Ricky Producing Argan Oil-Based Cosmetics

New York City-based beauty retailer Ricky’s now is offering the Zinn Beauty Collection, a line of Argan oil-based cosmetics imported from Morocco, the manufacturer has announced.

Argan oil has been used by Moroccan and European women for centuries to preserve healthy skin and hair, remaining relatively unknown in the United States until 2009, when variants of the oil made only for hair became a trend in the hair care industry.

Zinn Beauty retails for between $24.99 and $29.99.

Experiencing Argan Oil Softness

I have a slightly embarrassing new habit – I keep surreptitiously stroking my arms. They are so soft, I just can’t help it. I’ve been using a new body lotion from a brand called Zinn. Perilously close to sin, I think guiltily as I admire my silky skin. Anyway, Zinn’s Smooth Body Milk is one of the best body lotions in its price range ($24.99) that I have ever come across – at least as far as hydrating goes.

Zinn is all about argan oil and its products come in packages adorned with the kind of tassel you might see on a Moroccan fez. Argan oil hails from Morocco and is rich in fatty acids (omegas) and vitamin E.

In Smooth Body Milk, it is joined by rosehip oil. This has similar amount of antioxidant linoleic acid (40.68%) as argan, but also has loads of linolenic (39.41%)  – an omega 3 that is in anti-inflammatory – as well. Sunflower oil, also here, is another good source of linoleic acid.

The hydrating action of this body lotion is greatly facilitated by shea. Because its structure and function resembles that of the lipid content of skin, shea butter is considered to be a Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). As an NMF, it helps keep the intercellular structure of the epidermis intact, effectively keeps bacteria out, facilitates the skin’s healing process, prevents dermal irritation and regenerates the skin.

Zinn says that 98.7% of ingredients are of natural origin and a candid 15.4% of them are organic. This means that the non-actives are relatively benign, such as glyceryl stearate(typically from palm or soy oil). The preservative is dehydroacetic acid, which seems to be relatively safe.  And the only thing not to like is linalool, a potential carcinogen.

All in all, Zinn’s Smooth Body Milk formula is a real pleasure to use and I am liking it much better than my other most recent test, Isomers Stem Genesis For Body – at twice the price of Zinn.

Ingredients

Water, sunflower oil*, argan oil, glyceryl stearate, shea butter*, glycerin, caprylic/capric triglcyeride, cetearyl alcohol & coco glucoside, jojoba oil*, cera alba (beeswax), rosehip oil*, benzyl alcohol, dehydroacetic acid, potassium sorbate, tocopherol, xanthan gum, bitter orange oil*, sweet orange essential oil*, citral, limonene, linalool *organic

The Origin Land of Argan Tree - Morocco

The Moroccan Atlantic coast between Essaouira and Agadir contains a small natural treasure that are found nowhere else: the Argan Tree. Its shaft, the argan spinosa, Moroccan women extract an edible oil, soft and nutty, and a cosmetic oil used in biological medicine. 
Argan oil is becoming the new oil trend. It is used more often in the trendy restaurants and its medicinal properties now recognized blew the sales of cosmetic products.
Argan spinosa: a tree with amazing properties

Argan, Argan spinosa is an endemic tree in Morocco found overall between Essaouira and Sidi Ifni, mainly in the plain and the Sub Region Haha on a surface of about 900 000 hectares. 
It an amazing tree is used for firewood, fodder for goats as well as food and cosmetics. The argan tree is resistant to heat large even when the soil is poor. It is a natural bulwark against desertification.

Biosphere Reserve of the argan tree approved by UNESCO was created in December 1998 to preserve the biological resources and cultural landscape values ​​and maintain the balance of the ecosystem while promoting local economic development.
Argan oil is used in salads, tagines, couscous and to enliven the meal. It is also used in the preparation of the amlou dish served to guests (a mixture of argan oil, crushed almonds and honey) that would have aphrodisiac properties. The oil is very thin nutty, rich in unsaturated fatty acids.

