In the dry, rocky stretch of southwestern Morocco between Essaouira and Agadir grows a stubborn tree found naturally nowhere else on earth: the argan. Its branches are sturdy enough that goats climb them to reach the fruit, and photographs of goats perched in argan trees along Moroccan roadsides remain a lasting image for many travellers. For generations, Berber women have cracked the tree's hard-shelled kernels by hand, ground them patiently, and pressed out the oil. Producing a single litre can take hours of this painstaking work, which is exactly why argan oil earned its nickname, liquid gold. Over time this craft grew into a source of economic independence for women's cooperatives, and argan oil became one of the most sought-after names on cosmetic shelves worldwide.
Let's be clear from the start: argan oil isn't sold on its own here. It goes into handmade formulas like the Hand & Foot Care Cream, Heel Cream, Manicure Cream, and Ayşe's Cream as a raw material, blended in alongside beeswax and other cold-pressed plant oils. When you open the jar, what you hold is a carefully composed blend that argan oil contributes to, not a bottle of pure oil. Only our 50 ml Moisturising Skin Care Oil stands apart as a pure oil product in its own right.
Cold pressing is the method that protects argan oil's value. When unroasted kernels are pressed without any heating step, using mechanical pressure alone, the delicate compounds inside, vitamin E chief among them, remain largely intact. This is why the cosmetic-grade argan oil differs from the darker, more strongly scented culinary version made from roasted kernels favoured in Moroccan kitchens. Both come from the same tree, but the process differs, and so does the result, much like the difference between fresh-pressed grape juice and syrup boiled down over a long simmer.
In terms of composition, argan oil stands out for its balance of oleic and linoleic acid, roughly two thirds oleic acid with most of the remainder as linoleic acid. Together these fatty acids offer a profile that feels familiar to skin's own natural oils. It is also notably rich in vitamin E (tocopherols), known for its natural antioxidant properties. Argan oil's distinctive sterol compounds, such as schottenol and spinasterol, are frequently noted in the literature as features that set it apart from other plant oils. Its squalene content adds to a texture that skin tends to recognise easily.
The contribution this composition makes to skin is measured but real: used regularly, it may help skin retain moisture and appear more supple and soft. It is thought to support the healthy look of the skin barrier, and may help ease the feeling of tightness that comes with dryness. These are, of course, contributions at the level of support rather than treatment; argan oil offers no dramatic transformation, only a quiet, consistent addition to a care routine.
Argan oil holds particular value for dry and mature skin; it is a comfortable choice for areas prone to roughness, such as the backs of the hands, elbows, and heels. It also serves as a gentle addition around the nail beds. Its relatively light texture tends to be well received even by sensitive skin, though since every skin reacts differently, it is always wisest to proceed carefully. Hands battling winter cold, heels preparing for summer sandals, tired-looking hands at the end of a long day - these are usually the moments when a cream built around argan oil earns its keep.
Ülker Sofuoğlu's 38 years of manicure and pedicure experience have taught us exactly which areas of the hands and feet need support most often. Within formulas shaped by that experience, argan oil was chosen as an ingredient that complements the other oils, both in texture and in nourishing profile. Our goal is to translate traditional wisdom into a dependable, measured care routine within creams made by hand every day, bringing the patience of Moroccan women's cooperatives together with the patience of our own workshop.
A few simple habits make the most of a cream containing argan oil. Applying it while skin is still slightly damp, right after washing your hands for instance, helps it absorb more easily. Start with a small amount; warm it between your palms before working it gently into your hands, elbows, or heels. Massaging the nail beds in small circular motions makes a lovely addition to an evening ritual, letting the cream keep working through the night. Those who use Ayşe's Cream as a multi-purpose balm often reach for the same tube on rougher spots like elbows and knees too.
A question that comes up often: does argan oil only help hair? No; argan oil has long been valued in skin care as well, and its reputation in hair care should not overshadow what it offers the skin. Another common misconception is that all argan oil is the same quality; in reality, cold pressing and cosmetic-grade sourcing directly determine how well it performs in a formula, which is exactly why we are careful about where ours comes from.
When you are not using the cream, keep the cap tightly closed and store it somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight. Direct sun and high heat can gradually reduce the effectiveness of the plant oils and vitamin E inside. A cupboard shelf is always a better choice than a warm, humid bathroom counter. We store the raw argan oil under those same cool, dark conditions before it ever goes into a formula.
