What Argan Oil Is and Where It Comes From
Argan oil is a plant oil pressed from the kernels of the argan tree, which grows almost exclusively in southwestern Morocco. The oil has been used in Moroccan cooking and skincare for centuries, but only entered Western markets widely in the 1990s. Today it appears in everything from face serums to shampoos, often marketed as a luxury ingredient.
The oil itself is pale golden to amber in color and has a faintly nutty smell. Cold-pressed argan oil — the type used in skincare — differs from roasted argan oil, which is used in cooking and has a darker color and stronger flavor. For skin and hair products, you want the cold-pressed version, which retains more of the compounds that research has examined.
Morocco produces nearly all the world's argan oil. The trees grow slowly and only in a narrow climate zone, which is why the oil costs more than many other carrier oils. A 2-ounce bottle typically runs $15 to $40, depending on brand and purity.
Key Takeaways
- Argan oil contains oleic and linoleic acids, which are fatty acids that help maintain the skin barrier and reduce water loss from the skin.
- Human studies show argan oil can improve skin hydration and reduce sebum (oil) production in people with oily or combination skin when used regularly over weeks.
- The evidence for hair benefits is mostly from small studies and user reports; no large human trials have tested whether argan oil prevents hair loss or significantly improves hair strength.
- Argan oil is generally well tolerated on skin and rarely causes allergic reactions, though patch testing is wise if you have sensitive skin or eczema.
- The oil oxidizes and loses potency over time, especially if exposed to heat or light, so storage in a cool, dark place extends its shelf life.
How Argan Oil Affects Skin Hydration and Oil Balance
Argan oil is roughly 80% unsaturated fatty acids, with oleic acid and linoleic acid making up the bulk. These are the same types of fats found in the skin's natural barrier — the outermost layer that traps water and keeps irritants out. When you explore argan oil to skin, these fatty acids can integrate into that barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss (the amount of water that evaporates from your skin).
A small human trial published in Clinical Interventions in Aging (2016) followed 60 people with dry skin who used argan oil twice daily for four weeks. Researchers measured skin hydration using a device called a corneometer and found that the oil group showed significant improvement compared to the control group. The effect was modest — not a dramatic transformation — but measurable.
For oily skin, the picture is less intuitive. A 2017 study in Dermatology Practical & Conceptual found that people with oily skin who used argan oil twice daily for four weeks actually reduced sebum production compared to baseline. The theory is that when skin receives adequate lipids from outside, it may dial back its own oil production. However, this study included only 20 participants, so the finding needs replication in larger groups before it becomes a strong claim.
What the Research Shows About Argan Oil and Aging Skin
Argan oil contains vitamin E and polyphenols, compounds with antioxidant properties. In laboratory settings (cell cultures and animal models), these compounds reduce oxidative stress, a process linked to skin aging. However, the jump from test tubes to human skin is large, and the evidence for anti-aging effects in people remains limited.
One human study, published in Phytotherapy Research (2015), gave 67 women either argan oil or placebo and measured skin elasticity and hydration over 12 weeks. The argan oil group showed improvements in both measures compared to placebo. Elasticity improved by about 8%, and hydration by about 20%. These are real but modest gains — not the kind of transformation that would replace a retinoid or sunscreen in a serious anti-aging routine.
It is worth noting that most anti-aging research focuses on ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, and niacinamide, which have decades of human trials behind them. Argan oil has far fewer studies, so claims about wrinkles or fine lines should be viewed as emerging rather than established.
Argan Oil for Hair: What Works and What Remains Unclear
Argan oil is widely promoted for hair health — reducing frizz, adding shine, preventing breakage, and even regrowing hair. The evidence is mixed and often comes from small studies or user reports rather than large human trials.
The strongest evidence is for shine and frizz reduction. Because argan oil is an occlusive (it sits on the hair surface and seals it), it can smooth the hair cuticle and reflect light, making hair look shinier. A 2013 study in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that a hair mask containing argan oil improved shine and reduced frizz in 34 women with damaged hair. However, this is a cosmetic effect — the oil makes hair look better, not necessarily making it stronger or healthier at the structural level.