For many dates, argan oil is also used by the Berbers for treatment. He is given virtues to reduce cholesterol. It is also used under the skin and hair to fight against dryness and aging. The foliage is used for its anti-inflammatory drugs, to treat rheumatism, joint pain and earaches.

On the way to the Argan

Traditionally, the Moroccan women are reaping the fallen fruit in spring and dry them.They take the soft pulp  and then crush the almonds of the Argan tree between two stones. After the crushing, sorting is done first so that there are no impurities with the almonds. They are then lightly roasted (for cooking oil) before being pressed - then out comes a paste, which is then kneaded with a little water to obtain oil and meal. In the case of cosmetic argan oil, the almonds are roasted and the oil goes through a filtering process that makes it more pure and more refined at the molecular level. It takes 100 kg of fruit to 1.5 liters of oil.

Between Essaouira and Agadir, the argan forests are numerous and walk among the trees and a real pleasure. Feel free to stop in a village, meeting people. With a little luck, a Berber family invites you to go home. A sign of hospitality, you will probably tea and Argan oil along with some bread. Maybe you can taste the amlou?In poor families, it happens that the almonds are replaced by peanuts and honey for sugar.

On the way, the cooperative biological posters abound. The essence of the argan tree, however, is threatened by overexploitation of its resources. Overgrazing, excessive collection of fruits, lower the water table and devastate the argan tree felling. All co-ops have a different sense of ethics. To address this, the project was created Arganier with the aim of increasing the participation of rural women in the socio-economic fabric of the region while promoting sustainable management of the argan tree.

You can also visit the following addresses:
The Union of Cooperatives of Women of the argan tree (UCFA) includes 22 women's cooperatives between Essaouira and Agadir Tiznit in the south. 1000 women join the UCFA in the five provinces arganerie: Essaouira, Agadir, Tiznit, Taroudant and Chtouka Aït Baha. The products are certified by Ecocert.  More information:
 www.cooperation-argane.com .
Address : 7  Rue Al Khansa – Cité Dakhla – Agadir, Morocco
Tel : +212 5 28 23 52 79
E-mail : contact@cooperative-argane.com
 
Targanine is a group of women's cooperatives for production and commercialization of argan oil. Six cooperatives involving 240 women join. The products are certified by Ecocert. More information: www.targanine.com .

Creo Care Nano Pro-Tec Body Oil - Reviewed by Nancy

Right off the bat – I can tell you that the Creo Care Nano Pro-Tec Body Oil’s formula is absolutely LOVELY – with one huge exception: the scent is almost unbearable, pretty vile in fact. It’s reminiscent of bad/cheap hotel disinfectant… and because I’m a documentary filmmaker I’ve stayed in nasty (and lovely too) places all over the world – this particular scent stays in one’s memory. It fades by morning if one has a shower and uses it before bedtime – but unless one is completely alone, it’s not something I could imagine inflicting on other human beings. If one has a shower in the morning and uses it afterwards, the odor stays around all day. I’ve had a few days alone, when I’m not going out, etc…. but if I had to go out, I’d have to have another shower.

I favor unscented products, and am quite sensitive to scents, but I also try to stick to organic entirely. And unscented is not always easy to find in body lotions, oils, and face stuff that is inoffensive and safe.

But – that being said – after two days of using Creo, one’s skin feels great. And I’ll keep paying attention…but can’t they do something about the appalling scent? Orange-Vanilla? Just plain vanilla would be enough. I’ve heard argan oil on its own smells wretched, so perhaps the orange is there to cover it up. I’ll try using the oil in the shower next – perhaps that would take the scent away more quickly.

**Update: 2 weeks later**

I’ve used Creo Care’s Nano Pro-Tec Body Oil steadily for two weeks now. I notice a wonderful softness in my skin – and I’m always hunting for a great body lotion/oil, so have tried hundreds of them. I think Creo has visibly improved my skin, as well.  But the one thing that still makes it impossible for me to carry on is the scent.

