Josie Maran’s signature argan oil has developed quite a reputation for its hefty price tag. Running upwards of $48 for just 1.7 oz, it’s significantly more expensive than your average bottle of argan oil.
But with its promises of flawless, hydrated skin, many fans argue that the splurge is well worth it.
So what exactly makes Josie Maran argan oil so pricey? As it turns out, there are quite a few reasons that this celebrity-backed beauty elixir commands top dollar. Keep reading to learn what makes this argan oil unlike any other.
Reasons For Josie Maran Argan Oil Being So Expensive
- It’s 100% Pure Argan Oil
One of the main reasons Josie Maran argan oil fetches such a high price is the fact that it contains nothing but 100% pure argan oil.
There are no added fragrances, parabens, fillers or other cheaper oils blended in.
This is in contrast to some less expensive argan oils which dilute the argan oil concentration with other additives.
While these may seem like a good value, you’re getting far less of the beneficial argan oil.
Josie Maran’s oil features Moroccan argan oil in its purest, most concentrated form.
This allows you to experience the full benefits and moisture of argan, undiluted.
- It’s Cold-Pressed and Unrefined
In addition to being 100% pure, Josie Maran argan oil is also cold-pressed and unrefined. This is key to maintaining the integrity and nutrient content of the argan kernels.
Many cheaper argan oils use chemical solvents and high heat to extract and process the oil quickly and in mass quantities. However, these methods degrade the quality and purity of the oil.
Josie Maran argan oil is slowly and carefully cold pressed. This traditional method preserves the oil’s naturally occurring vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids. It’s also unrefined, meaning no high heat or chemicals are used to filter or process the oil.
This meticulous approach is more time-consuming and expensive. But it results in an exceptionally pure, nutrient-rich oil.
- Ethical Sourcing Practices
Josie Maran is deeply committed ethical sourcing when it comes to their argan oil. They partner exclusively with women’s argan cooperatives in Morocco.
This provides jobs for local women and ensures they are paid fair wages for their work harvesting argan nuts. Josie Maran also invests in community programs for education and healthcare.
They use a zero-waste method for producing the oil as well. The pressed argan shells are repurposed as fuel, while the pulp is used to feed animals.
This ethical approach to sourcing and production adds to the overall cost. But it provides customers peace of mind that their purchase helps support women’s cooperatives fairly.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging
In alignment with their ethical practices, Josie Maran uses recyclable and biodegradable packaging for their argan oil.
The bottles are made of recyclable dark violet glass.
The outer cartons are printed with non-toxic inks on material sourced from responsibly managed forests.
Even the shipping materials are recyclable and biodegradable.
This earth-conscious packaging costs more to produce than plastic alternatives.
But it reflects Josie Maran’s commitment to sustainability from start to finish.
- Large Volume Options
While the 1.7 oz bottle may seem small, Josie Maran does offer larger volumes of their argan oil as well. This includes a 4 oz bottle for $96 and an 8 oz bottle for $156.
Given the price per ounce, these larger sizes can provide some savings compared to buying multiple small bottles. The 4 oz option brings the price down to $24 per oz compared to $28 per oz for the 1.7 oz size.
However, the upfront cost of the bigger bottles is prohibitively expensive for some customers. The 8 oz size costs a hefty $156, over 3 times the cost of the 1.7 oz option.
So while Josie Maran does offer some bulk pricing options, the large volumes still come at a premium cost.
- Clinical Testing & Dermatological Approvals
Extensive clinical testing and dermatological approvals also contribute to the higher cost of Josie Maran argan oil. Their products undergo rigorous clinical trials to ensure safety and efficacy.
The Josie Maran argan oil is cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested and safe for sensitive skin. It meets the Environmental Working Group’s strictest standards for purity and quality.
Rigorous quality testing and scientific research is critical, but adds considerably to the overall production expenses. The cost to obtain clinical approvals is passed onto the customer.
For customers with sensitive skin, these approvals provide peace of mind about the oil’s quality and lack of irritants. This gives the high price tag added perceived value.
- Brand Reputation & Marketing
There’s no doubt Josie Maran has developed an A-list brand reputation, thanks in large part to the company’s namesake founder, model Josie Maran.
Having a celebrity spokesperson and glossy marketing campaigns contributes significantly to the argan oil’s luxury branding. This prestige enables the brand to command higher prices than generic argan oils.
In essence, part of what customers pay for is the brand cachet and association with Josie Maran herself. There’s an aspirational quality the packaging and messaging cultivates.
For devoted fans of Josie Maran, this elite aura and star-powered endorsement is well worth the splurge. The oil’s more than just a beauty product – it’s a status symbol.
- Product Education & Guidance
The Josie Maran brand also offers extensive education and guidance on how best to use their argan oil.
Their website and packaging provide tips and suggestions for different applications based on skin type and needs.
This degree of customer education and support requires additional investment and resources from the company.
But it enhances the user experience and helps customers understand how to maximize the benefits of the oil.
In-depth product education resources lend the oil a greater sense of value compared to basic argan oils lacking usage instructions.
Customers feel they’re investing in expertise and guidance as well as the product itself.
- Charitable Initiatives
True to Josie Maran’s ethical roots, a portion of proceeds from Josie Maran argan oil sales fund charitable initiatives like environmental conservation, women’s empowerment, and education.
Specifically, proceeds help protect more than 720,000 argan trees and support women’s cooperatives through the Josie Maran Argan Project Fund.
Knowing part of your purchase goes towards doing good adds a heartwarming feeling that boosts the oil’s perceived value. Customers get more than just great skin – they get the satisfaction of supporting meaningful causes.
