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Argan oil is often called the liquid gold of Morocco. But what exactly is it, what is it good for, and how do you know whether the bottle in your hand is truly pure? This guide covers everything you need to know, from the argan tree to the right drop on your skin and in your hair.
What is argan oil?
Argan oil is a plant oil pressed from the kernels of the fruit of the argan tree (Argania spinosa). The tree grows almost exclusively in south-western Morocco, in the region around Agadir and Essaouira. The area is so unique that UNESCO recognised it as a biosphere reserve in 1998.
In Morocco, argan oil has been used for centuries, in the kitchen as well as for skin and hair care. It is part of the rituals passed down from mother to daughter, including the traditional hammam.
Why is argan oil so precious?
Making argan oil is labour-intensive. The fruits are picked and dried, then the hard nuts are cracked one by one to free the small kernels. Only then are those kernels cold-pressed. One litre of oil takes dozens of kilos of fruit.
That is why real, pure argan oil is never a bargain product. If you see a bottle for a few euros, read the label carefully: it is often a blend containing only a little argan oil.
What is in argan oil?
Argan oil consists mostly of unsaturated fatty acids, mainly oleic acid and linoleic acid. These help keep the skin supple and retain moisture. Argan oil is also naturally rich in vitamin E (tocopherols) and plant sterols, antioxidants that help protect the skin.
That combination explains why argan oil feels light, absorbs quickly and still nourishes. It is one of the few oils you can confidently use on face, body and hair.
What is argan oil good for?
Argan oil for your hair
This is what argan oil is best known for. A few drops through the lengths and ends tame frizz, add shine and make dry hair softer and easier to comb, without weighing it down.
- As a finish: rub 1 to 2 drops between your palms and smooth them over the lengths and ends of damp or dry hair.
- As a mask: apply a more generous amount to the lengths, leave on for 30 minutes to overnight, then wash your hair as usual.
- For curls and coily hair: apply a drop to damp hair to define curls and prevent dryness.
Always start with a little. For fine hair, one drop is often enough.
Argan oil for your face
Argan oil is light and absorbs quickly, which makes it suitable for the face too. It helps soften dry, tight skin and gives a natural glow.
Use 2 to 3 drops as the last step of your routine, on clean, slightly damp skin. A tip: mist your face with rose water first. On damp skin the oil spreads more easily and absorbs better.
Argan oil for your body
After a shower or bath, your skin is at its most receptive. Massage a few drops of argan oil into still-damp skin, especially on dry areas such as elbows, knees and shins. After a scrub or hammam ritual, this is when your skin absorbs the oil best.
Argan oil for nails and cuticles
Massage a drop into your cuticles every evening. They become softer and your nails look well cared for.
How to recognise real argan oil
Not every bottle with argan on the label is pure argan oil. Look for these six points:
- One ingredient. The ingredient list (INCI) shows only Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil. If other oils, fragrance or silicones are listed, it is a blend or a product with argan oil, not pure argan oil.
- Cold-pressed. Cold pressing preserves vitamin E and the other valuable compounds as well as possible.
- Colour. Cosmetic argan oil is a light golden yellow. A dark, amber oil is usually culinary argan oil, made from roasted kernels.
- Scent. Cosmetic argan oil smells lightly nutty or of almost nothing. A strong, roasted smell points to culinary oil, which is not meant for your skin.
- Price. Because of the labour-intensive process, pure argan oil is never dirt cheap. A very low price is a reason to read the label extra carefully.
- Certification. A label such as Ecocert confirms that the oil is organic and checked against strict standards, from cultivation to final product.
Organic argan oil: what does Ecocert mean?
Ecocert is an independent certification body for organic agriculture and natural cosmetics. An Ecocert certificate means the oil is organically grown, without synthetic pesticides, and that the whole chain is checked. For you, it mainly means certainty: you know what you are putting on your skin.
