> Click here to visit Raphael's Boutique

Using Kaé products contributes to the safeguarding and revitalisation of the Argan ecosystem, providing socio-economic benefits to the women’s co-operatives.

The Argan (Argania Spinosa) is an indigenous tree of South Morocco, found in a forest that covers about 800 000 hectares and contains more than 2 million trees.

The Argan is particularly resistant to the dry and arid conditions of the area, with deep, far-reaching roots that help it survive the dry months each year.

Argan trees can live up to 200 years, and are a valuable resource for local rural populations.

The Argan produces small oval greenish-yellow fruits that become brown when ripe. The hard shell encases between one and three kernels. Known mainly for its oil, used by Berber women for skin, hair and nail care, Argan oil is the main ingredient in Kaé products.

The women of the region are responsible for harvesting the fruits as well as the labour intensive oil extraction. After separating the nut from the pulp, the hard shell is cracked open by hand. The kernels are cold pressed to produce the oil. If the oil is to be used for food, the kernels are roasted before being pressed.

The local population uses every part of the Argan tree: the fruit husks are used as fuel for fires; oil-cake, a by-product of the cold pressing process, is used as animal feed; goats eat the Argan leaves, and the wood is used for firewood and construction.

The Argania Forest is state-owned, with extensive rights of use reserved for the local population. The right to cultivate is subject to authorisation and a fee must be paid. Each village is responsible for maintaining the condition of the trees. The area provides vital subsistence for more than 3 million people. They benefit from the work and associated revenue that cultivation provides, allowing rural populations to remain in the area.

Changes in rural life and the area are threatening the forest. Agriculture under the trees and surrounding plains is both helping and threatening the forest, the threat coming mainly from irrigation that is depleting the underground water reserves. Over-cultivation, soil erosion and advancing desertification with accompanying population increases are exacerbating the problem.

UNESCO classed the Moroccan Argania Forest as a Biosphere Reserve in 1998, meaning that the area must have a conservation role, a development role and a logistic role. Initiatives by UNESCO and the Moroccan authorities have seen the rise of co-operatives, managed and worked solely by the women of the region, to save the forest. This provides the women with a supplementary source of income as well as improving their social status.

The co-operatives produce Argan oil while raising awareness on how to harvest the fruit without damaging the ecosystem. Each woman in the co-operative has to plant 10 Argan trees a year, helping to replenish the forest. Literacy programmes have been introduced, to aid in the promotion of fair trade through sustainable development.

Using Kaé Products contributes to the safeguarding and revitalisation of the Argan eco-system, providing socioeconomic benefits to the women’s co-operatives and of course their families.

Argan Oil is rich in Vitamin E, Oleic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Squalene and Sterols, all effective anti-aging, anti-oxidant ingredients that produce highly moisturizing, effective products.

Argatherapy by Kaé combines the exceptional properties of Argan Oil with the power of aromatic essential oils to produce a complete skin and hair care range. Essential oils, through their detoxifying and draining power, clean the skin and open the pores. Argan Oil hydrates and treats the skin for long-lasting results.

Products in the range include:

L’Huile de Beauté: a 100% Argan oil satin with strong regenerating and hydrating power.

Argarôme Bain: a bath oil of Argan oil combined with a blend of rosemary, lavender and lemon essential oils.

White Natural Clay: ‘Rhassoul’ clay is extracted from ancient lava deposits in the Atlas Mountains of Northern Morocco where it has been used for centuries for hair and body steam room, or ‘hammam’ treatments.

Hammam Soap: Savon Noir or Black Soap is the traditional hammam soap, a 100% vegetable paste made of olive oil, eucalyptus essential oil and salt.

Where are Kaé products being used:

• The Ritz - Paris

• Daydream Health Spa - Dublin

• Ksar Char-Bagh - Marrakesh

• Hotel St James - Albany Paris

• The Amanjena - Marrakesh

• La Sultana - Marrakesh

• Dar Ahlam, the 'Dream House' - Skoura

• L'Heure Bleue Guest Palace - Souira

Kaé Products are available in larger sizes for professional beauty centres, salons and spas.

Early in 2010, the new Kaé organic cotton bag will be available.

The bag is made from sustainable cotton grown according to organic farming guidelines. This means that no pesticides are used; only natural compost is used, water consumption is reduced by half, and crop rotation is implemented to reoxygenate the soil.

Kaé Products are available at Raphael’s Boutique, an online boutique with an exclusive range of natural, organic toiletries and cosmetics.