Naturel Argania – Argan Oil Extraction Process

Morocco’s Yellow Gold: An Ancestral Know-How

Among the many treasures of Morocco’s flora, one is a true treasure. The argan tree, native to the Souss region, is the source of Morocco’s Yellow Gold: Argan Oil. Used for centuries by the Berber people of the region, the techniques used to extract the oil have now been modernized…

Harvesting Argan Tree Fruits

The process begins with harvesting the fruits of the argan tree, generally between June and August. The fruits that naturally fall to the ground are hand-picked by women from local cooperatives, following traditional methods passed down from generation to generation.

Drying and Cracking the Kernels

Once harvested, the fruits are dried in the sun for several days. The pulp is then removed to release the kernels, which are cracked one by one by hand using two stones — a meticulous step that requires patience and expertise, generally several hours of work to obtain just one liter of oil.

Extraction of the Kernels

Inside each kernel are one to three almonds, known as kernels. These kernels, which are very rich in oil, are then pressed to produce argan oil.

Cold-Pressed Extraction

The kernels are then cold-pressed, without heat or chemical solvents, to preserve as much as possible of their nutritional and active properties: vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. This cold-pressing method is what distinguishes cosmetic-grade argan oil from lower-quality oil.

Decantation and Filtration

After pressing, the resulting oil is left to settle, then filtered to remove solid residues. The result is a pure oil, ready to be bottled and reveal all its benefits for the skin and hair.