Josie Maran Organic Argan Oil
This 100% Pure Argan Oil is grown organically in Morocco. To support the social and economic welfare of Moroccan women, Josie Maran purchases this oil from cooperatives that work within a UNESCO biosphere reserve ensuring the protection and reforestation of Argan trees.
Argan Oil can be used to benefit many areas including nourishing skin as a daily moisturizing skin treatment, to treat split ends, and to soften cuticles. Clinically proven to improve skin hydration and skin elasticity after only four weeks, Argan Oil easily absorbs into skin to give a dewy glow, and has healing, conditioning, and antiaging properties to keep your skin and hair nourished and revitalized. It is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, is gentle enough to use on all skin types, and is believed to help with skin conditions including acne.
My Thoughts:
I received a small sample bottle of Josie Maran’s Argan Oil from Sephora. Excited to give it a try, I used it on my face for a few days, and immediately broke out. I also noticed I developed a lot more blackheads over those few days. I was so disappointed, needless to say. Knowing a bit about essential oils from my candlemaking days, I was aware that there may be variance in the oil between batches, depending on where it was sourced, how old it is, etc. So I did a little research and found a wholesaler that also carries organic Argan oil.
1.7 oz (50 ml) of Josie Maran’s Organic Argan Oil is sold at Sephora for $58 CDN ($48 USD). I ordered a 3.3 oz (100 ml) bottle of organic Argan Oil from NewDirectionsAromatics.ca, a wholesale essential oil supplier I used when I made candles (they also have a US site) for only $14.17 CDN! I can’t criticize the price of the Josie Maran oil too much, given that she is helping Moroccan women, and helping to ensure the reforestation of the Argan trees. But since the “sample” bottle from New Directions is so inexpensive by comparison, I couldn’t resist the urge to investigate the difference in quality.
The organic Argan oil from New Directions Aromatics is much lighter in color and the consistency a bit thicker than the Josie Maran Argan oil. I have not been using it on my face long enough to attest to the anti-aging benefits, but I also have not broken out again since using it. I prefer to apply it on my face at night, since it leaves my face a bit red and does leave an slightly oily residue. I have noticed that my skin does feel much softer after exfoliating the morning after. I have combination skin, and find the oily areas on my forehead and chin seem less oily throughout the day generally.
I have also been using this Argan oil on my damp hair after each wash. I usually count out about 10 – 15 drops and rub it between my hands to warm it up. After raking it through my hair towards the ends, (which also does wonders for my hands and cuticles in the process) I twist my hair up into a loose bun (it is fairly long). When I let my hair down 20 minutes later, the result is effortless beachy waves.
My only caution is to resist the temptation to use too much, and only apply to the bottom third of hair, avoiding the roots. Warming the oil in your hands helps thin it out enough to smooth it over a lot of hair, but when using it while your hair is damp, it is hard to tell how much you need to use the first few times. Using too much will obviously make your hair look greasy after it dries, so start out with only a few drops if your hair is short, and you can always add more later if needed.
The bottle from New Directions does not include a dropper like the Josie Maran Argan Oil. (I actually could not get the last bit of oil out of the bottle with the dropper, and had to pour it out.) The bottle from New Directions lacks a fancy label, and has a top like most essential oil bottles that allows you to easily count out consistent drops, which I prefer personally. The thicker oil does tend to clog this top occasionally, which is easily remedied by tapping or rubbing the top of the bottle on your fingers while holding the bottle upside down (just make sure your hands are clean and be careful not to splash).
I recently read that waterproof eye makeup can be easily removed with olive oil applied with a cotton ball. Sephora’s website also mentions that research results showed that participants saw a visible reduction in coarse wrinkles and fine lines in the eye area in just four weeks. Since I have found the less expensive organic Argan oil, and have not seen any adverse affects to my skin, I am thinking about trying it out as a gentle eye makeup remover as well. I think this oil will also be great on my dry winter skin. I will keep you posted about the results.
If you have used Argan oil, please feel free to leave me a comment below. I’d love to hear about your experience with it, and suggestions for other ways to use this versatile oil.
More about Organic Argan Oil
Botanical Name: Argania Spinosa
Extraction Method: Cold Pressed
Description: Grown in North Africa and mainly in Morocco, the Argan tree grows wild in semi-desert soil, and is extremely well adapted to drought. Argan Oil is produced from the seeds of this plant and is considered to be one of the rarest oils in the world due the small and very specific growing area.
Color: Pale yellow to golden yellow liquid.
Aromatic Description: Organic Argan Oil has a nutty, spicy and oily scent.
Common Uses: Organic Argan Oil is rich in antioxidants and omega 6 fatty acids, and is believed to contain twice as much vitamin E as olive oil. It is said to contain saponins, which helps to soften the skin and restore the skin’s water lipid layer, thereby minimizing wrinkles. It can also be used to ease cases of acne and eczema helping the skin to maintain a youthful, glowing appearance. Organic Argan Oil can be used to manufacture soaps, creams, facial products, hair care products, and as an ingredient in anti-aging creams and even aftershave lotions for men.
Consistency: Typical and Characteristic of Carrier Oils.
Absorption: Absorbs into skin at average speed, leaving a slight oily feeling on the skin.
Shelf Life: Organic Argan Oil is very stable; users can expect a shelf life of 12 to 18 months with proper storage conditions (cool, out of direct sunlight). Refrigeration after opening is recommended.
Cautions: None Known.
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