Not All Argan Oils Are Created Equal: Beauty Huile Review

Our president and founder, Linda Thompson, recently had the opportunity to connect with Beauty Huile's very knowledgable N. K. They discussed the best ways to select high-quality Argan oil. Below find excerpts from N.K.'s article or click HERE for the full article.  

New York based Olìe Biologique is breaking with the Argan tradition. In an industry dominated by assurances of handcrafted Moroccan oil, founder Linda Thompson, takes the lid off what’s considered a luxe oil for skin and demystifies the process of selecting what should be about the quality, not scarcity, of a rare oil. Linda says,

“A hand-pressed oil might sound artisanal and pure but hand pressing uses water to extract the oil. There is no such thing as ‘organic’ water in Morocco. The addition of water affects the purity, texture/absorption, scent and shelf life of the oil and risks adding impurities. Hand-pressed has a 3-month shelf life vs. cold, machine-pressed shelf life of 2 years. Some oils are even cut with other less expensive oils in Morocco before shipping.”

This is the kind of backstory we don’t often hear about when rushing off to score the hottest thing to hit the beauty market since Resveratol’s antioxidant action. The deceptively simple Argan Oil (Ferulic Acid, a potent antioxidant, is among the copious amounts of omegas and fatty acids) doesn’t seem like it would need much of a technologically cobbled explanation since its old-world ambience is fitting, but after chatting it up with Linda, it’s clear her USDA approved Olìe Biologique Argan Oil ($40) is a treatment that is precisely engineered and bottled to be sure no contaminants have a chance to thrive inside the ominous black bottle.

First off, the 100% certification labels ensures that her lab and its expert handlers haven’t added anything to this organically produced oil. In an industry lacking regulation, Linda insists that quality control begins with a carefully selected supplier (in place of fresco artisans) who understands the importance of the long-standing appreciation for certification from the start. The production process, under what surely must be a shrewd, sympathetic, unblinking eye, is still rigorous, perhaps, even a little mathematical, despite making small batches to preserve the oil's efficacy. But it is this attention to detail that yields the purest of oils. So pure, EcoCert will only approve a certification if 95% of ingredients are natural or from natural origin, and that 95% of those natural ingredients are certified organic. This oil is. 

How else to spot a stupendously high quality Argan Oil? Linda suggests really giving time to touch, smell and feel out your Argan.

Curious about our Argan oil and other Argan-rich blends? 

Try our NEW Sample Trio that includes 2ml Samples of:

Argan — The Multitasker 

Huile Moderne 004 — Hydrating 

NEW Huile Radicale 005 — Rejuvenating

What's all the Buzz about Argan Oil?

Maybe you've heard about Argan Oil lately, or read about in a fashion magazine?  It seems that everyone is talking about it, but what's all the buzz about anyway? A bestseller in France, the legendary lightweight Argan Oil is taking the place of slick serums and goopy creams as a daily moisturizer, on cuticles and to smooth hair. Read more interesting facts about Argan oil below.

HISTORY

Old as the Olive Tree but Better for You!
 
Argan trees live 150-200 years and require no cultivation. They contain 80% unsaturated fatty acids and 3x's the antioxidant power found in Olive oil. For thousands of years, Argan oil has been used as protection from the harsh climate of the Moroccan desert. It has been found effective and beneficial for the following:
• Heals various skin disorders such as chicken pox scars.  
• Preventing stretch marks in pregnant women
• Excellent for hair and nails.

ENVIRONMENT

The Argan Tree Only Grows in Two Places in the World

Argania spinosa can only be found in the harsh semi-desert area of Southwestern Morocco and the western Mediterranean region of Algeria. This region is protected by UNESCO as the Arganerie Biosphere Reserve. Of primary conservation interest is the Argan tree (Argania spinosa).  This forest species is extremely well adapted to drought and other environmentally difficult conditions. The roots of the Argan tree grow deep, binding soil and preventing erosion, making it an essential part of the local ecosystem. The Argan tree is not only the focus for conservation, but also for research and socio-economic development. 

SCIENCE

Argan Oil: A Daily Essential


With exceptionally high levels of essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid (omega-6), Argan oil protects and repairs skin. Research points to linoleic acid's anti-inflammatory, acne reductive, and moisture retentive properties. When applied topically to the skin it can help prevent or delay wrinkling, making skin more toned and supple.

Argan + E: Neutralizing Free Radicals

The high levels of essential fatty acids in Argan oil are further complimented by very high levels of Vitamin E. Vitamin E has moisturizing and healing properties and is one of the most powerful biological anti-oxidants in neutralizing free radicals. The high levels of vitamin E and essential fatty acids, are some of what make this oil an effective skin treatment. Vitamin E also protects cell membranes from oxidation, slowing the skin's ageing process.

FUN

Is that a Herd of Goats in that Tree? 

Goats just love the fruit of the Argan tree. They climb up to 25-30 feet to the tops of these trees just for a taste of the ripe fruit.

For more on Argan Oil and some favorite uses visit: http://www.oliebiologique.com/how_to_use.html