Argan oil comes from the kernels of the argan tree, which mostly grows in southwestern Morocco. Folks have used it for generations in cooking, skincare, and hair care.
It’s a plant-based oil, loaded with healthy fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants. That makes it a favorite for both food and beauty routines.
The oil feels light, and it’s pretty versatile because of its nutrients. People reach for it to moisturize their skin, condition their hair, or just add a little boost to their overall wellness.
Modern research points out that argan oil might help maintain skin hydration, defend against oxidative stress, and provide good fats in the diet.
From Moroccan kitchens to beauty shelves worldwide, argan oil just keeps getting more popular. Curious what all the fuss is about? Let’s dig into what it is and how to use it.
Key Takeaways
- Argan oil is a nutrient-rich oil from the kernels of the argan tree
- It supports skin, hair, and general wellness
- You can use it in cooking or personal care
What Is Argan Oil?
Argan oil is a plant-derived oil made from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to southwest Morocco. It’s prized for its nutritional, cosmetic, and even economic uses, and you’ll find it in both edible and cosmetic forms.
The oil is packed with unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and other bioactive stuff. That’s what gives it its punch.
Origin and History
The argan tree (Argania spinosa) mostly grows in Morocco’s semi-arid regions, especially in the UNESCO-protected argan forest. It’s a tough tree, with deep roots that help fight soil erosion.
For ages, the indigenous Amazigh people have harvested argan fruit for oil, using it for food, skincare, and trade. Traditionally, women’s cooperatives have done the hard work by hand—a slow, careful process that’s still around in some rural spots.
Lately, the world’s interest in pure argan oil has shot up, so production has grown too. There are now efforts to protect the trees, like sustainable harvesting and even planting them in other dry places like Mexico, Israel, and some parts of North Africa.
Types of Argan Oil
There are two main kinds: edible argan oil and cosmetic argan oil.
- Edible argan oil comes from roasted kernels. It’s golden, has a gentle nutty flavor, and shows up in Moroccan dishes like couscous, salads, and amlou (that’s a yummy paste of almonds, honey, and oil).
- Cosmetic argan oil is made from unroasted kernels. People use it in skincare and haircare for its moisturizing and conditioning effects.
Both are natural oils, but organic argan oil has to meet certain farming and processing standards. Food-grade and cosmetic-grade oils aren’t really interchangeable—their processing and uses are just different.
Extraction Process
The oil can be extracted by traditional or mechanical methods.
In the traditional way, harvested argan fruit is dried, de-pulped, and the tough nut is cracked open for the kernels. Roasted kernels are used for edible oil, while raw ones go into cosmetic oil. These kernels get ground into a paste and pressed to get the oil out.
These days, mechanical cold-press machines are used more often. They’re faster, cleaner, and better at preserving heat-sensitive nutrients like tocopherols and polyphenols.
Once pressed, the oil is filtered to remove any solids. Premium argan oil usually goes into dark glass bottles to keep it safe from light and oxidation, which helps it last longer.
Nutritional Composition
Argan oil is full of healthy fats, vitamins, and other good-for-you compounds. It’s got lots of unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant-rich tocopherols, and plant sterols that help keep it stable and high-quality.
Fatty Acids Profile
About 80% of argan oil is unsaturated fatty acids. The main ones are oleic acid (omega-9) at 43–49 g/100 g and linoleic acid (omega-6) at 29–37 g/100 g.
There’s not much linolenic acid (less than 0.3 g/100 g), which actually helps the oil stay fresh longer. Saturated fats like palmitic acid (11–12 g/100 g) and stearic acid (about 3 g/100 g) are there too.
| Fatty Acid | Approx. Content (g/100 g) | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Oleic acid | 43–49 | Omega-9 |
| Linoleic acid | 29–37 | Omega-6 |
| Palmitic acid | 11–12 | Saturated |
| Stearic acid | ~3 | Saturated |
This mix of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats is a bit like olive oil, but argan oil has more linoleic acid, according to composition studies.
Vitamins and Antioxidants
Argan oil is a solid source of vitamin E, mostly as γ-tocopherol (that’s 81–92% of its tocopherols). There are also smaller bits of α-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, and β-tocopherol.
These tocopherols work as antioxidants, helping the oil last longer and supporting skin health. You’ll also find phenolic compounds, coenzyme Q10, and melatonin—all of which might add to its benefits.
Total tocopherol content is usually 60 to 90 mg/100 g, which is higher than a lot of common cooking oils. That’s probably why it’s so popular in both food and skincare.
Unique Compounds
Argan oil has plant sterols like spinasterol and schottenol, which make up most of its sterol content. These help prove the oil’s authenticity and might have some antioxidant perks.
It’s also got squalene, which helps the skin barrier. The oil’s scent changes depending on whether the kernels are roasted—roasted ones give a nutty smell, while unroasted oil is milder.
All these unique extras, along with the fatty acids and antioxidants, set argan oil apart from other plant oils.