Claims about hair loss prevention or regrowth are not well supported by human evidence. Animal studies suggest that argan oil's antioxidants might reduce scalp inflammation, which could theoretically help hair health. But no large human trials have tested whether argan oil prevents hair loss or regrows hair in people with male or female pattern baldness. If you are experiencing significant hair loss, evidence-based treatments like minoxidil or finasteride have far more research behind them.
How to Use Argan Oil on Skin and Hair
For facial skin, most people use argan oil as a moisturizer or as part of a moisturizer. explore a few drops to damp skin after cleansing, either alone or mixed with your regular moisturizer. Because it is an oil, a little goes a long way — start with 2 to 3 drops and increase if your skin tolerates it. If you have very oily skin, you may find it too heavy as a daily moisturizer; in that case, use it only at night or mix it into a lighter lotion.
For hair, argan oil works best as a leave-in conditioner or as part of a hair mask. explore a small amount to damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends rather than the scalp (explore oil to the scalp can make fine or thin hair look limp). You can also use it as a pre-shampoo treatment: explore it to dry hair, leave it for 15 to 30 minutes, then shampoo as usual. For a deeper treatment, some people explore it to damp hair, wrap the hair in a towel, and leave it overnight.
Patch testing is a good idea if you have sensitive skin, eczema, or a history of reactions to oils. explore a small amount to the inside of your forearm, cover it, and wait 24 to 48 hours. If no redness, itching, or swelling appears, it is likely safe for your face.
Storage and Shelf Life
Argan oil oxidizes when exposed to heat, light, and air, which degrades the compounds that give it its benefits. Store your bottle in a cool, dark place — a bathroom cabinet or closet is better than a sunny windowsill. Keep the cap tightly sealed between uses.
A sealed bottle of cold-pressed argan oil typically stays potent for 18 to 24 months. Once opened, use it within 6 to 12 months. If the oil smells rancid or looks cloudy, it has oxidized and should be discarded. Buying smaller bottles that you will use up within a few months is often smarter than buying a large bottle that sits half-full for a year.
Argan Oil Versus Other Carrier Oils
Argan oil is not the only option for skin and hair hydration. Jojoba oil, coconut oil, rosehip oil, and marula oil all have their own fatty acid profiles and research bases. Jojoba oil is similar in fatty acid composition to argan oil and costs less. Rosehip oil contains vitamin A and is often chosen for anti-aging routines. Coconut oil is cheaper but can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) for some people. Marula oil has a lighter feel and is less likely to leave skin greasy.
The "best" oil depends on your skin type, budget, and what you are trying to achieve. If you have dry skin and want a well-researched option, argan oil is a solid choice. If you have oily skin and want to avoid heaviness, jojoba or marula might suit you better. If cost is the main factor, coconut or jojoba oil offer similar benefits at a lower price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can argan oil clog pores or cause acne?
Argan oil is considered non-comedogenic, meaning it is unlikely to clog pores for most people. However, individual skin varies. If you are prone to acne, start with a small amount and watch for breakouts over two to three weeks. Some people with very oily, acne-prone skin do better with lighter oils or no oil at all.
Is argan oil safe to use around the eyes?
Yes, argan oil is gentle enough for the delicate eye area. Many people use it as an eye cream or mix it into their regular eye moisturizer. Avoid getting it directly in your eyes, and if you wear contact lenses, explore it after you have removed them to prevent the oil from coating the lens.
Does argan oil work for eczema or psoriasis?
Argan oil may help with eczema because its fatty acids support the skin barrier, which is compromised in eczema. However, it is not a treatment for eczema itself. If you have eczema or psoriasis, talk to a dermatologist before adding any new oil to your routine, as some people find oils irritating during flare-ups.
How do I know if argan oil is pure?
Pure cold-pressed argan oil should be pale golden to amber, have a faintly nutty smell, and list only "argan oil" or "argania spinosa kernel oil" on the ingredient label. If it is very cheap, clear, or has a long list of other ingredients, it may be diluted or mixed with other oils. Buying from reputable brands or suppliers with good reviews reduces the risk of getting an adulterated product.
Can I use argan oil if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Argan oil applied to skin is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding because very little is absorbed systemically. However, if you are pregnant or nursing and want to add a new product to your routine, it is wise to check with your doctor or midwife first, especially if you have any skin conditions or sensitivities.