Terminology

ARGAN OIL TERMINOLOGY

Terminology Explained

A

Argan Tree (Argania Spinosa)

The tree from which Argan Oil is derived. It is native to southwestern Morocco.

Antixodants

Compounds in Argan Oil that help protect the skin from environmental damage.

B

Berber Community

The community in Morocco that has historically been the primary producers of Argan Oil. Moroccan Berbers generally do not call their people Berbers but Amazighs, which means free people. Some, however, prefer the name Berbers, because not all Berber peoples call themselves 'Amazighs'.

C

Cardiovascular health

A potential health benefit from Argan oil consumption due to its high content of unsaturated fatty acids.

Certified Organic

Refers to argan oil that has been produced and processed according to specific organic standards and has been certified by an appropriate organization (e.g., USDA or Ecocert).

Cold-Pressed:

A method of oil extraction that does not use heat, thereby preserving the oil's natural properties. It is considered the best method for producing high-quality argan oil.

Cosmetic Argan Oil:

Argan oil specifically produced for use in skincare and haircare products.

Cosmetics Industry

An industry which highly values Argan Oil for its exceptional moisturizing, anti-aging, and healing properties.

Culinary Argan Oil:

Argan oil intended for cooking and consumption, often roasted to enhance flavor.

E

Ecocert:

An organic certification organization that ensures products meet strict ecological and organic standards.

Essential Fatty Acids

Nutrients in Argan Oil that are beneficial for skin health.

F

Fair Trade

A movement to ensure just compensation for producers of goods, applicable to the production of Argan Oil in Moroccan communities.

Fatty Acid Composition:

Refers to the different types of fatty acids found in argan oil, which contribute to its nourishing properties.

H

Hyperpigmentation

A recognition by UNESCO given to the cultural importance of Argan Oil.

I

Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

A recognition by UNESCO given to the cultural importance of Argan Oil.

K

Kernel

The inner part of the argan fruit's nut, from which argan oil is extracted.

M

Metabolic Health

A potential health benefit from using Argan oil as a nutritional supplement.

Moroccan Culture and Tradition

The roots of the usage and production of Argan Oil.

N

Nutraceuticals and Health Supplements

Future research applications of Argan Oil due to its high content of unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds.

P

Physicochemical Properties:

The physical and chemical characteristics of argan oil, such as viscosity, density, and composition.

Pure Argan Oil:

Argan oil that has not been diluted or mixed with other oils, maintaining its original properties and benefits.

Psoriasis

A skin condition which Argan Oil research aims to address through product development.

S

Sun Protection

A potential enhanced property of sunscreens when combined with Argan Oil according to ongoing research.

Sustainability:

Practices in argan oil production and distribution that do not deplete resources and are considerate of environmental, social, and economic factors.

Sensory Evaluation

A quality control step in Argan Oil production that assesses aroma, taste, and color.

U

UNESC

An organization that has recognized Argan Oil for its cultural significance

USDA

The United States Department of Agriculture, which offers organic certification to ensure products meet strict production and labeling requirements.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Nutrients in Argan Oil that may benefit cardiovascular and metabolic health.

V

Vegetable Oil:

A type of oil derived from plants; argan oil can be classified as a vegetable oil due to its plant origin.

Vitamin E

A nutrient in Argan Oil that may have numerous health and beauty benefits.

W

Wholesale:

The sale of goods in large quantities at a lower price, typically to retailers or other businesses that will sell the product to end consumers.

TerminologyExplained

ARGAN OIL TERMINOLOGY

Terminology Explained

A

B

C

E

F

H

I

K

M

N

P

S

U

V

W

Terminology
Explained