by Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi

Some of you may know that in Morocco, Argan oil is used especially in the culinary field, dipped in bread along with couscous or pasta. But world-wide, it’s gaining a reputation both as an ingredient in high-end, personal-care products and as a heart-healthy gourmet product.

This has been thoroughly unveiled by the founder of Verità’s skin care, Amanda Riggs, who has based her products on the exceptional qualities of the plant oil produced from the kernels of the Argan tree. Amanda lived in Egypt for many years where she developed a passion for international business and working with women across the Middle East and North Africa., where she fell head of heels for this nourishing product of the earth, as she explains herself: “I loved Argan oil from the moment I first tried it back in 2009 on a trip to Marrakech with an Egyptian friend. I instantly loved how practical Argan oil is. It can literally help solve so many skin care issues. By using a few drops on my face a day, it has reduced my oily skin to a normal complexion. My dried cuticles now look like I’ve never had to work a day in my life. The heels of my feet can stay soft throughout sandal season in the summer. A drop of Argan oil tames the static in my hair during the winter cold. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Adding Argan oil to lip, face, and body scrubs washes away dead skin cells while softening my whole body. I am constantly amazed when I find a new way to use Argan oil on a different part of my body.”

Indeed Amanda’s Verità Classic is an all-in-one cosmetic moisturiser for the skin, body, face, hands, nails, scalp and hair that is 100% pure Argan oil with no additives. Argan oil has been used by Moroccan women as an organic anti-aging and skin treatment serum for centuries. Unlike other products that cut the Argan oil with unwanted additives, Verità Classic is a lightweight oil that quickly evaporates into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. The pure Argan oil rejuvenates the skin leaving it looking luminous and feeling touchably soft. I had the chance to put to the test the face scrub, the Argan Oil, the Lip Balp and the suave perfume ‘Lofty Lilty of the Valley,’ and felt my skin, lips and entire body being nurtured day by day. It’s going to be love at first touch and at first sight, since Verità Classic comes in a clear glass bottle to highlight its quality and purity through the golden yellow colour.

Verità is utterly eco-friendly, as Riggs is thoroughly engaged in protecting the planet both in her personal life and in her profession as a cosmetic entrepreneur, “Sustainability is one of Verità’s founding principles,” she says and continues “Our Argan oil is harvested in Morocco in an area protected by UNESCO that ensures the long-term health of the Argan tree, which lives for 200-300 years. UNESCO ensures that land where the Argan tree is grown is environmentally protected and oversees its connection to economic development for women. Sustainability is important to Verità’s packaging and we use glass bottles and jars and recyclable materials in each stage of the processing. Argan oil in itself embodies sustainability in the way it is applied on skin. It naturally is a hyper-concentrated moisturiser with antioxidants that protect against sun damage and vitamin E for skin softening power. Regular lotions needs to be repeatedly applied and continue to dry skin out from alcohol-based ingredients, which in itself is wasteful. Verità’s signature bottle is 1-ounce and will last an average of four months by applying 2-5 drops on the face a day – conversation at its finest.”

Furthermore, Verità partners with women-owned businesses and the Argan oil is produced entirely by women’s cooperatives in Morocco. “Verità Organic Argan Oil Skin Care was inspired by my desire to have a positive socio-economical impact for working women in Morocco,” reveals Amanda who further describes her commitment to fair trade, “I lived in Egypt for many years and I believe that businesses can contribute to economic development in their local communities as well as around the world such as the Middle East and North Africa. I have taken that passion of supporting sustainable, fair trade women’s farms across my line by sourcing Shea butter from Nigeria and Ghana, Coconut Palm Sugar from Indonesia, and coffee from Peru. Ethical sourcing is the foundation for my creative inspiration.” Riggs truly believes that global companies such as Verità can bring organic products to the market that are environmentally sustainable, support economic development in emerging markets and create jobs for women around the world.

Since Amanda is Italian by descent and Egyptian by upbringing I was curious to know from her which of her Italian and Egyptian traits she transferred in her ‘Verità’ and this is what I got for an answer: “The Verità line resembles the Italian way of life known as La Bella Figura, which embodies simplicity and practicality while emanating an understated elegance. I take this from my mother who was half Italian and Verità Argan oil is just that: one ultra-luxe ingredient for the entire body. This is also reflected in my packaging which takes on a vintage chic feel with a black and white motif to highlight the natural yellows of the oils. I was also influenced by the ancient Egyptians and their use of organic herbs to heal and improve the skin. The Verità line incorporates numerous plants, seeds, and oils that are characteristic of the Mediterranean and particular to Egypt. For instance, Hibiscus and Chamomile have traditionally been used in food preparation, for religious ceremonies, and for their medicinal properties on the skin and in the body. Both these vivacious flowers bring colour and floral scents while toning and clearing skin. I find inspiration from my time in Egypt for my ingredient mixology.”

But most importantly Amanda Riggs picked the Italian name as an emblem for her brand, Verità, meaning truth. When I asked her what her “truth” is she replied to me: “It is important to me to know exactly what I put on my skin and in my body. I choose not to use toxic chemicals, synthetic variations, or alcohol-based ingredients and I want to offer people an alternative to main stream brands that are loaded with harmful, cheap fillers. Verità uses five to ten natural ingredients and all products are at least 99% organic. Not all companies can make that claim. More importantly, I don’t like feeling lied to and I don’t trust companies that mask their ingredients under different or confusing names. While Verità seeks to empower women workers by sourcing responsibly, it also seeks to empower the consumer to make healthy decisions for their skin. Verità’s motto: The Truth is in the Label.” And I – as someone who tested it – must say that Amanda’s words on her brand couldn’t be truer!