In recent years, there’s been a real revival of interest in natural ingredients.

As people are more and more aware of the importance of choosing non-toxic skin care products, they are increasingly turning to effective natural alternatives, such as oils and butters from plants or nuts. Argan oil, known for centuries in Morocco for its skin and hair care benefits, has been popular in America for over a decade.

The oil, described as "green gold" in its country of origin, has many benefits.

What is argan oil?

It is the argan tree, a thorny tree growing in the region of Essaouira and Agadir, Morocco, that produces the fruit from which argan oil is extracted. These round, yellow fruits contain nuts, which in turn contain kernels, which are crushed to extract the precious oil.

Rich in vitamin E, this oil is prized in cosmetology for its antioxidant properties, which make it a recommended rejuvenating ingredient for fragile skin and hair.

Virtues of argan oil for the skin

When used on the skin alone or as an ingredient in a care product, argan oil helps the skin regain moisture and flexibility. Whether on the face or body, it improves the elasticity of the skin in addition to acting as an anti-aging agent.

This oil is also very effective in case of dry, chapped or eczematous skin, because in addition to being moisturizing, it soothes itching and irritation.

As argan oil is anti-inflammatory, it is a formidable ally for skin suffering from acne. It may seem counterproductive to apply an oil-based product to acne-prone skin, but it is truly beneficial! Since it does not clog the skin, it will help heal facial or body pimples and scars.

To benefit from the multiple virtues of the oil nicknamed "God's oil", look for care products enriched with argan oil, such as face care, shower gels, moisturizing lotions and hand creams. Be careful, however, to choose products with a healthy and preferably EWG-approved ingredient list.

Benefits of argan oil for hair

"Green gold" is a nourishing and protective ingredient, which makes it dry and brittle hair’s best friend! It also protects all hair types from external aggressions (think temperature changes, smog or just the constant friction of winter accessories on your hair) in addition to helping maintain your color if you have dyed hair.

If you want your hair to be healthier, softer and shinier, without split ends, look for hair care products enriched with argan oil.

If your hair is particularly damaged, you can leave your conditioner on your lengths and ends longer before rinsing your hair.

To stay on the safe side, avoid overly astringent shampoos with harsh foaming ingredients such as sodium laureth sulfate, as well as the ten ingredients you shouldn't use for your hair's well-being and your health.

Your dream mane will soon be yours!

Benefits of argan oil during pregnancy

As this oil is rich in vitamin E, a healing ingredient that helps the recovering of the epidermis, it is advisable to use argan-oil enriched products to improve the elasticity of the skin during and after pregnancy and avoid stretch marks.

Since stretch marks are easier to treat when they have recently appeared, the best time to intervene is when they are still in their initial stage or as a preventive measure. This is why it is preferable to start a treatment ritual during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Apply a topical cream or oil specially formulated for pregnancy and packed with antioxidants, fatty acids and healthy ingredients such as argan oil, known for its deeply moisturizing properties for the skin.

It is important to avoid using essential oils during pregnancy and breastfeeding, because although natural, they are potent and some can cause allergic skin reactions.

Try to massage the areas affected by stretch marks or that need more elasticity (breasts, thighs, stomach, buttocks) at least twice a day (and every time you get out of the shower) throughout your pregnancy. This ritual will help moisturize and firm the skin and maximize its elasticity to allow it to stretch more easily over time.

Again, be sure to select products with a complete list of ingredients that are healthy for both mom and baby! When in doubt, you can always refer to the Environmental Working Group website.

Argan oil is a nearly miraculous ingredient!

After learning about its many benefits for body and hair, it is easy to understand why it has earned so many nicknames, such as "green gold" or "God's oil", isn't it? There’s a reason (or a few ones, actually) why we offer several products that contain this oil at ATTITUDE: for a long time now, this beloved ingredient has had a very special place in our hearts...and in our skin care products!

Whether or not you choose to include it in your beauty ritual, you should know that food grade argan oil is also beneficial for your body when consumed regularly.

To find out which skincare from the Oceanly collection are right for you, take this short quiz. It will be worth it to finally free your body from chemicals and adopt a clean skincare ritual!

Want to learn more about the ingredients to avoid in your face care? Start here.