Argan oil has become a popular ingredient in the beauty industry, thanks to its numerous benefits for the skin, hair, and nails. However, with its increasing demand, the market has become saturated with low-quality and fake argan oil.
As a consumer, it’s important to know how to identify fake argan oil to avoid wasting your money on a product that won’t deliver the promised benefits.
In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to differentiate between real and fake argan oil, so you can make an informed decision when purchasing this liquid gold.
How To Identify Fake Argan Oil?
1. Check the color
Pure argan oil has a light golden yellow color, while cosmetic grade argan oil has a golden brown color. If the oil is any other shade apart from these two, it’s likely that something isn’t right with the oil. If the color is too light or almost clear, it could be filtered, mixed with chemicals or other oils, or fake.
2. Smell the oil
Argan oil has a mild aromatic scent that disappears after a few minutes of contact with the skin. If the oil is odorless, it’s without a doubt a fake oil.
3. Look at the packaging
Commercial argan oil is often sold in clear or colored plastic bottles to cut costs or display its natural golden color. However, direct sunlight deteriorates the quality of argan oil, causing it to lose some of its unique properties like Vitamin E, Omega 6 fatty acids, and linoleic acid. So, if you see argan oil packaged in clear or colored plastic bottles, it’s best to avoid it.
4. Check the label
Cosmetic argan oil should have a golden yellow color, while culinary argan oil is golden brown in color. The label should clearly state whether it’s for cosmetic or culinary use. If there’s no indication of its use, it’s best to avoid it.
5. Research the brand
Before purchasing argan oil from a brand you’re not familiar with, do some research on their reputation and customer reviews. If there are numerous complaints about the quality of their argan oil, it’s best to avoid that brand.
What Is Argan Oil And Why Is It Popular?
Argan oil is a rare and precious oil that is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree. The argan tree is native to southwest Morocco, and the oil has been used by the Berber people for centuries for its numerous health and beauty benefits. Argan oil is rich in Vitamin E, Omega 6 fatty acids, and linoleic acid, which all contribute to its anti-aging and moisturizing properties.
Argan oil has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its numerous benefits for the skin, hair, and nails. It is commonly used in cosmetics, especially in hair products, as it helps to nourish and strengthen hair while promoting growth. It is also used in skincare products for its anti-aging and moisturizing properties. Argan oil is also used for culinary purposes in Morocco, where it is used as a dip for bread or drizzled over couscous or salads.
Due to its popularity, there has been an increase in fake argan oil products on the market. It’s important to know how to identify fake argan oil to ensure that you’re getting the real deal and reaping all of its benefits. By following the tips above, you can ensure that you’re purchasing authentic argan oil that will provide you with all of its health and beauty benefits.
The Dangers Of Fake Argan Oil
Fake argan oil is a major problem in the industry, and it’s not just because it’s a waste of money. Using fake argan oil can also be dangerous. One of the biggest dangers of fake argan oil is that it can contain harmful chemicals that can damage your skin or hair. These chemicals can cause allergic reactions, rashes, or even burns.
Another danger of fake argan oil is that it doesn’t have the same healing properties as pure argan oil. Fake oils are often mixed with other oils like sunflower or olive oil, which dilutes the benefits of argan oil. This means that you won’t see the same results as you would with pure argan oil, and it may even cause more harm than good.
Furthermore, fake argan oil can also harm the reputation of genuine argan oil. When consumers buy “pure argan oil” and receive a subpar product, they may believe that argan oil isn’t anything special and never try to investigate another brand that actually might be authentic. This can lead to a loss of trust in the industry and harm legitimate businesses.
Lastly, fake argan oil can also harm the environment. The production of real argan oil is sustainable and helps support local communities in Morocco. However, fake argan oil is often produced using unsustainable methods, which can harm the environment and wildlife.
How To Spot Fake Argan Oil: Packaging And Labeling
One of the most important things to look for when identifying fake argan oil is the packaging and labeling. Here are some tips on how to spot fake argan oil based on its packaging and labeling:
1. Check the bottle color – Authentic argan oil is typically sold in dark-colored glass bottles, usually amber or brown. This is because direct sunlight can degrade the quality of argan oil, causing it to lose some of its unique properties. If you see argan oil packaged in clear or colored plastic bottles, it’s best to avoid it.
2. Look for the country of origin – Morocco is the only country where the argan tree grows, so if the packaging states that the oil was produced in any other country, it’s likely not true argan oil.
