Which oil from argan tree kernels is used in cosmetics and cooking?

Argan oil is produced from the kernels of the argan tree and is used in cosmetics and cooking.

The source tree, Argania spinosa, is indigenous to Morocco and southwestern Algeria. Inside each argan fruit is a hard nut containing one to three oil-rich kernels. Producers remove the fruit pulp, crack the nuts, and press the kernels to obtain the oil.

For culinary oil, the kernels are traditionally roasted before grinding and pressing, producing a darker oil with a nutty flavor. In Morocco it may be used with bread, couscous, pasta, or amlou, a spread made with almonds, honey, and argan oil. Cosmetic-grade oil is generally made from unroasted kernels and appears in creams, shampoos, moisturizers, soaps, and lip products.

Argan oil is sometimes confused with jojoba or coconut oil because all are common beauty ingredients. They come from different plants, however: argan oil is a kernel oil from a North African tree, while jojoba oil comes from jojoba seeds and coconut oil from coconut flesh.