small, almond-shaped kernels. This is the most labour-intensive part of the process: for one litre of argan oil, around 30 to 50 kilograms of fruits are needed, which amounts to dozens of hours of manual labour.
Step 3: Grinding and pressing
The kernels are then ground in a traditional rotating stone mill. The resulting paste is kneaded and pressed by hand to release the oil. With cold pressing the method used by SAFWAH no heat is used, preserving all the valuable nutrients.
Step 4: Filtering and bottling
The raw oil is filtered to remove solid particles. It is then stored in glass bottles, away from light and heat, to preserve the quality. Pure, cold-pressed argan oil has a light golden-yellow colour and a subtle, nutty scent.
Is Moroccan argan oil ethically responsible?
This is a question that more and more consumers are asking themselves and rightly so. The popularity of argan oil also has a downside: as demand rises, pressure on the argan forests increases, and not all producers treat people and nature with equal care.
At SAFWAH, we work exclusively with local Berber women's cooperatives in the Souss Valley. These cooperatives are fairly compensated for their work, retain their traditional knowledge, and contribute to the protection of the argan forest. Sustainability is not a marketing term for us — it is in every bottle.
• Vegan & cruelty-free: our argan oil contains no animal ingredients and has not been tested on animals.
• Organic: our argan fruits are grown without the use of pesticides or artificial fertilisers.
• Fair trade: the Berber women who produce our oil receive a fair wage and work in safe conditions.
• Sustainable for the ecosystem: the argan tree protects the soil against erosion and helps prevent desertification.
Why is pure argan oil so expensive?
The price of genuine argan oil reflects the enormous amount of work that goes into it. For comparison: on average, 30 to 50 kg of argan fruits are needed for one litre of pure argan oil. Manually cracking the nuts and pressing the kernels takes an experienced Berber woman around 15 to 20 hours of work per litre.
Cheap 'argan oil' on the market often contains only a small percentage of real argan oil, supplemented with cheaper carrier oils. You can recognise genuine pure argan oil by:
• A clear, golden-yellow colour (not too dark, not too light)
• A light, nutty scent — not too strong, not odourless
• INCI name on the label: Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
• No perfume, colourants or preservatives in the ingredients list
Frequently asked questions about argan oil
Below we have listed the most frequently asked questions for you, so that you can get the most out of this natural wonder product.
Does pure argan oil have an expiry date?
Yes. Unopened, pure argan oil has a shelf life of approximately 2 years. Once opened, the oil is best used within 6 to 12 months. Always store the bottle in a cool, dark place and keep it tightly closed to prevent oxidation.
Are argan oil and Moroccan oil the same thing?
Not necessarily. 'Moroccan oil' is a widely used brand name (including by the brand Moroccanoil) and contains argan oil as an ingredient, but also perfume and other additives. Pure argan oil is the 100% natural ingredient itself, without any additives.
How do you know if argan oil is genuinely pure?
Look on the label for the INCI name 'Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil'. If this is the only ingredient, you have 100% pure argan oil. Avoid products where argan oil appears low on the ingredients list this means only a small amount has been included.
Is argan oil halal?
Yes. Pure argan oil is of plant origin and contains no alcohol or animal substances. It is therefore suitable for people who wish to use halal certified products.
Can argan oil go rancid?
Pure argan oil can go rancid if stored incorrectly. Store the oil in a dark, cool place and make sure the cap is tightly closed after use. A rancid smell is a sign that the oil is past its best.
Discover the pure argan oil of SAFWAH
Now that you know where argan oil comes from and how it is made, you also understand why quality varies so much between brands. At SAFWAH we offer exclusively 100% pure, cold-pressed organic argan oil directly from Berber women's cooperatives in the Souss Valley in Morocco.
👉 View our pure argan oil here and discover what real quality does for your skin and hair.
Also read: Best argan oil for hair — our complete hair care guide