Our Atlas Elixir is 100% pure, cold-pressed argan oil from the Agadir region, certified organic by Ecocert. One ingredient, nothing added.
Cosmetic or culinary argan oil?
There are two kinds of argan oil. Culinary argan oil is made from roasted kernels, has a dark colour and a distinct nutty taste, and is used in Morocco in dishes and in amlou, a spread with almonds and honey. Cosmetic argan oil is pressed from unroasted kernels and is meant for skin and hair. Don't mix them up: culinary oil smells strong on your skin, and cosmetic oil is not meant to be eaten.
Argan oil or prickly pear seed oil?
Prickly pear seed oil also comes from Morocco and is often compared with argan oil. The difference lies in the role each plays:
- Argan oil is the versatile base: for face, body, hair and nails, every day.
- Prickly pear seed oil is lighter and naturally richer in vitamin E. It is focused on the face, for fine lines, dull skin and tired eyes. Because it takes even more fruit to make one litre, it is also more precious.
Many women use them together: Sahara Elixir for the face, Atlas Elixir for body and hair. You will find them together in The Elixir Duo.
Argan oil in the hammam ritual
In the traditional Moroccan hammam, argan oil is the final step. First black soap softens the skin, then the kessa glove lifts away dead skin cells, and finally argan oil nourishes the freshly exfoliated skin. That is when your skin absorbs the oil best. Read the hammam ritual in four steps to learn how to do it at home.
Safety and use
- Argan oil suits most skin types. If you have very sensitive or acne-prone skin, test the oil on a small area for a few days first, for example in the crook of your elbow.
- Argan oil is made from a nut. If you have a nut allergy, consult your doctor first.
- Store argan oil somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight, and use it within the shelf life stated on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions about argan oil
Is argan oil good for your hair?
Yes. Argan oil tames frizz, adds shine and softens dry hair. Use 1 to 2 drops through the lengths and ends, or as a mask before washing.
Can you use argan oil on your face?
Yes. Cosmetic argan oil is light and absorbs quickly. Apply 2 to 3 drops to clean, slightly damp skin as the last step of your routine.
Does argan oil clog pores?
Argan oil is a light oil that does not clog pores for most people. If you have acne-prone skin, test it on a small area first.
How much argan oil should you use?
A little is enough: 2 to 3 drops for your face, 1 to 2 for your hair and a few drops per area of the body. Too much oil sits on the skin instead of absorbing.
Where can you buy pure argan oil?
Choose an oil with one ingredient (Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil), cold-pressed, and ideally with an organic certification such as Ecocert. Our Atlas Elixir meets all three and ships from Belgium.
Read Also
- Posted on
What your skin actually needs and when.
Two of the most beloved ingredients in Moroccan beauty, yet so often confused. The Argan Scrub and the Ghassoul Clay Mask each serve a distinct purpose on your skin. Used together as part of the weekly hammam ritual, they form a complete cleansing sequence. Used interchangeably, you miss the point of both. Here is exactly what each one does, and why the order matters.
Argan Scrub
Exfoliates & smooths
Removes dead skin cells
Instantly softens skin
Improves texture
Leaves a nourished, silky finish
Best for: rough skin, dull texture, before applying oil
Ghassoul Mask
Purifies & balances
Draws out impurities
Absorbs excess oil
Unclogs pores
Leaves a clean, fresh feel
Best for: acne-prone skin, oily areas, deep cleansing
The surface layer vs. the pore
Think of your skin in two distinct layers of concern. The outermost surface is constantly shedding old, dead cells. When these accumulate, skin can look dull, feel rough, and absorb oils less effectively.
This is where the Argan Sugar Scrub (Ruby or Golden Argan Scrub) works. The sugar granules physically lift away buildup, while argan oil conditions the fresh skin underneath. The result is immediate: skin feels smooth, soft, and ready to receive treatment.
