How to Spot Real vs. Fake Argan Oil in Morocco (Ultimate Guide for Travelers)

Morocco is the only country in the world where argan oil is produced—a golden elixir known for its powerful beauty and health benefits. If you're visiting Marrakech or exploring the souks, you’ll quickly notice that argan oil is everywhere: on shelves in spice shops, cosmetic stores, and even sold by street vendors. But here’s the truth most tourists don’t know:

Not all argan oil is real.

In fact, much of the argan oil sold in tourist areas is diluted, synthetic, or completely fake.

This guide will teach you how to tell real argan oil from fake, so you can avoid scams, support local women’s cooperatives, and bring home a truly valuable Moroccan product.

 What Is Argan Oil and Why Is It So Valuable?

Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), which grows almost exclusively in southwest Morocco. It takes 30 kilograms of fruit and 8 hours of labor to make just 1 liter of oil.

There are two types of argan oil:

 

1. Cosmetic Argan Oil – for skin, hair, and beauty use

 

2. Culinary Argan Oil – for eating, with a nutty taste used in salads, bread, and tagines

Real argan oil is:

Rich in vitamin E

High in antioxidants

Known for anti-aging, moisturizing, and healing properties

Because of its labor-intensive process and health benefits, pure argan oil is expensive—and that’s where the scammers come in.

Why Fake Argan Oil Is a Problem in Morocco

The demand from tourists has led to the rise of fake argan oil, especially in Marrakech, Essaouira, and Agadir.

Common scams include:

Selling sunflower or vegetable oil with a few drops of argan

Mixing argan oil with silicone or fragrances

Selling expired or oxidized oil

Using industrial machines that destroy nutrients

Falsely claiming oils come from women’s cooperatives

As a result, many tourists waste their money on a product that doesn’t work—or worse, irritates their skin.

 How to Spot Real Argan Oil (10 Proven Tips)

Let’s break down exactly how to identify authentic argan oil in Morocco:

1. Check the Price

Real argan oil is expensive to produce.

Type Minimum Fair Price in Morocco

Cosmetic Argan Oil (100ml) 100–200 MAD (€10–€20)

Culinary Argan Oil (250ml) 150–300 MAD (€15–€30)

 If a seller offers “pure argan oil” for 30 or 50 MAD, it’s fake.

2. Smell the Oil

Cosmetic argan oil should have little to no scent—slightly nutty or raw, but not perfumed.

Culinary argan oil smells like roasted nuts (because the kernels are toasted).

 Fake oils often have a strong perfume or smell like chemicals.

3. Feel the Texture

Real argan oil is smooth, silky, and absorbs quickly.

It should leave no greasy film on your skin after 30 seconds.

Fake oils feel sticky, greasy, or take too long to absorb.

4. Look at the Bottle

Real argan oil is:

Sold in dark glass bottles (protects from sunlight)

Labeled clearly with the words: “100% Pure Argan Oil” or "Huile d'Argan Vierge"

Often includes Arabic and French descriptions

Sometimes labeled with the ECOCERT organic certification

 Avoid plastic bottles or unlabeled packaging.

5. Check the Ingredients

Real argan oil should contain:

One ingredient only: Argania Spinosa Kernel Oi

 If it includes fragrance, alcohol, parabens, or other chemicals—it's not pure.

6. Ask About the Source

Ask the seller:

“Is this from a certified women’s cooperative?”

“Is it cold-pressed?”

“Can I see your certificate?”

A genuine seller will be transparent and possibly offer proof or photos of the cooperative.

 Scammers often invent stories or show fake certificates.

7. Watch a Demonstration

In reputable shops or cooperatives, you’ll often see:

Women cracking argan nuts by hand

Stone grinding the kernels

Clear explanation of cold-pressing

This ensures the oil is made by hand, not by industrial machines.

8. Avoid Souvenir Shops in Jemaa el-Fna

While the main square is a must-visit, most cosmetic stalls there sell fake or diluted oils. These shops often target tourists with:

Slick packaging

Discount bundles

Aggressive selling tactics

 Real argan oil is not sold at bargain prices in tourist hotspots.

9. Buy from Certified Women’s Cooperatives

Morocco has dozens of authentic women-run cooperatives that:

Pay fair wages

Use traditional methods

Offer certified, organic products

These include:

Tighanimine Cooperative (first fair-trade certified)

Marjana Cooperative

Afous Gafous Cooperative

 Many local guides, like Rachid, include visits to trusted cooperatives on their shopping tours.