Benefits for Skin Care
Argan oil is packed with essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants that help keep skin healthy. It’s known for supporting hydration, easing signs of aging, improving firmness, and helping your skin repair itself.
Moisturizing and Hydration
Argan oil is great for moisturizing skin by creating a light, breathable layer that slows down water loss. Thanks to its oleic and linoleic acids, it strengthens the skin barrier, which is key for avoiding dry skin.
It soaks in fast and doesn’t feel greasy, so it works for both normal and acne-prone skin. People use it on their face, hands, and body to keep skin feeling hydrated all day.
Some studies say applying it before and after sun exposure can help with dryness and flaking. Using it regularly might keep your skin soft and smooth, without clogging pores.
Anti-Aging Effects
The antioxidants in argan oil, especially vitamin E, help shield the skin from oxidative stress. That can help with fine lines and wrinkles caused by the environment.
The fatty acids help keep the skin’s lipid layer healthy, which gets thinner as we age. This can make skin texture and tone look better and more even.
Some research hints that argan oil can help fade dark spots if you use it consistently. Its gentle nature means most people can use it every day without irritation.
Improving Skin Elasticity
Argan oil may boost skin elasticity by nourishing deeper layers. In one study with postmenopausal women, eating and applying argan oil increased skin firmness and hydration. You can check out the details in this study on postmenopausal skin elasticity.
Better elasticity can help with stretch marks and sagging. The oil’s emollient quality makes skin feel stronger and less likely to get irritated.
Using argan oil regularly may help your skin bounce back from seasonal changes and keep its texture balanced.
Wound Healing and Tissue Repair
Argan oil helps with wound healing by keeping skin hydrated and lowering the chance of infection. Its anti-inflammatory ingredients can calm redness around small cuts or scrapes.
It’s got triterpenoids, which might promote tissue repair and reduce scarring. That makes it a handy option for small burns, cracked skin, and mild skin infections.
When used on healing skin, argan oil can help keep the area flexible, preventing tightness as new tissue forms. This is especially useful for spots that move a lot, like joints or around the mouth.
Uses in Hair Care
Argan oil is a go-to in hair care because of its fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E. It helps hair stay moist, protects against damage, and supports a healthier scalp. Its light feel means you can use it in rinse-off or leave-in products without weighing hair down.
Nourishing Hair and Scalp
Argan oil has oleic and linoleic acids, which help stop hair from losing moisture. This leaves hair softer and more manageable.
In shampoos or as a leave-in conditioner, it coats the hair shaft, adding a barrier against heat styling and environmental stress.
For the scalp, its anti-inflammatory benefits can help with mild irritation. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy finish, so it fits right into a daily routine.
Some people put a few drops on damp hair before styling. Others mix it into masks for deep conditioning. Either way, it’s best to apply from mid-lengths to ends, unless your scalp is dry—then you can use a bit at the roots.
Promoting Hair Growth
Argan oil doesn’t directly make hair grow, but its nutrients help keep the scalp healthy, which is important for growth. Oleic acid boosts scalp hydration, and antioxidants protect against stress that can weaken hair.
A healthy scalp helps reduce breakage and lets hair reach its natural length. Using argan oil in hair care products like serums or light oils can help keep this balance.
Some research suggests oils high in linoleic acid, like argan oil, may lower inflammation around hair follicles. That’s good news for anyone dealing with hair thinning from scalp irritation.
For best results, massage a little into your scalp for a few minutes before washing, or leave a light layer on overnight. It’s simple, but it works.
Treating Split Ends and Dandruff
Argan oil can help smooth out the look of split ends by coating and sealing the outer layer of hair. It won’t actually repair damaged strands, but it does make ends look healthier between trims.
Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties might help with mild dandruff that’s caused by dryness or scalp irritation. If you apply a small amount to your scalp, it can reduce flaking without making your scalp greasy.
Some people blend it with things like aloe vera or tea tree oil for targeted treatments. It’s even used on nails to soften hangnails, which shows just how versatile it is—definitely not just for hair.
For maintenance, try adding a few drops to your conditioner or use a dedicated argan oil treatment once or twice a week. This can help keep hair smoother and easier to manage.
Potential Health Benefits
Argan oil’s got a mix of unsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, and other bioactive compounds. These can affect cardiovascular function, metabolic balance, and the body’s response to inflammation and oxidative stress.
Its unique composition makes it an interesting ingredient for both nutrition and skincare.
Heart Health and Cholesterol
Argan oil is high in oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated fat linked to better cholesterol numbers. Some studies suggest it may lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol while keeping or even boosting HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
It also contains phytosterols like spinasterol and schottenol, which might help by reducing how much dietary cholesterol your body absorbs.
In one human trial, people who regularly consumed virgin argan oil saw improved blood lipid markers compared to those using sunflower oil. That hints at a possible role in supporting heart health.
Compared to olive oil, argan oil has a bit less oleic acid but does have unique sterols and squalene. These could offer extra protection against lipid oxidation, which helps keep arteries healthier.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Some research points to argan oil possibly helping to stabilize blood sugar. Its unsaturated fats might improve insulin sensitivity, which means your cells use glucose more efficiently.
