Sustainable Sourcing - Replenishing the Argan Forests

The “secret” ingredient in all of FRÉ’s skincare products is argan oil. This oil has been hailed as wondrous by the indigenous populations of Morocco, where it grows, due to its intensely nourishing properties. Argan has been shown to fight breakouts, protect against sun damage, promote cell regeneration, and restore the skin’s natural shine.

Our patent-pending Argania Active Complex© combinesargan oil, argan water leaf extract and stem cells in a synergic way to fight aging, acne and skin inflammation.Our research in partnership with Dr. Sharon Rozenblat, botanical dermatology expert, and The Dead Sea Arava Science Center shows that this potent formula is even more powerful than chemical ingredients when it comes to protecting and nourishing the skin and repairing and preventing UV damage. 

One Set, One Tree

“One set, one tree” is at the heart of FRÉ’s mission. This means that for every FRÉ set purchased, we’re committed to planting one new argan tree. By doing so, we ensure the use of high-quality natural ingredients that are sourced responsibly.

In fact, for each tree used to make the argan oil used in our products, 1,000 new trees are planted in its place, ensuring that the argan forests will continue to grow and thrive for many generations.

During Earth Week, we’ve doubled our commitment to replenish the argan forests - for every FRE set sold, we’ll plant 2 trees.

65,000 Trees Pledged in 2021

To date, FRÉ has planted 33,000 new argan trees in Morocco - these trees clean the air and reduce carbon emissions by over 200 tonnes. By the end of 2021, we pledge to plant an additional 32,000 trees. Once these trees mature, they’ll be able to absorb almost 4-times more carbon.

We are proud partners of theHigh Atlas Foundation (HAF), an NGO that promotes organic agriculture, women’s empowerment, youth development, education, and health. HAF’s efforts focus on sustainable agriculture, education, health, women’s and youth empowerment, and capacity-building.

 

To date, FRÉ has planted 33,000 new argan trees in Morocco - these trees clean the air and reduce carbon emissions by over 200 tonnes. By the end of 2021, we pledge to plant an additional 32,000 trees. 

 

HAF representatives on the ground help FRÉ identify the right cooperatives who will be committed to growing and nurturing the argan saplings into trees. Currently, we are working with local associations in the Al Haouz and Essaouira provinces of Morocco.

Once planted, argan seeds take 50 years to reach fruiting maturity, and grow to 8-10 meters with a lifespan of 200 years or more. On the branches, fleshy pods emerge that are home to hard-shelled kernels. This is where the argan or “liquid gold” is stored in small seeds that are later harvested by the women’s cooperatives.

Elevating the Status of Women

Over 5,000 local women and their families will double their income as a result of tree planting. These are the women who harvest the argan oil, and for them argan is the “tree of life,” breathing oxygen into the environment and sustaining them and their livelihood.

 

Over 5,000 local women and their families will double their income as a result of tree planting. 

 

We consider it our duty to elevate the status of women around the globe and help them step into their role as educators, decision-makers, and economic providers. Women are key managers of natural resources and powerful agents of change. Women connect us to natural resources, and teach us how to preserve and protect these resources.