I think I mentioned in my first update that it reminded me of cheap cleaning fluid in bad hotels/motels – not a good thing for something on one’s body.  I don’t know what ingredient they’re trying to mask but the result is vile. I had to use the oil in the shower so it could be rinsed off. It gets on one’s towels, in one’s bathrobe — everything in its path and it won’t come out.  It’s still there in the morning from the shower the night before. I don’t understand how the company could make something so lovely which is rendered unwearable/unusable by its scent.

Ingredients: Cold Pressed Oils (of Apricot Kernel, Rose Hip Seed, Borage, Argan and Kukui Nut), Vanilla Extract, Orange Essential Oil, Germinated seed Extracts (of Sunflower and Grape).

Argan Oil Getting More Popular In Britain

RICH, versatile, nutritious and believed to be one of the rarest oils in the world, argan oil has long been Morocco’s best-kept secret.

Now this highly prized substance made from the nut of the argan tree has made its way on to the British high street in a variety of beauty products, including moisturisers, body lotions and conditioners.

A medium-weight oil loaded with essential Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and vitamin E, argan oil also has a delicious nutty flavour that’s perfect in a salad dressing.

“Argan oil is a phytosterol, meaning it helps mimic the effect oestrogen has on the skin,” says London-based facialist Susie Lung (07957 771 503).

“Oestrogen is the hormone responsible for making women’s skin soft and clear compared to rougher, male skin, which is why this oil works well on more mature skin.”

As well as moisturising skin the oil nourishes hair without weighing it down. “I’ve been a fan of argan oil ever since I discovered it in a Moroccan shop a few years ago,” says celebrity hairdresser Lee Stafford (leestafford.com).

“The word ‘oil’ conjures up images of greasy, heavy liquid but what I love about argan oil is its dryness.

“It is easily absorbed by the hair to add moisture and to smooth cuticles, which is why my product range includes more argan oil than any other ingredient.”

However he advises: “It may be too much for someone who has fine hair but it’s perfect for coarse, dry, frizzy or coloured hair. I find the pure oil too heavy for European hair unless your locks are really fried.” 

source: experss.co.uk

Argan Oil Among Top 10 Beauty Secrets

Over the millennia, isolated human populations found various ways to keep their hair, nails, and skin in good shape using simple ingredients from the environments around them. Now, with increasing globalization, we have access to a whole world's worth of accumulated beauty knowledge. Keep reading to check out these 10 cool recipes and secret ingredients from spots around the globe.

1. Morocco: Argan oil This antioxidant-packed oil is great for hair and skin, and it absorbs much more easily than common skin oils like apricot and avocado. Argan oil is exclusively found in Morocco.
2. China: Camellia oil Worried about stretch marks? Camellia oil is one of the most common cooking oils in southern China, but it's also renowned for its ability to prevent stretch marks and discoloration.
3. Mexico: Tepezcohuite The bark of this tree has tons of astringent tannins in it, making it great for preventing infections and keeping scars from forming.
4. The Dominican Republic: Garlic Here's a smart secret from the DR for strong, healthy nails: chop up some garlic, throw it in a bottle of top coat, and then, after letting it soak for about a week, start using it as normal. It makes your nails stronger and also has antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
5. India: Neem Want glossy, strong hair? A weekly head massage with neem and coconut oil is Indian women's go-to treatment for gorgeous hair and a healthy scalp. Recipes for the combination have a long history in Ayurvedic medicine.
6. Japan: Sake Want an easy skin softener? Try a sake bath. Sake is high in kojic acid and enzymes that soften skin and help reduce hyper-pigmentation.
7. New Zealand: Manuka honey People have been using honey for its antimicrobial properties (and its deliciousness) since prehistoric times. The Kiwi type of honey, however, is even better as an antibacterial and antimicrobial than the regular kind, and it's even used in poultices to protect wounds.
8. Ghana: Black soap This great Ghanian soap is legendary for its gentle cleansing properties and skin-softening abilities. It's made with plantain skins, which have loads of vitamins A and E, and moisturizing shea butter. What you get is a cleanser that removes dirt and oil but doesn't strip skin of any natural moisture.
9. France: Milk Milk is full of gentle lactic acid, which exfoliates and softens without the harshness of stronger acid types. Pour some fresh whole milk or cream into your bath along with honey or lavender to get a gorgeous glow.
10. The Amazon: Passion flower oil Passion flower oil, aka maracuja, has been used in the Amazon for thousands of years because of its anti-inflammatory abilities, but it's also high in fatty acids and vitamin C.

