L'Moroccan mastic oil - zit el droe (زيت الضرو) en arabe — est l’une des huiles les plus confidentielles du bassin méditerranéen. Extraite des petites baies du pistachio mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), the famous «mastic tree», has been used for generations in northern Morocco, where it forms part of the heritage of families in the Rif region.
At Black cumin oil, we are offering this rare oil in a bottle of 30 ml, for cosmetic use on the skin and hair, in the purest Moroccan tradition.
The mastic tree, the tree that produces mastic resin in the Mediterranean
The mastic tree is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Anacardiaceae family — the same as the pistachio tree. It is found throughout the Mediterranean region, in maquis and garrigue, where its dense, drought-resistant foliage fills the air with a a green, resinous scent highly distinctive. It is from its bark that the famous mastic is extracted, an aromatic resin that has been prized since ancient times.
As for the oil, it comes from another treasure of the tree: its small berries, which turn from red to black as they ripen. In Morocco, particularly in the Rif region, these fruits are traditionally harvested and then pressed using techniques passed down from generation to generation — a traditional method that explains the rarity and precious nature of this vegetable oil, naturally rich in fatty acids.
An oil that is popular in cosmetics, for the skin and hair
In traditional Moroccan beauty routines, mastic oil is used in external application, either on its own or blended with another vegetable oil. Its texture and natural composition make it a popular ingredient for nourish and soften dry skin, particularly on rough areas such as the elbows, knees or hands.
As for hair care, it joins the large family of oriental hair oils: applied to oil treatment before shampooing, just a few drops massaged into the scalp or along the lengths of the hair are enough. It is traditionally popular with people who wish to to add softness and shine on their hair, particularly on dry ends.
The format 30 ml is ideal for trying out this rare oil without wasting any: a small amount is enough each time you use it, and the compact bottle fits easily into a toiletries bag.
A legacy of the Moroccan Rif
In northern Morocco, the mastic tree — known as droe — is an integral part of the landscape and culture. Families in the Rif have known this oil for as long as they can remember: it is a local speciality in its own right, just like olive oil from the mountains, and its resinous aroma immediately brings to mind the hills of Morocco’s Mediterranean coast.
It was this deep-rooted heritage that won us over. Just as with habba sawda, sidr and musks, we love introducing people to products that have stood the test of time in Eastern and Maghreb traditions. Mastic oil is a natural addition to a collection dedicated to heritage oils, alongside our must-have black cumin oil, the shop’s product code.
Advice on use and precautions
- Product intended for a for external cosmetic use, on healthy skin.
- Have a skin test in the crook of the elbow 24 hours before first use, particularly if you have a known sensitivity to Anacardiaceae (pistachios, cashews, mangoes).
- Avoid contact with the eye area and mucous membranes. Keep out of reach of children.
- Keep the bottle tightly closed, in a dry place, away from heat and light to preserve the oil’s full qualities.
Why choose Huiles de Nigelle’s mastic oil?
FAQ — Moroccan mastic oil
What is «zit el droe» in Morocco?
« Zit el droe » (زيت الضرو) est le nom marocain de l’huile de lentisque, « droe » désignant le lentisque pistachier lui-même. C’est sous cette appellation que l’huile est connue dans le nord du pays, en particulier dans le Rif, où sa production artisanale se transmet au sein des familles depuis des générations.
Vegetable oil or mastic essential oil: what’s the difference?
Ce sont deux produits bien distincts. L’huile essentielle de lentisque pistachier est obtenue par distillation des rameaux feuillés : très concentrée, elle s’emploie avec de grandes précautions. Notre produit est une oil extracted from the berries mastic oil, according to Moroccan tradition: as it is milder, it is used in the same way as other cosmetic oils, such as argan oil or black cumin oil.
How can I incorporate mastic oil into my hair care routine?
The simplest method is an oil treatment: apply a few drops to your scalp and the lengths of your hair, massage gently, leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour, then wash your hair with your usual shampoo. With a 30 ml bottle, you can also add it drop by drop to your hair mask or another vegetable oil to create your own blend.
What does mastic oil smell like?
It bears the hallmark of the tree from which it is derived: a green, herbal and slightly resinous scent reminiscent of the Mediterranean scrub. It is a natural and authentic scent, more pronounced than that of a neutral oil, which fades after application. Lovers of regional oils will immediately recognise the character of the droe in it.
How should I store my 30 ml bottle?
Like all natural oils, mastic oil is sensitive to heat, light and air. Keep the bottle tightly closed in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight — a bathroom cupboard away from the radiator is ideal. If stored correctly, it will retain its fragrance and properties for many months.
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