Argan Oil

Argan oil is 阿甘油 (ā gān yóu) in Chinese, also commonly called 摩洛哥坚果油 — literally "Moroccan nut oil"; in Traditional Chinese (Taiwan) it's 摩洛哥堅果油. It's a multi-purpose, antioxidant-rich oil used for anti-aging skincare, hair, and nail care.

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil is the INCI name; Argan Oil is the common name. The tree grows only in Morocco, mainly in the argan forests around Agadir. Many cheap products advertise "argan oil" but are mostly soybean oil with a trace of argan — real high-content products list Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil near the top of the INCI list.

Yes, but the grades differ. Culinary argan is pressed from roasted kernels — nutty, darker, traditionally eaten with bread in Morocco. Cosmetic argan is cold-pressed from unroasted kernels — golden, nearly odorless, more stable. Don't swap them: cosmetic grade may carry processing residues, and oxidized culinary grade underperforms on skin.

Yes. It's one of the most recommended oils for pregnancy skincare and stretch-mark care — no hormonal activity, no restricted ingredients, and its 35% linoleic acid plus vitamin E helps with the tightness, itching, and stretch lines common in pregnancy. Josie Maran, Mama Mio, and other pregnancy lines use it.

Its comedogenic rating is 0 out of 5 — among the lowest of any face oil. The high linoleic acid content (35%) is exactly what oily, acne-prone skin often lacks in its own sebum. Safe for face, acne-prone, and oily skin — though very oily skin with highly active breakouts should still patch-test first.

(1) Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil near the top of the INCI list; (2) golden-to-amber color — colorless usually means heavily refined, low activity; (3) faint nutty scent, never rancid; (4) dark glass bottle; (5) labeled cold-pressed, unrefined, 100% pure; (6) Fair Trade or Berber women's cooperative certification. Josie Maran, Acure, Now Solutions, and Kahina are well-regarded brands.