Nivea Going Argan Oil, As Well

Moroccan argan oil is getting more and more popular as big beauty houses are starting to give it a kiss of love due to its extraordinary beauty properties. So, Nivea, the global skin- and body-care brand, is does no exception and  launches a  new line of products based on this fabulous argan oil from the magic Morocco.

These are some products from Nivea:

• NIVEA Pure & Natural Body Lotion

NIVEA Pure & Natural Body Lotion for normal to dry skin with pure organic Argan Oil contains no parabens, silicones or artificial colorants. Offering lasting effective protection and plenty of moisture, it makes the skin soft and smooth. It surrounds the body with a gentle fragrance.

How it works

Argan Oil is a natural source of vitamin E and therefore has outstanding antioxidant properties. It’s the ideal protection against free radicals in the skin, which can be caused by environmental influences and stress. And so reinforces the skin’s own protective barrier.
In one application study, testers found that, after using the products for just three days, their dry, flaky skin had been effectively improved. Oxidative stress in the skin cells was also significantly reduced.

Suitable for: Normal and dry skin

How to apply

Gently massage into the skin after showering or bathing. Argan Oil pampers the skin and makes it soft and supple again. It maintains the skin’s natural balance.

• NIVEA Pure & Natural Body Milk 

NIVEA Pure & Natural Body Milk for very dry skin containing pure Argan Oil and organic Jojoba Oil contains no parabens, silicones or artificial colorants. Argan Oil makes dry skin wonderfully soft and supple again. Together, Jojoba Oil and Argan Oil care for and nourish dry skin. They restore the skin’s natural balance and it remains strokably soft all day long. Pure & Natural Body Milk from NIVEA for very dry skin also has a wonderfully delicate and subtle fragrance, making body care an experience for the senses.

How it works

Argan Oil is a natural source of vitamin E and therefore has outstanding antioxidant properties. It’s the ideal protection against free radicals in the skin, which can be caused by environmental influences and stress.
In one application study, testers found that, after using an emulsion with Argan Oil for just three days, their dry, flaky skin had been effectively improved. Oxidative stress in the skin cells was also significantly reduced.

How to apply

Gently massage into the skin after showering or bathing. Argan Oil and Jojoba Oil pamper dry skin and make it soft and supple again. The skin’s natural balance is restored and regular application helps rid it of any unpleasant tautness.

• NIVEA Pure & Natural Hand Cream

NIVEA Pure & Natural Hand Cream for normal and dry hands containing pure organic Argan Oil contains no parabens, silicones pr artificial colorants. The hand cream provides optimum protection for the sensitive skin on the hands. Argan Oil makes it soft and supple again.

How it works

Argan Oil is a natural source of vitamin E and therefore has outstanding antioxidant properties. It’s the ideal protection against free radicals in the skin, which can be caused by environmental influences and stress.
In one application study, testers found that, after using an emulsion with Argan Oil for just three days, their dry, flaky skin had been effectively improved. Oxidative stress in the skin cells was also significantly reduced.

Suitable for: Normal and dry skin on the hands.

How to apply

It is best to use the product after washing your hands. Once a week, exfoliate your hands with sea salt and olive oil. Apply the paste to your hands and massage it in from the palm to the finger tips, then rinse well with plenty of water. This removes dry and dead skin. Then apply a generous amount of Pure & Natural Hand Cream with Argan Oil and massage it well into the skin. After deep cleansing, the Argan Oil can work its magic. The sensitive skin on the hands becomes strokably soft.

 

What's Argan Oil?

