When people dismiss argan oil as “worthless” or “usually fake,” they’re not entirely wrong – at least not about the second part. The truth is, most of what’s sold as argan oil today is counterfeit or diluted, especially online. The global demand for this “liquid gold” has outpaced authentic Moroccan production, which means many bottles labeled “100% pure” contain a mix of cheaper oils like sunflower or soybean.
But that’s precisely why real argan oil, when it’s the genuine article, remains one of the most prized natural oils in skincare. Its rarity, labor-intensive extraction, and biochemical profile make it unlike anything else you can put on your skin or hair. And yes – when you use the authentic form, you can feel the difference almost immediately.
What Makes True Argan Oil So Special
Argan oil comes from the kernels of the Argania spinosa tree, native only to southwestern Morocco. Each kernel must be hand-cracked to release the nut inside – it takes roughly 30 kilograms of fruit to produce a single liter of oil. This is why true argan oil has always been precious and expensive to produce.
Chemically, it’s loaded with nutrients that your skin naturally loves:
- Around 80% unsaturated fatty acids, primarily oleic and linoleic acids – the same lipids that strengthen your skin barrier and keep it hydrated.
- High natural vitamin E levels (tocopherols), often 2–3 times higher than olive oil, acting as a potent antioxidant that helps guard skin against environmental stress.
- Plant sterols and polyphenols, which support elasticity and give argan oil its uniquely silky, non-greasy feel.
A 2013 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that topical argan oil significantly improved skin elasticity and hydration in postmenopausal women within 60 days of use. That’s hard data – not marketing spin.
Why So Much of the Market Is Counterfeit
The argan industry is highly susceptible to fraud for a few reasons. First, authentic oil costs many times more to produce than cheap carrier blends, and second, buyers often can’t tell the difference just by looking. Adulterated oil may smell faintly nutty, feel silky, and look golden – but it lacks the density and slow absorption of the real thing.
Counterfeiters often heat or refine the oil to extend shelf life, which strips away the bioactive components that make argan oil beneficial in the first place. Once deodorized or diluted, it becomes little more than an inert emollient.
So yes, suspicion isn’t misplaced – but it’s also not the whole story. Genuine, cold-pressed, unrefined argan oil is the difference between filler and function.
How Pure Body Naturals Ensures Authenticity
At Pure Body Naturals, we don’t just source argan oil – we protect it. Every batch of our Moroccan argan oil is cold-pressed from nuts hand-harvested by local cooperatives in the Souss-Massa region of Morocco. These are small, women-run groups that uphold traditional methods and sustainable practices, preserving both quality and heritage.
We import directly from verified suppliers who provide third-party certificates of analysis to confirm the oil’s purity, peroxide value, and fatty acid composition. That means we know our oil hasn’t been refined, bleached, or cut with cheaper substitutes.
When you open a bottle of Pure Body Naturals Argan Oil, you’ll notice three telltale signs of authenticity:
- A subtle, earthy aroma – faintly nutty, never perfumed.
- A rich but quick-absorbing texture that softens skin without residue.
- A golden hue that looks natural, not bright yellow.
These sensory cues are the easiest way to verify you’re using real argan oil – something counterfeit versions simply can’t replicate.
Argan Oil’s Proven Benefits for Skin and Hair
Authentic argan oil works because it mirrors the lipid structure of healthy human skin. That’s why it can hydrate without clogging pores, smooth hair without heaviness, and calm irritation without leaving residue.
For skin, it helps replenish the natural barrier that protects against dryness, pollution, and premature aging. The vitamin E and fatty acids help soften fine lines, while antioxidants combat oxidative stress that contributes to dullness and uneven texture.
For hair, it restores shine and manageability by sealing the cuticle and locking in moisture. A few drops through damp ends can help prevent breakage and frizz – something silicone serums try to mimic, but never quite match.
Even nails and cuticles benefit from its emollient properties, keeping them hydrated and flexible rather than brittle.
The oil’s versatility makes it a one-bottle solution for head-to-toe care – face, scalp, nails, and even beard.
Why Argan Oil Still Matters
If you judge argan oil by the counterfeit versions flooding online marketplaces, it’s easy to dismiss it. But when you’ve experienced the real thing – and seen what it does to rough elbows, dry cuticles, or parched hair ends – the difference is unmistakable.
Pure Body Naturals stays true to our brand promise of complete transparency, simple ingredients, and effective products. That means what’s on the label is what’s in the bottle – nothing more, nothing less. No fillers, no preservatives, no synthetic fragrances.
We’re not trying to romanticize argan oil. We’re defending its reputation – because it works. It’s been used for centuries by Moroccan communities to protect skin from desert dryness, and modern research keeps confirming why it remains one of nature’s most balanced and skin-compatible oils.
The Bottom Line
Your right to be skeptical – skepticism is healthy in a market filled with fakes. But dismissing argan oil altogether ignores decades of science and centuries of tradition. The real issue isn’t whether argan oil is effective. It’s whether it’s authentic.
And that’s exactly where Pure Body Naturals stands apart. We built our entire brand on the idea that simple, honest ingredients perform best when they’re left pure. Our argan oil isn’t some overhyped fad – it’s a scientifically validated, ethically sourced, and skin-loving essential that earns its place in every bottle.