Beneath that surface layer sit your pores — tiny openings that can fill with sebum, environmental debris, and daily residue. No amount of surface exfoliation can fully purify what sits deeper inside the pore.
That is where the Ghassoul Clay Mask (Clay Ritual) comes in. Ghassoul is a mineral-rich Moroccan clay traditionally used to deeply cleanse, absorb excess oil, and leave the skin feeling fresh without stripping it.
A different action, a different sensation
After the scrub, your skin feels soft, warm, and satiny, the sensation of exfoliation followed by nourishment. After the ghassoul mask, it feels clean, cool, and balanced, a deep-cleansed freshness rather than only a surface smoothness.
Action
Scrub removes
Clay draws out
Target
Dead skin surface
Inside the pore
Sensation
Smooth & nourished
Clean & balanced
Sequence
Scrub first
Mask second
The ritual sequence
In the traditional hammam, these two steps follow a precise order and there is a reason for it.
Scrub first. Exfoliating before the mask removes the layer of dead cells, allowing the clay to make better contact with the skin.
Mask second. Once the surface is clear, the ghassoul clay can absorb excess oil, purify, and leave the skin feeling genuinely clean.
Oil to finish. After both steps, the skin is at its most receptive. This is the ideal moment to apply argan or prickly pear seed oil.
“Two steps. One to reveal the surface, one to purify within.This is the sequence Moroccan women have followed for generations.”
The Mahara Rituals Edit.
- Posted on
A timeless skincare tradition rooted in wellbeing, beauty, and self-care.
The Moroccan hammam ritual is more than a cleansing routine, it is a centuries-old tradition passed down through generations. Combining steam, natural ingredients, and intentional care, it purifies the body, softens the skin, and restores balance. In today’s fast-paced world, the hammam offers something rare: a moment to slow down, reconnect, and care for yourself with intention.
What Is a Moroccan Hammam?
A hammam is a traditional steam bath originating from Morocco and the wider Maghreb region. Historically, it was a place of cleansing, relaxation, and connection.
At the heart of the ritual lies a precise skincare sequence using natural Moroccan ingredients such as black soap, ghassoul clay, and nourishing plant oils. Each step plays a specific role in cleansing, exfoliating, and deeply hydrating the skin.
The Benefits of the Hammam Ritual
• Deep cleansing and detoxification
• Gentle yet effective exfoliation
• Smoother, softer and more radiant skin
• Better absorption of nourishing oils
• Relaxation and stress relief
More than skincare, the hammam transforms your routine into a mindful ritual.
The Step-by-Step Hammam Ritual
I. Steam & Prepare
Start with steam or a hot shower to open the pores and soften the skin. This prepares your body for deep cleansing.
II. Cleanse with Black Soap
Apply Moroccan black soap to damp skin and leave it on for a few minutes. It softens dead skin cells and deeply cleanses without stripping the skin.
III. Exfoliate with a Kessa Glove
Using a kessa glove, exfoliate with firm motions. Dead skin cells are removed, revealing smoother and healthier skin.
IV. Purify with Ghassoul Clay
Apply ghassoul clay to absorb impurities and excess oil while respecting the skin’s natural balance.
V. Rinse & Refresh
Rinse thoroughly and gradually cool the water to refresh the skin and close the pores.
VI. Nourish with Oils
Finish with a nourishing oil such as argan oil or prickly pear seed oil to deeply hydrate and restore the skin.
Creating the Hammam at Home
You do not need a traditional hammam to experience this ritual. With the right products and intention, your bathroom becomes your own private sanctuary. Take your time, disconnect, and turn this ritual into a moment that is entirely yours.
Why This Ritual Matters
The hammam has endured for centuries because it works in harmony with the body. It respects the skin, uses natural ingredients, and transforms skincare into a restorative experience. It is not about perfection, it is about slowing down, being present, and caring for yourself.
Experience Moroccan beauty through a complete hammam ritual, from cleansing to nourishment.
Begin your ritual. You deserve it.