What's Argan oil?

Argan oil comes from the argan tree (Argania Spinosa), an endemic tree in southwestern Morocco. Used locally for centuries, nowadays argan oil is attracting increasing interest from outside of Morocco, thanks to both its cosmetic and dietary properties.



Ancestral method of argan oil extraction

Once ripe, argan fruits are typically collected by women and brought to village where they are broken down the traditional way between two stones, (left shells are usually used to feed needed fire).
After getting rid of the shells, the almonds are then closely crushed along with some water in a handmade mill called Azerg. Then the obtained dough is kneaded repeatedly and pressed by hands to extract argan oil. The residue is conserved and used to feed own livestock. Using this traditional way, it takes more than 10 hours to produce just one liter of argan oil.

Argan almonds are gently roasted before being crushed yielding an oil used in daily kitchen recipes. For cosmetic purposes, we should use argan oil that comes from the not roasted almonds.

The production of Argan oil has always been a merely matter of those Moroccan local families. But recent exploitations of argan fruit has taken it to an even more crafty, let alone industrial level because of the publicity that has been made on the virtues of argan oil. Local women's cooperatives have joined forces to produce more of this miraculous oil the traditional way.

A part of argan oil production is intended for export to Europe, Canada and the United States, which reinforces the local socio-economical role of this magically precious oil. Some of argan oil production is meant for high level cosmetic usage after further processing in laboratories.


A summary of Argan oil benefits

• For centuries, Argan oil has been used locally for therapeutic, cookware and cosmetic purposes, today the whole world is appreciating this oil.
• Argan oil is highly rich in essential fatty acids oleic and lineoic acids (47%) as well as in vitamin E (60-90mg/1OOg) , which positively boost our skin regenerating capabilities.
• It repairs and protects the skin against droughts and external aggressions, preventing its premature aging thanks to its essential fatty acids.
• Argan oil vitamin E richness, gives its antioxidant qualities
• It protects muscles from degeneration associated with aging.
• It can be used both for internal and external purposes.
• some argan oil internal usages: Massage, for rheumatism, against hair loss, to eliminate dandruff, against acne, burns, wrinkles, to protect against skin drying.
• some argan oil internal usages: positive effect against cholesterol and atherosclerosis.
• some argan oil culinary usage: in dressings, its aroma couples very well with crudites.
• Its nutty after-taste enhances so many dishes: whether with fish or goat's cheese, with puréed sweet potatoes or a salad of carrots and oranges.
• A simple argan oil drizzle will enliven your soups, cooked dishes and even desserts.
• It adds a touch of nut and sesame, bringing an oriental flavor to your cooking,
  

• It enhances the prostaglandins synthesis. Argan oil contains no cholesterol, which makes it very suitable in the context of any cholesterol-free diet.
• It protects the cardiovascular system.
• For a cosmetic use, it softens the skin, revitalizes the tired and wrinkled parts by rehydrating and giving the skin its lost youthful elasticity.
• Argan oil is also highly effective as a relief middle in cases of burns, scars and the like.
• Argan oil has a strengthening effect for nails and hair.
• Argan oil is widely used in the local recipes as well as in traditional medicine as a treatment of skin diseases such as acne and chickenpox (varicella).
• Currently, it is used as a medicinal product and active ingredient in many cosmetics and increasingly used by international and famous beauty specialists.
  

Argan Oil Production

Argan oil constitutes an important source of lipidic fat. It's estimated that argan oil production is between 3,000 and 4,000 tons, that is 1.6 percent of total Morocco oil consumption.

You would appreciate knowing that to produce just one liter of argan oil you need, in good years, no less than eight argan trees. A long day of labor is needed to get such precious liter of oil : argan fruits drying, pulping, getting rid of argan nuts shells one by one and by hand, crushing and grinding roasted almonds the traditional way and finally hand-persing and extracting this legendary oil. Added to argan fruit scarcity, comes the difficulty of production. (see argan oil production steps in photos).

Enjoy this majestic Moroccan oil !