Cosmetic argan oil
Argan oil comes from the kernels of the argan tree, which grows in south-western Morocco. Cosmetic argan oil is cold-pressed from unroasted kernels, much of it by women's cooperatives. It is the best-known Moroccan beauty ingredient.
- Where it comes from
- The argan forest of the Souss-Massa and Essaouira regions.
- Available as
- Virgin cold-pressed, deodorised on request; conventional or organic; bulk or private label
- Packaging
- Drums or jerrycans in bulk; dropper bottles for retail and private label.
- Used for
- Massage and body oils, face care, hair care, and as an ingredient in creams and serums.
What to ask the producer
- Certificate of analysis: acidity, peroxide value and fatty-acid profile
- Cold-pressed, unroasted kernels: cosmetic grade, not culinary
- Organic certificate and cooperative details, if claimed
- Lot traceability and harvest date
Raw ingredient or finished product?
Raw ingredients in bulk (oil in drums, clay in bags, soap base, floral waters) are sold business to business. Buyers usually ask for a specification, a certificate of analysis, a safety data sheet and, where claimed, an organic certificate.
Finished, labelled products sold to consumers must meet the cosmetics rules of the market. In the EU that means a Responsible Person established in the EU, a safety assessment, notification in the EU cosmetics portal (CPNP) and ingredient (INCI) labelling. The UK has an equivalent system with a UK Responsible Person, and the US requires facility registration and product listing under MoCRA. This is normally handled by the brand that puts its name on the product.
General guidance only; confirm the requirements for your product and market with your regulatory adviser.
Questions buyers ask
Can you supply cosmetic argan oil in bulk and under our own brand?
Yes, where the producer offers it. Many cooperatives sell in bulk and some pack under private label; we confirm formats, minimum quantities and lead times during the visit.
Is it far from Larache?
It is produced in another region of Morocco. We travel there for on-site visits, as a separate, quoted service.
Do you check the suppliers yourselves?
Yes. We are based in Larache and visit every farm, packhouse or freezing plant before we introduce it: we check the operation, the certificates (such as GlobalG.A.P. and ONSSA export documents), lab results and real volumes.
Do you sell the product yourselves?
No. We find and verify suppliers and introduce you. You agree price and terms directly with the supplier.
Starting your own brand?
We help founders source verified Moroccan raw materials, in bulk or private label, with the documents their market requires.