Contents 13 sections
Where the Sahara meets the sea
To get to know the origin of one of Morocco’s most valuable natural raw materials better, we once again visited our long-standing suppliers of organic argan oil. The focus of our trip was on visits to women’s cooperatives and production sites, to gain insights into the origin, processing and social structures surrounding argan oil production.
Where does argan oil come from?
Argan oil is obtained from the fruit of the argan tree (Argania spinosa). This tree species grows almost exclusively in southern Morocco and in small areas of south-eastern Algeria. The traditional use of the argan tree and its fruit has been recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Which constituents make argan oil so valuable?
Argan oil is characterised by its particular composition:
- Polyphenols (antioxidants)
- Tocopherols (vitamin E), especially alpha-tocopherol
- Essential fatty acids such as omega-6 and omega-9
- Phytosterols
- Carotenoids as precursors of vitamin A
- Natural squalene
This combination makes argan oil a versatile raw material for cosmetic applications.
Who owns the argan trees?
The argan trees are owned by the families who live in the rural regions of south-western Morocco. The use of the trees is closely linked to the local culture and to the livelihoods of many communities.
Ripening period and lifespan
- Fruit ripening: July to September, depending on climate and location
- Start of fruit production: after approx. 7 to 15 years
- Peak yield phase: from approx. the 40th year
- Lifespan: up to 200 years
Certified wild collection
Our suppliers’ harvesting areas are fully certified. The argan fruit is collected exclusively from natural stands.
Collection and processing of argan nuts
Argan nuts are harvested exclusively by picking up the ripe fruit from the ground. Picking directly from the tree is not permitted. After collection, the fruit, including the pulp, is dried, stored and transported to the processing centres as required.
Traditionally, the women first remove the dried pulp and then crack the extremely hard nutshells by hand. This step requires a great deal of experience and skill.
Depending on their intended use, the kernels are processed in different ways:
- Roasted kernels are used to produce culinary argan oil.
- Unroasted kernels are cold-pressed and yield virgin argan oil for cosmetic applications.
During cold pressing, temperatures remain low to preserve the quality of the valuable constituents as far as possible. The oil is then filtered to obtain a pure, clear end product.
The role of the women’s cooperatives
The women in our partner cooperatives are employed on a permanent basis, not just seasonally. In addition to collecting and cracking the nuts, the cooperatives make an important contribution to local value creation.
The projects promote women’s economic independence and make an important contribution to the social and economic development of the communities.
Social responsibility and sustainable development
Our partners support long-term employment opportunities and follow the principles of fair trade. The aim is to create sustainable value together with the local communities while promoting the conservation of the argan forests.
Supported projects include those in the following areas:
- Education
- Support for women
- Youth development
- Healthcare
- Legal aid
- Sport and leisure
- Access to clean water
The positive effects can be seen, among other things, in improved educational opportunities, less migration away from the region and greater equality within the communities.
Why is argan oil of interest for cosmetics?
Thanks to its balanced composition, argan oil is a versatile ingredient in cosmetic formulations. It is used in particular in skin and hair care products.
- Caring properties for skin and hair
- Helps to support skin moisture
- Natural antioxidants that help to protect against oxidative stress
- Pleasant skin feel and good spreadability
The combination of fatty acids, antioxidants and other bioactive components makes argan oil a sought-after raw material for modern cosmetic applications.
Upcycling and complete use
When argan nuts are processed, almost every component is put to further use:
- The pulp is used as animal feed.
- The press cake can be used in various applications.
- Argan shells are used as a natural biofuel.
In this way, the argan value chain contributes to a resource-conserving and sustainable use of the raw material.
Why do goats climb argan trees?
Argan trees are often also referred to as ‘goat trees’. The animals like to eat the sweet pulp of the yellow argan fruit. Thanks to the short trunk and widely spreading branches, goats can easily climb into the treetops.
For oil production, only fully ripe fruit lying on the ground is collected. Material digested by animals is not used.
Conclusion
Organic argan oil combines traditional craftsmanship, the sustainable use of natural resources and significant social value creation. The work of the women’s cooperatives, certified wild collection and the complete use of the argan fruit make this raw material a special component of modern cosmetic formulations.