3. Read the ingredient list – An argan oil is only pure if it’s made from nothing but argan oil. The ingredient listings should say only 100% argan oil or Argania spinosa kernel oil. Any other ingredient would be an additive, a dilutant, or preservative that you don’t want or need in your skin and hair treatment oil.
4. Check the label for use – Cosmetic argan oil should have a golden yellow color, while culinary argan oil is golden brown in color. The label should clearly state whether it’s for cosmetic or culinary use. If there’s no indication of its use, it’s best to avoid it.
5. Research the brand – Before purchasing argan oil from a brand you’re not familiar with, do some research on their reputation and customer reviews. If there are numerous complaints about the quality of their argan oil, it’s best to avoid that brand.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re purchasing authentic and high-quality argan oil for your beauty needs.
How To Spot Fake Argan Oil: Color And Consistency
One of the most important factors to consider when identifying fake argan oil is its color and consistency. Pure argan oil should have a light golden yellow color, while cosmetic grade argan oil has a golden brown color. If the oil is any other shade apart from these two, it’s likely that something isn’t right with the oil. If the color is too light or almost clear, it could be filtered, mixed with chemicals or other oils, or fake.
In addition to the color, the consistency of the oil is also a crucial factor. Real pure argan oil is non-greasy, extremely smooth and nourishing. Within seconds with a few rubs it should disappear into skin and hair effortlessly. If it’s greasy and requires much effort to absorb, you may be onto a fake! Premium argan oils like Mediterra 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil are filtered to remove impurities, but the oil must be handled with care to keep its nutrients intact. As a result, it’s usually impossible to completely eliminate sediment from real organic argan oil. You should expect to see a very small amount of sediment at the bottom of the bottle. If you don’t, you may not have genuine argan oil, or you may have an over-refined product that is less effective for natural skin care and hair care.
To summarize, when checking for fake argan oil, make sure to pay close attention to its color and consistency. Pure argan oil should have a light golden yellow color and be non-greasy and smooth in texture. Additionally, look for a small amount of sediment at the bottom of the bottle as this is an indication that the oil is genuine. By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re purchasing high-quality argan oil that will provide all the benefits it’s known for.
How To Spot Fake Argan Oil: Smell And Texture
One of the most common ways to spot fake argan oil is by smelling and feeling it. Genuine argan oil has a unique, raw, nutty smell that disappears quickly after application. If the oil has no smell, it’s likely to be fake.
Additionally, the texture of pure argan oil should be smooth and non-sticky. If the oil feels watery or sticky, it could be mixed with other oils or chemicals.
It’s important to note that culinary argan oil has a different smell and texture than cosmetic argan oil. Culinary argan oil has a fragrant smell that makes you want to eat it, while cosmetic argan oil has almost no smell. Culinary argan oil is also roasted, while cosmetic argan oil is cold-pressed.
Another thing to consider is that some low-quality argan oils are deodorized to remove any scent. This process lowers the quality of the oil and strips it of its healing and restorative properties.
To avoid purchasing fake argan oil, it’s best to buy from reputable brands that adhere to high-quality control standards. Always check the label and packaging for any indications of its use and avoid clear or colored plastic bottles that could damage the oil’s properties. By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re getting genuine, pure, and high-quality argan oil for your health and beauty needs.
Other Tips For Identifying Real Argan Oil
Apart from the above-mentioned tips, there are a few additional things you can do to ensure that the argan oil you’re buying is genuine and of good quality.
6. Check the consistency
Real argan oil is non-greasy and absorbs quickly into the skin and hair. If the oil is greasy and requires much effort to absorb, it may be fake or diluted.
7. Test it in the fridge
A simple test to identify authentic argan oil is to put it in the fridge overnight. If it solidifies or turns cloudy, it’s a good sign that the oil is pure and unrefined. If it remains clear, it could be highly refined or cut with cheaper oils.
8. Beware of strong smells
While genuine argan oil has a mild nutty aroma that disappears after a few minutes, strong-smelling argan oil should be avoided. It’s likely that the oil has gone rancid or has been deodorized to strip its natural healing properties.
9. Avoid plastic packaging
Real argan oil is often packaged in dark glass bottles to protect it from sunlight and maintain its quality. Avoid buying argan oil in clear or colored plastic bottles as they may contain low-quality or fake oil.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re buying genuine and high-quality argan oil for your skin and hair care needs.
