Natural oils have emerged as a skincare frontrunner and for good reason. They’re straight forward, easy to work with, and can address the needs of a variety of skin types. Among these, argan oil stood out. Hailed as “liquid gold”, argan oil’s popularity continues to rise and for good reason. Is argan oil good for skin? Beauty experts and dermatologists alike believe so and the science continues to catch up.
Argan oil is the nut of the argan tree found in Morocco. It has been used for centuries to nourish skin as well as (and perhaps, more famously) hair and nails. With a rich yet easily absorbed texture, argan oil can be found in both traditional and modern skincare.
Argan oil’s greatest advantage may be its wide appeal. Unlike many oils, argan oil can be used for a host of skin ailments and is especially useful for dry skin, skin that is easily (and often) irritated, acne-prone skin, and even skin that is showing the early signs of aging.
This guide seeks to address the burgeoning interest in argan oil, how it functions and who it is best suited for. Is argan oil good for skin? If you’re looking for a natural (and perhaps new) addition to your skincare routine argan oil might just offer that.
What Is Argan Oil?
Argan oil comes from the kernels of the argan tree, found only in areas of Morocco. Argan is important in Moroccan culture for its culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal uses. Argan’s benefits for skin and hair have made it a major international commodity and contributed to its popularity around the world.
To better understand what argan oil is, its method of production needs to be explained. High quality argan oil is cold pressed. This oil extraction method uses little to no heat, helping retain the oil’s nutrients. Argan oil comes in two types:
Cosmetic argan oil: Cold pressed and unroasted, this oil is safe for skin use.
Culinary argan oil: This oil is made from roasted argan and is for human consumption. This oil should never be used on skin.
The many benefits of argan oil for skin is due to its unique composition. Argan oil contains:
Vitamin E (tocopherol): This skin repairing and protecting antioxidant supports skin health.
Essential fatty acids (oleic and linoleic acids): These fatty acids help skin maintain its barrier and moisture.
Polyphenols and sterols: These skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory oil constituents.
Is Argan Oil Good for Skin?
Argan oil is safe for nearly all skin types. Its lightweight, non-comedogenic properties, support its success on dry and mature skin, and even acne and sensitive skin.
Scientific Evidence of Skin Benefits
1. Hydration & Moisture
Argan oil is comprised of oleic and linoleic acid, which create the skin’s natural barrier. These lipids trap water in the skin and prevent transepidermal water loss. Serving skin that is soft, smooth, and hydrated. In the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2015), the hydration of skin of test subjects improved significantly by the use of topical argan oil.
2. Anti-Aging
Argan oil is considered an anti-aging oil. It has many free radical scavengers in the oil and also vitamin E. Argan oil promotes collagen formation. Research published in the Clinical Interventions in Aging (2014) indicated that argan oil improved skin elasticity and decreased fine lines in test subjects, post-menopausal women, by its use for 60 days.
3. Soothing Sensitive Skin
Argan oil has polyphenols and sterols, which help decrease inflammation, improve the resilience of skin, and do not trigger allergic responses, making this oil particularly excellent for skin that is easily inflamed.
4. Acne Control
Argan oil is not a comedogenic oil (rated 0-1). It doesn’t clog your pores. It has linoleic acid as well, which is oil that is non-comedogenic and has some mild properties of an anti-microbial that decrease acne-causing bacteria on the skin. In Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2009), argan oil was of value in oil control and may be of use for skin that is oily and acne-prone.
5. Reducing Scars and Stretch Marks
Argan oil contains vitamin E, sterols, and squalene, which help improve skin elasticity and regeneration. These constituents also assist in patching up tissue damage, and thus, over time, argan oil can reduce the visibility of scars and stretch marks.
6. Protection of Skin
Argan oil contains a wealth of antioxidants, including polyphenols and tocopherols. These antioxidants help protect the skin from damage due to environmental stressors and UV radiation. These protective benefits may help slow the loss of elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful skin.
Backed by Research
There is plenty of research to support the claims of argan oil in skin care. An article in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2014 discusses the ability of argan oil to improve skin hydration and elasticity, as well as its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Both clinical and laboratory work support that the skin of people who have argan oil in their regimen is healthier and contains more of the skin’s vital constituents.
Using Argan Oil on Skin
Argan oil is a wonderful addition to your skin care products. It can hydrate skin, calm irritation, and even help with breakouts. Here is the best way to use it!
1. Using Argan Oil As a Daily Moisturizer
Using argan oil as a daily moisturizer is very simple. After washing your face, carefully dry your skin and apply a few drops of pure and cold-pressed argan oil to your face. With your fingers, push the oil into your skin with circular motions. Because argan oil absorbs very quickly and leaves no grease behind, you can use it at any time of day.
2. Adding Argan Oil to Creams and Serums
If you use moisturizers and serums, consider adding one or two drops of argan oil to them. Argan oil helps to improve absorption of the product and helps to seal in the active ingredients. Simply mix one or two drops of argan oil in your hand and blend it with the skin product to be used.
This works very well in winter, when cold weather can dry out your skin and it needs more moisture.
3. Using Argan Oil As An Overnight Moisturizer
At night, your skin has a chance to repair itself and regenerate, making it the best time of day to use argan oil in higher quantities. After your night time routine, add a few drops to your skin and go to bed. In the morning, your skin will feel and look softer and smoother.
