What is Argan Oil?

From the cult favorite hair product Moroccan Oil to Josie Maran's must-have makeup, Argan Oil is the latest natural cure-all ingredient that's appearing in every beauty product right now. But what exactly is this golden elixir?

Argan Oil: An antioxidant-rich oil that's made from cold-pressing the kernels of the Argan tree (found in the deserts of Morocco, hence the Moroccan Oil hair care line's name), Argan oil has been used for centuries to heal sunburns, prevent scarring, and give hair a healthy shine (Argan oil is also used in cooking). Traditionally, Berber women in Morocco gather the argan seeds, roast the kernels and press the oil. It typically takes about 32 kilograms of Argan to produce just one liter of oil.

Here are the latest products using this ancient beauty secret:

1Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil

Ideal for dissolving long-wearing makeup and water-resistant sunscreens, this nourishing cleansing oil contains a blend of Argan, almond, safflower, and grapeseed oils and is perfect for dry, damaged, and sensitive skin types.

2Kahina Giving Beauty Antioxidant Mask

By combining healing Argan oil with Moroccan rhassoul clay, this anti-aging facial mask deep cleanses and detoxes while exfoliating and smoothing the skin.

3One N Only Argan Heat Ceramic Hair Dryer

Infused with Argan oil (the oil is transformed from a liquid to a powder, and then baked on the dryer's grille), this cutting-edge blow dryer smoothes out hair and protects it from heat damage for a sleeker, shinier, hair style.

Image courtesy of careforyourbody.net