Animal studies comparing argan oil to fish, sunflower, and linseed oils showed it helped lower fasting blood glucose and improved glucose metabolism markers. Maybe that’s because of its antioxidants, which reduce oxidative stress in pancreatic cells.
There’s limited human data, but it might help manage post-meal blood sugar spikes, especially for people with metabolic issues. More research is definitely needed here though.
If you’re looking to support metabolic health, including argan oil in your diet along with other healthy fats could be a practical approach.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
Argan oil contains polyphenols, tocopherols (that’s vitamin E), and squalene—all antioxidants. These help neutralize free radicals, which can otherwise damage cells and tissues.
Its anti-inflammatory effects might come from its ability to reduce certain inflammatory markers. This could benefit conditions involving chronic inflammation, like some skin disorders.
Research in gut health suggests argan oil can promote good bacteria and reduce harmful strains, probably because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Lowering oxidative stress and inflammation may also support cardiovascular and immune health.
If you want to dive deeper, check out this review on argan oil in medicine and cosmetology.
How to Use Argan Oil
You can use argan oil directly on your skin or hair, or you can eat it (as long as it’s food-grade). The type you choose depends on whether it’s cosmetic-grade or food-grade—they’re processed differently and have different uses.
Topical Application
Pure argan oil is a popular part of a daily beauty routine for skin, hair, and nails. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and works well for most skin types.
For skin, just massage a few drops into clean, dry areas. It helps maintain moisture and supports the skin’s natural barrier. Many people use it as a night moisturizer or to soften dry spots.
On hair, argan oil can be a leave-in conditioner or used before shampooing. Applying it to the ends helps reduce dryness and adds shine. For nails, rub it into cuticles to keep them hydrated.
Always go for cosmetic-grade or organic argan oil for your skin and hair to avoid unnecessary additives.
Dietary Uses
Edible argan oil has a nutty flavor and is a staple in Moroccan cooking. It’s made from roasted argan kernels, which is different from the kind used in cosmetics.
It’s great drizzled over salads, couscous, or grilled veggies. Some people mix it with honey and almonds to make a spread called amlou.
Argan oil is rich in oleic and linoleic acids, both healthy unsaturated fats. It also contains antioxidants like tocopherols, which may help protect your cells from oxidative stress.
Don’t use it for high-heat cooking, though. Heat can destroy its delicate compounds, so it’s best as a finishing oil. If you want more details, here’s a review of argan oil properties.
Choosing and Storing Argan Oil
When buying argan oil, look for labels that say 100% pure or organic argan oil. Cosmetic-grade should be cold-pressed and free from synthetic scents. Edible oil needs to be labeled food-grade and made from roasted kernels.
Store argan oil in a cool, dark spot to protect it from light and heat. A dark glass bottle is ideal to slow down oxidation.
Once you open it, try to use it within 6–12 months for best freshness. If the oil smells off or sour, it’s time to toss it. Good storage keeps both its nutrition and flavor intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Argan oil’s valued for its nutrients—vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants. People use it for hair and skin, from moisturizing to protecting against environmental stress.
It’s extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, which mostly grows in Morocco. Its composition is a bit different from other plant oils.
What are the primary benefits of using argan oil on hair?
Argan oil helps reduce dryness and makes hair feel softer. Its fatty acids coat the hair shaft, which can cut down on frizz and add shine.
Regular use might also help protect hair from damage caused by heat styling and too much sun.
Can argan oil help with skin conditions, and if so, which ones?
Thanks to its vitamin E and linoleic acid, argan oil can support skin hydration and help repair the skin barrier. It’s often used for dryness, mild eczema, or irritation.
Some studies suggest it reduces inflammation in certain skin issues, but everyone’s skin is different.
How is argan oil extracted and what makes it unique?
The oil comes from the kernels inside the argan tree’s fruit. In Morocco, it’s usually cold-pressed to keep nutrients intact and maintain purity.
It’s packed with unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, which sets it apart from other plant oils. That’s why it’s a recognized specialty product worldwide.
What are the best ways to incorporate argan oil into a daily skincare routine?
You can apply it directly to your skin after cleansing to lock in moisture. Or just mix a few drops into your moisturizer or serum.
Lots of people use it as a night treatment, letting it absorb while they sleep.
Are there any potential side effects or allergies associated with argan oil?
Most people handle argan oil just fine, but allergies are possible—especially if you have nut allergies.
Reactions might include redness, itching, or a rash. Doing a patch test before regular use is a good idea to be safe.
How does argan oil compare to other natural oils in terms of moisturizing properties?
Argan oil soaks in faster than heavier oils, like coconut oil. You won’t usually notice that greasy feeling left behind.
Thanks to its mix of oleic and linoleic acids, it works for dry and combination skin. It’s hydrating, but it doesn’t tend to clog pores, which is a relief if you’re worried about breakouts.