This feel-good factor enables the brand to justify their premium pricing, which covers the costs of their philanthropy.
- Multi-Use Benefits
While some argan oils are only suitable for certain uses, Josie Maran argan oil offers benefits from head to toe – and that versatility adds to its value.
Their oil can be used on the face, body, hands, nails, and even hair for nourishment and protection. It also doubles as an effective makeup remover.
Rather than needing separate argan oil products for hair, skin and cosmetic use, Josie Maran’s oil is the one bottle that can do it all.
This all-in-one multi-purpose appeal means customers get more bang for their buck. A little goes a long way towards replacing an entire beauty routine.
- Free Shipping Threshold
Here’s a pro tip for getting the best deal on Josie Maran argan oil: take advantage of free shipping!
Orders over $50 on JosieMaran.com receive free standard shipping. Since the argan oil costs $48, adding any small item gets you free shipping, offsetting part of the cost.
You can also select free 2-3 day shipping on any $50+ order, speeding up delivery time.
Consider buying a lip balm, nail oil, or other mini item you need to bring your total over $50 and essentially get free shipping on your argan oil.
- Premium Ingredients & Formula
At the heart of Josie Maran argan oil lies its hero ingredient: top-quality Moroccan argan oil packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids. This ultra-premium oil makes up almost the entire formula.
Unlike more watered-down argan oils, Josie Maran doesn’t dilute the concentration with cheap filler oils or preservatives.
It’s also free of synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and other questionable additives. You’re getting nothing but natural, unrefined argan oil in its purest form.
When you consider the pristine quality and minimal ingredients list, the pricing starts to make a bit more sense. Quality ingredients command higher prices.
How Josie Maran Argan Oil Compares To The Competition?
- Pura D’Or Argan Oil
Pura D’Or organic argan oil is about half the price of Josie Maran at $25 for 4oz. It’s also 100% pure cold pressed argan oil. However, Josie Maran has stricter sourcing and provides more education on using the product. Pura D’Or is a decent budget option but cannot match the luxury branding of Josie Maran.
- Poppy Austin Argan Oil
At $14 for 1oz, Poppy Austin comes in significantly cheaper than Josie Maran. It’s 100% pure as well. Poppy Austin offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, which Josie Maran does not. However, Josie Maran argan is grown in the ideal region of Morocco. Overall, Poppy Austin is great for the price but Josie Maran still edges it out in quality.
- ArtNaturals Argan Oil
ArtNaturals organic argan oil costs just $12 for 4oz, nearly 10 times less than Josie Maran’s 4oz size. But it’s also blended with other oils instead of being 100% argan. Josie Maran offers far superior purity and concentration. ArtNaturals is the budget pick while Josie Maran offers true luxury quality.
- Acure Argan Oil
At $13 for 1oz, Acure is one of the most affordable argan oils. But it’s also heavily diluted – Josie Maran contains almost 10 times more argan oil! While Acure uses sustainable harvesting practices, Josie Maran goes further supporting women’s co-ops. Overall, Acure trades majorly on quality and purity for the low price.
- Moroccan Oil Treatment
Moroccan Oil pioneered argan oil use for hair. But their “Moroccan Oil Treatment” actually only contains a small amount of argan. Josie Maran is still superior for facial and body use with undiluted argan. Moroccan Oil Treatment costs $15 for 0.5oz so it’s pricier than Josie Maran per ounce as well.
FAQ About Josie Maran Argan Oil
Still have some questions about what makes Josie Maran argan oil so special? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
For most fans of the brand, Josie Maran products like the signature argan oil are very much worth the price. The oil is renowned for its exceptional purity, ethical sourcing, and stellar results for all skin types. Those looking for the Cadillac version of argan oil are willing to pay a premium for Josie Maran’s unmatched quality and lustrous branding.
Argan oil pricing can vary widely based on factors like purity levels, quality control, sourcing practices, packaging, certifications, and brand reputation. Josie Maran is on the very high end due to its 100% pure argan oil, cold pressed extraction, ethical production, luxury branding, and eco-friendly components. More affordable argan oils make tradeoffs in these areas to lower production costs. But the result is often a less potent, less pure oil.
Josie Maran consistently tops lists of the best argan oils for its exceptional purity, potency, sustainable sourcing, and effectiveness for face, body, hair and nails. Other premium options like Poppy Austin, Pura D’Or, and ArtNaturals are also praised for quality. But Josie Maran remains the gold standard that all others are measured against, justifying its steep price tag.
The labor-intensive production of argan oil makes it one of the most expensive oils in the world. Argan trees only grow in one small region of Morocco. All harvesting and pressing is still done by hand in small batches. Add in costs for ethical production, quality control testing, eco-friendly components, and prestige brand marketing – and the price adds up. For the finest argan oils like Josie Maran, customers are willing to pay top dollar for supreme quality and purity.
Conclusion: The Price Reflects the Purity
While less expensive argan oils exist, Josie Maran stands in a class of its own as a 100% pure cold-pressed argan oil backed by stringent quality control and ethical production methods.
Its price point directly correlates with its exceptionally high purity, potency, and concentration of antioxidant-rich argan oil.
Factor in the socially responsible sourcing, multi-use benefits, luxury branding, and celebrity founder, and it becomes clear why devotees happily splurge on Josie Maran argan oil.
When it comes to top-shelf, quintessential argan oil, Josie Maran has no equal. Its devotees consider every drop worth the premium investment for hydrated, healthy, luminous skin and hair.