Argan Oil

What is Argan Oil?

Argan oil is a natural plant oil derived from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), which is native to Morocco. Often referred to as "liquid gold," it has been used for centuries in traditional Moroccan cuisine and cosmetics. In haircare, its popularity stems from its unique chemical composition, particularly its high content of beneficial lipids and antioxidants.

Chemical Composition

The primary components of argan oil are fatty acids, predominantly oleic acid (approximately 42-48%) and linoleic acid (approximately 30-38%). It also contains palmitic acid (around 12-15%) and stearic acid (around 5-7%). Beyond fatty acids, argan oil is rich in tocopherols (Vitamin E), squalene, phytosterols, and triterpene alcohols. This blend provides its distinctive nourishing and protective properties.

• Oleic acid (Omega-9): A monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that helps to maintain skin and hair elasticity and suppleness.
• Linoleic acid (Omega-6): A polyunsaturated omega-6 essential fatty acid, crucial for healthy skin barrier function and hair hydration.
• Tocopherols (Vitamin E): Potent antioxidants that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Squalene: A natural emollient that helps to moisturize and soften hair.
• Phytosterols: Plant compounds that can help reduce inflammation and promote cell regeneration.

How Argan Oil Benefits Hair and Scalp

Argan oil’s complex composition allows it to address multiple hair and scalp concerns. When applied, it can penetrate the hair shaft to a certain degree, providing conditioning from within, while also forming a protective layer on the surface.

For the hair, argan oil helps to smooth the cuticle, reducing frizz and enhancing shine. Its emollient properties make it an effective moisturizer, preventing dryness and brittleness. It can also help to protect hair from environmental damage, such as UV radiation and pollution.

For the scalp, argan oil can help to soothe dryness and flakiness due to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory compounds. The antioxidants present can support a healthy scalp environment, which is crucial for optimal hair growth.

Argan Oil Benefits

• Deep Moisturization: The rich fatty acid profile, particularly oleic and linoleic acids, allows argan oil to deeply penetrate the hair shaft, providing intense hydration for dry, brittle, or coarse hair and improving overall softness and manageability.
• Frizz Reduction: By smoothing and sealing the hair cuticle, argan oil minimizes friction between hair strands, significantly reducing frizz and flyaways, especially beneficial for those with frizzy or unruly hair textures.
• Enhanced Shine and Luster: The reflective properties created by the smoothed cuticle result in a noticeable increase in hair

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Find these ingredients in Watermans products

• Argan Oil — you will find this ingredient in our Hair Growth Shampoo.
• Vitamin E — you will find this ingredient in our Hair Vitamins.
• Oleic Acid — you will find this ingredient in our Camellia & Black Castor Hair & Body Oil.

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Did you know?

• The argan tree, native to Morocco, can live for up to 200 years.
• It takes about 30 kilograms of argan fruit to produce just one liter of oil.
• Traditionally, goats would climb argan trees to eat the fruit, and their waste was then used to extract the kernels.