Argan Oil

This multipurpose oil from the nut of the argan tree contains powerful antioxidants and high concentrations of nutrients and Omega 6 and 9 fatty acids, essential for building and maintaining healthy skin. Kahina Giving Beauty products are made with premium quality, certified organic argan oil and other antioxidant-rich byproducts of the argan tree. The argan nuts are cracked by hand using centuries-old techniques by Berber women in Morocco’s argan region. The oil is then cold-pressed using modern methods that preserve the integrity of the oil.

Region, strict quality controls and artisanal production techniques all play an important role in the superior quality of our argan oil. Our founder makes regular visits to Morocco to meet with our suppliers and ensure that best practices are being followed. Often the women who do the hard work of extracting the argan oil are undercut by market pressure for low-priced argan oil. It is crucial that these women receive a fair wage for their labor in order to make the money they need to survive. We only purchase certified Fair Trade argan oil for our products, guaranteeing that the women who do the work of extracting argan oil are compensated for their work.

Argan oil is extracted from the hard nut of the argan tree, which grows only in forests in Southwestern Morocco along the border of the Sahara. The trees thrive in the harsh, dry soil and serve an important role in keeping the desert at bay. In 1999, the Moroccan argan forest was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An active local argan industry further protects the forests from degradation. Personally sourcing high quality, certified organic and fair trade argan oil allows Kahina Giving Beauty to help ensure the fair and ethical treatment of the Berber women while encouraging sustainable growth of the industry.

The raw argan oil found in Kahina Giving Beauty products is composed of a high percentage of vitamin E (more than three times as much as olive oil) and 80% fatty acids, including hard to obtain Omega 6 and Omega 9 acids. Other components key to promoting skin health include antioxidant polyphenols, phytosterol compounds, and squalene. The antioxidants and fatty acids in argan oil work together to help stop inflammation and to protect and maintain skin elasticity, smoothness and radiance. Phytosterols help strengthen the protective skin barrier and are also antiseptic. Squalene is a lipid that is naturally present in, and extremely compatible with, our own skin, which is why argan oil is so easily absorbed. Our body’s own squalene production declines starting at the age of 20 and replenishing helps skin retain its moisture, as well as supporting cell regeneration and oxygenation.