These are argan kernels — and they don't look like much at first glance. Small, oval, and unremarkable in colour. Yet inside each one is a concentration of nutrients so remarkable that scientists have spent decades studying them, and dermatologists around the world now recommend the oil they produce.
Each kernel is extracted from the hard inner shell of the argan fruit — itself found only on the Argania spinosa tree, a species that grows almost exclusively in a UNESCO-protected biosphere in southwestern Morocco. The trees live for up to 200 years, endure extreme drought, and produce fruit just once a year.
What's inside a single argan kernel?
- Vitamin E (tocopherols) — a potent antioxidant that protects skin cells from oxidative damage and supports elasticity
- Oleic acid (Omega-9) — deeply moisturising, helps other active ingredients penetrate the skin barrier
- Linoleic acid (Omega-6) — strengthens the skin's protective barrier, reduces inflammation, balances sebum
- Squalene — a natural emollient that mimics the skin's own sebum
- Sterols (schottenol & spinasterol) — rare plant sterols unique to argan oil, with proven anti-inflammatory properties
It takes approximately 30–50 kg of argan fruit to produce just one litre of oil. Every drop is precious. Every kernel counts.