Grove’s guide to argan oil uses & benefits.

Argan oil is derived from argan trees native to Morocco. The oil's history dates back centuries, and it still to this day is created primarily through traditional methods by women in North Africa.

How is argan oil made?

1. Rural workers — primarily women — pick and dry the fruits of the argan tree.
2. The nut is extracted from the inside of the fruit by hand.
3. The nut is cracked and several small kernels are removed from it.
4. The oil is extracted by crushing and grinding the kernels.

Sound tedious? Get this: Creating one liter of argan oil takes these artisans about 16 hours.

Unfortunately, women in this region have historically not been paid fairly, but we're happy to report that that's changing. Read more about improved wages and government protection of argan oil workers here.

Argan oil benefits your body, skin and hair. Here are some health benefits from ingesting it:

• Improves heart health: Science shows that ingestion can lower cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure, thus improving cardiovascular health and diabetes.
• Decreases cancer cells: Polyphenols in edible argan oil have been shown to help lessen cancer cells (though more research is needed).

Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

• Softens and protects skin: Argan oil is full of fatty acids, which provide a softening, emollient layer and protective skin barrier.
• Stops free radicals from penetrating your skin: The oil also contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants that eat up and destroy pollutants, aka free radicals that can damage your skin.
• Reduces inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and scarring: Similar to olive oil, the presence of vitamin E in argan oil is an anti-inflammatory and helps lighten, brighten, and heal skin, while fighting the effects of aging and the sun.
• Has anti-aging effects: Whether ingested or applied directly to the skin, this oil helps hydration and skin elasticity, which decreases signs of aging such as wrinkles and dryness.

We abuse our hair fairly often, but studies show that applying argan oil to hair helps lessen damage and protect it.

It also smoothes hair follicles and keeps hair soft and shiny. So go ahead with your post-breakup platinum, and read more about how to get shiny hair here.

What's with the goat poop reference on a bunch of sites about argan oil?

In traditional (and may we say, pretty efficient) methods, goats would climb the argan trees, eat the fruit, and poop out the nuts.

This saved workers a step in production, although one would argue it added a certain aroma. Most sources note that argan oil is made by hand — not by goat butts — these days.

I have oily skin. Should I use argan oil?

Yes! Though it might seem counterintuitive, using this oil can actually reduce your skin's own production of sebum (oil). Read more about oily skincare routines here.

Can I use argan oil every day?

Absolutely! It's light, soothing, and has great health benefits. The key to a good skincare routine is consistency.

Can I cook with argan oil?

On very low heat, yes. Similar to the best olive oils, cold-pressed argan oil is excellent when eaten raw with bread or veggies or in hummus and salads. Just make sure you have 100% pure food-grade oil.

Does argan oil expire?

Yes. Look for expiration dates on your bottle or go by the scent. If it smells rancid, it’s time to toss it. (If only that worked as easily with relationships, are we right?)