Argan Oil vs Moroccan Oil
In recent years, Moroccan oil has gained popularity as a beneficial hair treatment, originating from Morocco and used by Moroccan women for centuries to maintain shiny, wavy, black hair. Argan oil, derived from the berry of the Argan tree, also offers excellent benefits for hair and has been growing in popularity as well. This has led to confusion among many people about whether they should use Argan oil or Moroccan oil for their hair and whether the two products are actually the same.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is obtained from the berries of the Argan tree, which grows in the southern region of Morocco. This tree has been considered important by Moroccans for centuries due to its medicinal and other beneficial properties. The Argan tree grows well in drought-prone areas of southern Morocco, with a root system that grows deep, allowing it to withstand soil erosion and lack of moisture. The tree only grows in very specific areas, and as a result, it has been declared endangered and is under UNESCO protection. The oil obtained from the Argan tree is considered rare and highly valued for its cosmetic and nutritional values.
Traditionally, the undigested Argan tree fruits were obtained from the excreta of goats that could climb the tree to eat the berries. However, today the tree is specifically grown to harvest the fruits for Argan oil production. Argan oil is used for culinary purposes and has been shown to reduce harmful cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as being linked to reduced cancer risks. It is also used for cosmetic purposes, such as reducing flaking of the skin and moisturizing it, and nourishing hair, making it grow faster.
Moroccan Oil
Moroccan oil, also known as Liquid Gold for its cosmetic properties, has become extremely popular among celebrities and ordinary women alike in recent years. Essentially the same as Argan oil with some additives, Moroccan oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, making it beneficial for skin and nails as well. Moroccan oil is obtained from the kernel of the Argan tree, which once grew in abundance in many North African countries but has now become rare and expensive due to being grown only in some southern parts of Morocco. The benefits of Moroccan oil have gained popularity in the western world, leading to increased usage among women in Canada, the US, UK, and Australia for their hair and skin.
Key Takeaways
- Inside Morocco, the oil obtained from the fruit of the Argan tree is called Argan oil; however, in the western world, it is referred to as Moroccan oil or Liquid Gold due to its beneficial cosmetic and medicinal properties.
- Moroccan oil contains Argan oil and other ingredients to soften the skin and hair, while Argan oil is pure Argan oil with no additives.
- Moroccan oil is a generic term used to refer to oils from Morocco that contain Argan oil and is mainly used for hair and beauty care, whereas Argan oil has culinary and medicinal uses as well.
