Argan oil has become a popular ingredient in both the beauty and culinary industries, thanks to its numerous health benefits. However, with its rising popularity comes the risk of counterfeit products flooding the market.
One way to ensure that you’re getting the real deal is by checking the color of the oil. But what color should argan oil be?
In this article, we’ll explore the different colors of argan oil and what they mean for its quality and authenticity. So, whether you’re looking to use argan oil for your skin or in your cooking, read on to learn more about this versatile and valuable oil.
What Color Should Argan Oil Be?
Argan oil comes in two main varieties: cosmetic and culinary. The color of the oil can vary depending on which type you’re purchasing.
Cosmetic argan oil should typically be a light golden yellow color. This color indicates that the oil is pure and has not been mixed with any other oils or chemicals. If the oil appears too clear or too light, it may have been filtered or processed using machines, which can reduce its quality and effectiveness.
On the other hand, culinary argan oil is a deeper, more golden brown or copper color. This color comes from toasting the argan kernels before pressing them to extract the oil. Culinary argan oil should not be used for cosmetic purposes as it may contain impurities that can irritate the skin.
It’s important to note that the color of argan oil can vary slightly depending on factors such as the time of year the nuts were harvested and the method used to extract the oil. However, if the color of your argan oil appears significantly different from what is typical for its variety, it may be a sign that it’s not pure or has been mixed with other oils.
The Origins Of Argan Oil
Argan oil is a rare and valuable oil that is derived from the seeds of the argan tree, which is endemic to southwest Morocco. The argan tree is well known for its ability to survive in arid conditions and can live for up to 200 years. The tree produces fruit that contains a nut, which is the source of the oil.
The process of extracting argan oil is labor-intensive and time-consuming. First, the fruit is collected from the trees and allowed to dry in the sun. The dried fruit is then cracked open to reveal the nut inside. The nuts are then roasted over an open fire, which gives them their distinctive nutty flavor and aroma.
Once the nuts have been roasted, they are ground into a paste and mixed with water. The paste is then pressed to extract the oil. This traditional method of extraction has been used for centuries and is still used today in many parts of Morocco.
Due to the labor-intensive nature of the extraction process, argan oil is quite expensive. Additionally, the argan tree is only found in a few areas of Morocco, which further limits its production. As a result, it’s important to be cautious when purchasing argan oil and ensure that you’re getting a pure product.
In recent years, there has been a surge in demand for argan oil due to its many health and beauty benefits. However, this has also led to an increase in fake or impure products on the market. To ensure that you’re getting a high-quality product, it’s important to purchase from reputable sellers and look for products that are labeled as 100% pure argan oil with no additives or preservatives.
The Extraction Process
The extraction process for argan oil can greatly impact its color and quality. To produce cosmetic argan oil, the almonds are cold-pressed without the need for roasting. This process helps to retain the oil’s high Vitamin E properties and results in a light golden yellow color. Cosmetic argan oil should be 100% pure and free from water or preservatives to ensure its effectiveness.
Culinary argan oil, on the other hand, is produced by toasting the kernels before pressing them to extract the oil. This process results in a deeper, more golden brown or copper color. The toasting process also gives culinary argan oil its distinct nutty flavor, making it a popular ingredient in Moroccan cuisine.
It’s important to note that the extraction process for argan oil can greatly impact its quality and effectiveness. Mechanical or hydraulic presses are commonly used in industrial units and women’s cooperatives to produce high-quality argan oil. However, some companies may use cheaper methods that can reduce the quality of the oil.
The Different Colors Of Argan Oil
Argan oil hair color comes in a variety of shades and tones to cater to different hair types and preferences. The color chart for One ‘n OnlyTM Argan Oil Permanent Color cream has over 30 different colors to choose from, including natural series, ash series, and master gray series.
The natural series comprises of tones that provide maximum gray coverage, ranging from very black to lightest natural blond. The ash series creates cool results to minimize warmth, with shades like light ash brown and lightest ash blond. The master gray series creates tonal changes and complete gray coverage with tones like violet brown, red-violet black, and blue black.
The High-Lift Blond series is denoted as 11HLA or 11HLN and creates the brightest hi-lift blond results. The mixing ratio for the color cream is 1:2 (1 part color for 2 parts developer), with developers ranging from 10 Volume for deposit only or 1 level of lift to 40 Volume for 4 levels of lift.
Identifying Counterfeit Argan Oil
Unfortunately, due to the high demand for argan oil, there are many counterfeit products on the market. To ensure that you’re purchasing pure argan oil, it’s important to know what to look for.
One of the most significant signs of counterfeit argan oil is its color. If the oil appears too light or almost clear, it may have been filtered, mixed with other oils or chemicals, or even fake. This indicates that heat and machines were likely involved in the manufacturing process, which can reduce the quality and effectiveness of the oil. Additionally, if the oil appears too dark or slimy, it may have been bleached, which also damages its natural properties.
Another factor to consider when identifying counterfeit argan oil is its texture. Pure argan oil should have a smooth texture and a non-watery, non-sticky consistency. If the oil feels sticky or watery, it may be fake or mixed with other ingredients.
Finally, it’s important to check the bottle and label of the argan oil before purchasing it. Pure argan oil should be stored in dark-colored, opaque bottles to protect it from direct sunlight, which can deteriorate its quality. Additionally, check the label for any additives or fragrances. The best product is one that says 100% argan oil and nothing else.
By being aware of these factors and taking the time to carefully inspect the color, texture, and packaging of your argan oil, you can ensure that you’re purchasing a pure and effective product.
Conclusion: Choosing The Best Argan Oil For You
When choosing the best argan oil for you, it’s important to consider the color and consistency of the oil. Look for cosmetic argan oil that is a light golden yellow color, indicating that it’s pure and has not been mixed with other oils or chemicals. Culinary argan oil, on the other hand, should be a deeper, more golden brown or copper color due to the toasting of the kernels.
It’s also important to pay attention to the preparation process. For cosmetic purposes, look for oil that has been cold-pressed to retain its high Vitamin E properties. Additionally, choose a brand that is certified organic based on international standards and displays this on its bottle.
Finally, be wary of prices that seem too good to be true. High-quality organic argan oil is a valuable product that requires a lot of effort and resources to produce, so if you find a bottle that is significantly cheaper than others on the market, it may not be pure or organic.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that you’re getting the best quality argan oil for your needs. Whether you’re using it for cosmetic or culinary purposes, choose an oil that is pure, organic, and of the appropriate color and consistency.
