Argan oil boasts excellent cosmetic properties and is among the most versatile oils. We put a certified organic, ethical and highly pleasant formula to the test: Nature's Argà Pure Organic Oil.
Entirely plant-based in origin, argan oil is obtained by processing almond-like fruits that grow on trees native to the semi-desert southern region of Morocco, an area declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1988.
The eudermic and medicinal qualities of argan oil are truly remarkable, owing to its richness in antioxidants such as vitamin E, fatty acids and flavonoids: it is elasticising, protective, anti-ageing, restorative and healing, and can be applied to the skin of the face and body, as well as to the hair, especially if damaged and weakened, restoring strength and resilience. The versatility of argan oil makes it indispensable in every season — in summer (when skin is put to the test by sun exposure) as well as in winter, to protect and nourish skin that has become dehydrated and vulnerable through low temperatures, climatic factors, or simply the passing of time.
By virtue of its properties, argan oil is an effective elixir that prevents and combats the signs of ageing, such as loss of skin elasticity, loss of firmness, lack of radiance and wrinkles. This applies to the face as well as the body. A further plus is its dermoaffinity: the skin recognises argan oil as "beneficial and useful" and therefore absorbs it easily, leaving no greasy residue — simply a silky feel.
At this point, it is worth noting that finding a product that met all our requirements was no easy task: a pure, certified organic formula that is pleasant to use and effective. We chose Nature's Argà Pure Organic Oil, a cosmetic oil whose formula is certified by Ecocert GreenLife, obtained from argan seeds from organic farming and 98.85 per cent pure: it is enriched with vitamins, natural antioxidants and Litsea Cubeba essential oil, which imparts a pleasant citrus fragrance reminiscent of the scented oils used in spas.
The fragrance was an excellent starting point: it lifts the mood, is genuinely very pleasant and perfectly suited to men as well. The texture of the Argà Pure Organic Oil is pleasantly fluid; it massages in easily and the skin "drinks it in" within moments, leaving no sensation of greasiness or heaviness — simply a great deal of comfort and a wonderful scent that is not at all overpowering, even on the face.
To give you an idea: I have combination skin and cannot tolerate heavy textures or overly nourishing formulas; so at this time of year, in the evening after cleansing, I add a couple of drops to my moisturiser to make it more comfortable. In the morning, my skin is noticeably more radiant and soft. After my morning shower I find it perfect: the skin absorbs it more quickly than many creams, and an wonderful, energising scent lingers for hours. After a couple of weeks, I noticed that my skin is smoother and more even-toned, including on my legs.
After a bath or shower, to deeply moisturise and keep body skin youthful, elastic and radiant.
After cleansing the face, in the evening, applied neat or with a few drops added to your usual treatment. In the morning, to protect the skin from external aggressors (wind, cold, pollution). Whenever the skin of the face and body needs extra attention: nourishment, repair, softness. For example, when it is dry and dehydrated, if the complexion looks dull and lacklustre, on chapped lips and hands, during pregnancy to prevent stretch marks, and also to treat weakened hair. It also proves useful for minimising post-acne marks, thanks to its healing properties.
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This product has none, though it is advisable not to apply it directly around the eyes.
Nature's Argà Pure Organic Oil is available in three sizes: 10 ml at €10, 50 ml at €35 and 100 ml at €45.
It can be purchased at pharmacies, parapharmacies and herbalist shops that stock Nature's products: the full list is here