Rowan & Thistle

PLATE No. 005

Ingredient Collection

Argan Oil

Argania spinosa

Botanical plate of Argan (Argania spinosa): a thorny branch with small leathery leaves, yellow-green flowers and golden-brown fruit, beside a single flower, a green unripe fruit, a ripe yellow fruit, the brown nut, a split nut showing its pale kernel, loose kernels and a golden drop of oil.

Figure Key

  • Fig. 1 Fruiting branch
  • Fig. 2 Flower
  • Fig. 3 Immature fruit
  • Fig. 4 Mature fruit
  • Fig. 5 Argan nut
  • Fig. 6 Split nut showing kernel
  • Fig. 7 Argan kernels
  • Fig. 8 Argan oil

The Ingredient

Argan oil begins inside the fruit of a thorny tree adapted to Morocco’s hot, dry landscape. Within each hard stone are small, oil-rich kernels that produce the golden oil. Argan oil is naturally rich in oleic and linoleic acids—fatty acids that help soften and condition the skin while supporting its protective barrier and helping reduce moisture loss.

From Plant to Ingredient

  1. Argan Oil, step 1 — Argan Fruit: an oval golden-yellow argan fruit.

    1. Argan Fruit

    The tree produces small fruits that ripen from green to golden yellow.

  2. Argan Oil, step 2 — Argan Stone: an argan fruit cut away to show the glossy brown stone inside.

    2. Argan Stone

    Beneath the fruit is an exceptionally hard stone protecting the kernels.

  3. Argan Oil, step 3 — Argan Kernel: a cracked argan stone with a pale kernel sitting in the shell.

    3. Argan Kernel

    Inside the stone are the small, oil-rich kernels.

  4. Argan Oil, step 4 — Argan Oil: a single golden drop of oil.

    4. Argan Oil

    The kernels yield a rich, golden botanical oil.

Why We Chose It

Argan oil gives dry skin and hair substantial conditioning without leaving behind an excessively heavy feel. Its naturally occurring fatty acids help reduce moisture loss and soften rough, dry-feeling skin, while hair benefits from added smoothness, softness, and shine. Ours is sourced through a Moroccan cooperative with commitments to crop renewal and fair labor, adding responsible sourcing to an already exceptional botanical.

What You'll Notice

  • Lasting Softness — Helps soften and condition dry-feeling skin and hair.
  • Moisture Support — Helps reduce moisture loss for a smoother, more comfortable feel.
  • Smoother Hair — Helps improve softness, manageability, and shine.
  • Rich Conditioning — Provides substantial conditioning without an excessively heavy finish.

Botanical Profile

Scientific Name
Argania spinosa
INCI Name
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Plant Part Used
Kernel
Final Ingredient
Oil
Origin
Morocco

A Closer Look

For generations, Amazigh communities in Morocco have made use of the argan tree and its oil. The tree itself is remarkably adapted to its arid landscape, enduring intense heat and limited rainfall while producing fruits whose hard stones protect the oil-rich kernels inside.

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