Every skin is unique, so we recommend testing a small area on the inside of your arm before first use. If you have a known skin condition, it is worth checking with a specialist before adding anything new. These products are meant for daily care, not treatment. If you would like to experience this deep-rooted Moroccan tradition for yourself, we invite you to explore it in Ülker Sofuoğlu's handmade creams.
Let's be clear from the start: argan oil isn't sold on its own here. It goes into handmade formulas like the Hand & Foot Care Cream, Heel Cream, Manicure Cream, and Ayşe's Cream as a raw material, blended in alongside beeswax and other cold-pressed plant oils. When you open the jar, what you hold is a carefully composed blend that argan oil contributes to, not a bottle of pure oil. Only our 50 ml Moisturising Skin Care Oil stands apart as a pure oil product in its own right.
Cold pressing is the method that protects argan oil's value. When unroasted kernels are pressed without any heating step, using mechanical pressure alone, the delicate compounds inside, vitamin E chief among them, remain largely intact. This is why the cosmetic-grade argan oil differs from the darker, more strongly scented culinary version made from roasted kernels favoured in Moroccan kitchens. Both come from the same tree, but the process differs, and so does the result, much like the difference between fresh-pressed grape juice and syrup boiled down over a long simmer.
In terms of composition, argan oil stands out for its balance of oleic and linoleic acid, roughly two thirds oleic acid with most of the remainder as linoleic acid. Together these fatty acids offer a profile that feels familiar to skin's own natural oils. It is also notably rich in vitamin E (tocopherols), known for its natural antioxidant properties. Argan oil's distinctive sterol compounds, such as schottenol and spinasterol, are frequently noted in the literature as features that set it apart from other plant oils. Its squalene content adds to a texture that skin tends to recognise easily.
The contribution this composition makes to skin is measured but real: used regularly, it may help skin retain moisture and appear more supple and soft. It is thought to support the healthy look of the skin barrier, and may help ease the feeling of tightness that comes with dryness. These are, of course, contributions at the level of support rather than treatment; argan oil offers no dramatic transformation, only a quiet, consistent addition to a care routine.
Argan oil holds particular value for dry and mature skin; it is a comfortable choice for areas prone to roughness, such as the backs of the hands, elbows, and heels. It also serves as a gentle addition around the nail beds. Its relatively light texture tends to be well received even by sensitive skin, though since every skin reacts differently, it is always wisest to proceed carefully. Hands battling winter cold, heels preparing for summer sandals, tired-looking hands at the end of a long day - these are usually the moments when a cream built around argan oil earns its keep.
Ülker Sofuoğlu's 38 years of manicure and pedicure experience have taught us exactly which areas of the hands and feet need support most often. Within formulas shaped by that experience, argan oil was chosen as an ingredient that complements the other oils, both in texture and in nourishing profile. Our goal is to translate traditional wisdom into a dependable, measured care routine within creams made by hand every day, bringing the patience of Moroccan women's cooperatives together with the patience of our own workshop.
A few simple habits make the most of a cream containing argan oil. Applying it while skin is still slightly damp, right after washing your hands for instance, helps it absorb more easily. Start with a small amount; warm it between your palms before working it gently into your hands, elbows, or heels. Massaging the nail beds in small circular motions makes a lovely addition to an evening ritual, letting the cream keep working through the night. Those who use Ayşe's Cream as a multi-purpose balm often reach for the same tube on rougher spots like elbows and knees too.
A question that comes up often: does argan oil only help hair? No; argan oil has long been valued in skin care as well, and its reputation in hair care should not overshadow what it offers the skin. Another common misconception is that all argan oil is the same quality; in reality, cold pressing and cosmetic-grade sourcing directly determine how well it performs in a formula, which is exactly why we are careful about where ours comes from.
When you are not using the cream, keep the cap tightly closed and store it somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight. Direct sun and high heat can gradually reduce the effectiveness of the plant oils and vitamin E inside. A cupboard shelf is always a better choice than a warm, humid bathroom counter. We store the raw argan oil under those same cool, dark conditions before it ever goes into a formula.
Every skin is unique, so we recommend testing a small area on the inside of your arm before first use. If you have a known skin condition, it is worth checking with a specialist before adding anything new. These products are meant for daily care, not treatment. If you would like to experience this deep-rooted Moroccan tradition for yourself, we invite you to explore it in Ülker Sofuoğlu's handmade creams.
