Introducing Hammam Secrets, a Natural and Organic Cosmetic Company

I first learned about argan oil a little over a year ago as part of an interview I did with a rancher. Recently I found out about another company which sells natural products which use cold-pressed argan oils from trees raised through organic farming. This company is called Hammam Secrets.

On their website, the company emphasizes their use of environmentally friendly methods and healthy ingredients. They don't use artificial additives, paraffin, dyes, or other such components in their products. They also say no to animal testing. And they promote fair trade practices to support the rural Moroccan women who help to harvest and naturally process the argan fruit, creating the healthful oil, known for being a source of vitamin E and fatty acids.

Hammam Secrets sells a variety of products including oils for skin and hair, soaps, flower waters, and gift products like aromatic candles. If you or a friend likes organic skin care and cosmetic products and/or unique gift items, it's a website worth checking out. When you first reach the site, look in the upper right hand corner and click the American flag if you want to visit the English-language version of the site.

Morocco is the only place where the argan tree grows. So if you're interested in argan oil, a Morocco-based company like Hammam Secrets which exports the product all over the world is a great place to start. By the way, they sell other products, too, such as those which use natural aloe.

Meet Danny Bravin of Berber Gold

Danny Bravin, a California rancher and Mr. Hafid Al Hourti, a Moroccan Berber gentleman, have teamed up to fulfill a little Berber boy's childhood dream--a vision of helping his people who are facing crises of squalor, disease, and illiteracy. The key is liquid gold, the oil extracted from the Argan tree; the gold that will free the Berber Nation. See their website, Berber Gold, for more information.

1. What is Argan oil, and where does it come from?

Argan oil, called "liquid gold" by the Berber, is extracted from the kernels of the Argan tree which grows in Morocco only. The Argan forest is the domain of the Berber tribes, and only they can harvest the Argan kernels and extract their oil.

2. How is Argan oil useful in beauty products?

Argan oil is 80% essential fatty acids including Omega 6 and Omega 9, twice the vitamin E as in olive oil, prostaglandin, and other elements critical to skin and hair health. Working in concert, these nutrients hydrate, regenerate, and nourish skin and hair cells; repair damaged cells; and help the body manufacture new ones. Argan oil is so beneficial to cellular health that Lancome and other giant companies are now using it in their beauty products.

3. What makes your Berber Gold products unique?

I'm glad you asked that, Mandy. I just read a horror story about the reality of olive oil sold in the U.S. It seems that 67% of olive oil sold in the U.S. is not pure, not cold pressed, not virgin, and is old and rancid. We know that the same merchants dealing with olive oil are dealing with other oils including Argan oil and that the risk of getting Argan oil blended with cheaper oils such as sunflower oil, apricot oil, and olive oil is ever present. This is what sets us apart from all other importers. Berber Gold is driven by a dream and a vision, not by greed and the lust for money. With us, it's about fulfilling a promise a young Berber boy made to his people: to free them from the squalor, illiteracy and disease that dominate their lives.

4. How does your company partner with the Berber people?

One of the two founders of Berber Gold, Mr. Hafid El Hourti, is Berber as are Brahim and Omar who are supervising the operation in Morocco. This allows us access to the innermost circles of the Berber Women's Co-Ops. We deal directly with the women and are able to get the absolute purest Argan oil at a price other merchants can only dream of as well as the endorsement and support of two of the world's leading authorities on the Argan tree and its fruit: Dr. Zoubida Sharouf and Professor Mohammed Shafshouni.

5. As an artist and rancher in California, how did you first hear about Argan oil, and what inspired you to start your company?

Music, health, and serving mankind are passions that have fueled my life. I read about Argan oil in one of the discussion groups I'm subscribed to and for some reason was compelled to order some. It proved to be just as wonderful as advertised and this is where it gets crazy, Mandy: I got on Craigslist, "went" to Morocco and posted an ad. Twenty minutes later I received a response from a Moroccan Berber gentleman, Mr. Hafid El Hourti, who is now my brother and partner in importing 100% pure Argan oil to the U.S.

Thanks, Danny!