4. Using Argan Oil For Acne-Prone Skin
Because argan oil is non-comedogenic, it is safe to use on oily and acne-prone skin. It can be used in higher quantities as a moisturizer or as a spot treatment for your breakouts. It will help improve acne while also decreasing the inflammation and redness.
For those with a reactive skin type, it’s recommended to ease into use. Start with 1-2 drops to target specific dry or inflamed areas. With oily skin, even a non-comedogenic oil can make things worse, so avoid it being applied too much.
5. Patch Tests are Essential
A patch test is a must if it is your first time using argan oil. Apply a small amount to your inner wrist or the again, and wait to see if any irritation shows after 24 hours. The sensitivity of your skin and the likelihood of it being allergic are good reasons to always exercise caution, even though argan oil is generally well tolerated.
Selecting Better Quality Argan Oil
It is important to remember that with argan oil, structure determines function. It is important to remember that not every argan oil product is created equal, and know that to choose the truly nourishing one. Here’s the best guide to help you choose the best argan oil for skin.
1. 100% Pure, Organic and Cold-Pressed
The best argan oil is cold-pressed, as it is done without the use of heat during extraction, thus retaining the most beneficial nutrients of the oil. You can see on the labels:
Cold-pressed
100% pure
Certified organic
Unrefined
These will ensure you get only pure argan oil, the most concentrated and potent, without any additives or chemicals.
2. Avoid Dilution or Fragrant Product
Products that claim to have argan oil may have it mixed in a dilution with other oils, synthetic fragrances, or preservatives. This may decrease the oil’s potency, and may irritate sensitive skin, especially if you are applying the product to your face.
If you want to use argan oil as a facial oil, then stay away from any products that have fragrances or other additives mixed in, as they can cause a reaction and/or clog your pores. The oil should have a light, nutty scent with a golden hue. If the color is too light or there is a strong perfume scent, it may be an indication that the product is overly processed.
3. Brands We Love
To narrow your search, we picked some brands that are known to have high-quality and 100% pure argan oil.
—Josie Maran — Her brand is known to have argan oil that is ethically sourced and organic.
– PURA D’OR — Their argan oil is USDA organic and cold-pressed.
—Acure— Their argan oil is affordable clean beauty and is high based on purity.
These brands uphold the best practices in maintaining the integrity of the ingredients and in keeping the oils safe for skin, and allow consumers to truly benefit from the argan oil.
Rosehip Oil vs. Argan Oil
Rosehip oil has vitamin A which is a great oil to use for evening skin tones and fading dark spots and fine lines, but can be more drying. On the contrary, argan oil is more hydrating and better for repairing skin barriers, which makes argan better for sensitive skin.
Argan Oil vs Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is super hydrating, but it has a comedogenic rating of 4, meaning it can really clog pores, making it bad for acne-prone skin. Argan oil is just as moisturizing, but because it’s less comedogenic and absorbs faster, it doesn’t cause breakouts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Argan Oil for Skin
Q1. Is argan oil good for oily or acne-prone skin?
Yes, argan oil is great for oily and acne-prone skin. Even though it is an oil, it has a comedogenic rating of 0–1, so it is very unlikely to clog pores. It is also very high in linoleic acid which helps regulate the skin’s sebum production. It also helps breakouts and reduces the inflammation and redness caused. Make sure to always start with a small amount and do a patch test.
Q2. Can I use argan oil under makeup?
Yes! Argan oil has a lightweight feel and a fast absorption rate which makes argan oil great to use under makeup. It can be applied by using 2–3 drops on skin and allowing it to fully absorb before applying foundation or primer. It helps makeup to apply smoother while giving skin a natural glow.
Q3. WILL ARGAN OIL CLOG PORES?
No, argan oil won’t clog your pores. With a non-comedogenic rating, argan oil is a great oil to use on your face. It is safe even for those who are acne prone. It is important to choose 100% pure, cold pressed argan oil with nothing else in the bottle. It is still possible to clog pores with argan oil, so to avoid problems be sure to use a small amount and apply to clean skin.
Q4. IS ARGAN OIL SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN AND ECZEMA PRONE SKIN?
Argan oil does seem to work well for sensitive skin and skin that eczema, and for good reason. Argan oil has anti-inflammatories and helps with skin irritation and redness. It even helps with the skin barrier. But as every other product, it is always best to test first and if you have history of skin allergy, visit your doctor before applying argon oil.
Q5. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE RESULTS WITH ARGAN OIL?
In just a couple days, users should notice their skin feeling a little bit more hydrated. Users should notice improvements in skin elasticity and the overall texture and tone in just a couple weeks. Users should see results in their skin in just a couple months with consistency but this is different based on the users skin condition.
Conclusion: Is Argan Oil Good for Skin?
In conclusion, argan oil is a vitamin-rich oil that is great for many kinds of skin. With it being so rich in vitamin E, antioxidant, and fatty acids, argan oil hydrates and soothes. Not to mention that it also was healing properties, though does not clog pores or irritate sensitive skin. Argan oil is great at improving the condition and appearance of skin in a natural way that is also gentle. This means that it can help with dryness and breakouts, and can may also help with various skin issues.
But, still, not every kind of argan oil is the same. Poor quality oil will have a direct effect on the oil’s properties, so make sure he quality is good. You want a cold pressed, pure, organic, and probably the most essential, fragrance and filler free oil.
To the question of “is argan oil good for skin?” the answer can only be a loud and clear yes. It can be a phenomenal and powerful oil to use alone, but a great also oil to use when blended with other skin care products.
Do you use argan oil in you skin care routine? Please comment your experiences or ask questions!