10. Taste It (If It’s Culinary)

If you're buying culinary argan oil, ask for a taste:

It should be nutty, rich, and toasty

No bitterness, no rancid flavor

Fake culinary oil often tastes bland or oily, with no depth.

 Why Buy from a Trusted Guide or Cooperative?

Shopping for argan oil on your own can be tricky. That’s why it’s smart to:

Go with a licensed local guide like Rachid

Visit verified cooperatives

Get honest answers and quality guarantees

Many sellers pretend to be from a cooperative—but they’re not.

With a guide, you get:

Fair pricing

A chance to watch the process

No pressure to buy

Real products that support Moroccan women

 How Real Argan Oil Is Made (The Traditional Way)

Here’s a simplified version of the ancient process still used in real cooperatives:

1. Fruit collection: Fallen fruits are gathered from argan trees.

2. Drying: The fruit dries in the sun to make the shells easier to crack.

3. Shelling: Women crack open the nuts by hand using stones.

4. Kernel extraction: The kernels are separated and sorted.

5. Cold-pressing: Kernels are ground using stone mills or modern cold-press machines—no heat is used.

6. Filtering: The oil is filtered naturally, keeping all its nutrients intact.

This method creates oil that’s rich in antioxidants and nutrients. Industrial methods, on the other hand, use heat and chemicals—destroying the benefits.

Common Tricks Scammers Use

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

Scam Tactic What to Watch For

“Special discount just for you” Pressure tactics

“100% Pure, 50 MAD only!” Way too cheap

“This is from a secret Berber family recipe” No proof or label

Bottles with gold glitter Fragranced, cosmetic oil

Bottles without Arabic or French Imported or fake

Only in tourist areas No cooperative link

Real Argan Oil: Benefits You Should Expect

When you buy authentic oil, here’s what you get:

 Cosmetic Argan Oil:

Hydrates skin and hair

Reduces wrinkles and fine lines

Treats acne, scars, and eczema

Strengthens nails and hair

Soothes sunburn

Culinary Argan Oil:

Boosts heart health

Reduces cholesterol

Improves skin from the inside

Delicious on bread, salads, couscous

But only real argan oil gives these results. Fake products won’t help—and may even cause irritation.

 How to Store and Use Argan Oil

Keep in a cool, dark place

Use within 6–12 months

Don’t refrigerate

Use a dropper or clean hands to avoid contamination

Real argan oil is concentrated, so a little goes a long way.

Support Moroccan Women — Not Tourist Traps

When you buy real argan oil from a verified source:

You support rural women’s cooperatives

Help preserve centuries-old traditions

Get a product that actually works

Avoid feeding the tourist machine. Choose authenticity.

 Where to Buy Real Argan Oil in Marrakech

Here are a few trusted places:

With Rachid’s Shopping Tour

Visit real cooperatives

Learn the history and see the process

Shop without pressure

Support local artisans

 Book This Tour

Cooperatives Near Marrakech:

Herboristerie Bab Agnaou

La Source Bio

Tighanimine Cooperative (Agadir-based but supplies Marrakech shops)

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is argan oil safe for all skin types?

Yes, real argan oil is non-comedogenic, suitable for dry, oily, or sensitive skin.

 Can I take argan oil in my luggage?

Yes. Pack it well, use bubble wrap, and store in checked baggage (if over 100ml).

Can I order real argan oil online?

Some cooperatives ship internationally—but beware of Amazon fakes. It's best to buy in Morocco directly from the source.

 Final Thoughts: Don’t Get Fooled in the Medina

Argan oil is Morocco’s liquid gold—but only if it’s real. As a visitor, it’s your chance to take home a powerful, authentic gift and support local communities. But be smart, go slow, and don’t fall for the tourist traps.

Whether you’re buying for beauty, health, or culinary use, remember:

Real argan oil is rare, handmade, and precious. Fake argan oil is easy to find—and worthless.

Explore the Souks and Buy Authentic Argan Oil With a Local Guide

Want to visit trusted cooperatives and skip the tourist scams?

Join Rachid, an expert Marrakech Medina guide with over 20 years of experience.

Visit local artisans

 Shop real argan oil

Support Moroccan women

Guaranteed authentic experience

 

Book Your Tour Now

 WhatsApp: +212 614 905 398