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Argan oil comes from argan trees that are native to Morocco. It can benefit the skin and hair in several ways, such as hydrating and cleansing.
This article provides an overview of argan oil’s benefits and the best ways to use it for achieving healthier hair and skin. It also lists a few of the best argan oil products currently available on the market.
Argan oil comes from the nuts of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco.
People can use argan oil in different ways. Some may use the oil in cooking, whereas others use it for skin and hair care. Argan oil is available in oil form or as an ingredient in skin and hair care products, such as creams and shampoo.
Some of the benefits of argan oil for the skin include:
- Hydration: Argan oil
may improve skin hydration by restoring the skin’s barrier function and retaining moisture. - Elasticity:
Research suggests that argan oil can improve skin elasticity, which may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks - Wound healing:
Animal studies have shown that argan oil may help treat second-degree burn wounds. However, studies on humans are needed to evaluate this benefit further.
Currently, there is
However, anecdotally people may use argan oil for the following:
- adding lighter moisture that does not weigh hair down
- improving hair elasticity and manageability
- preventing hair breakage
- enhancing hair shine
- minimizing frizz
There are several different ways to use argan oil.
People can apply the oil directly to their skin or hair. A person should start with a small amount of oil to ensure they do not weigh down hair or overload the skin.
However, if a person has particularly dry skin on certain body areas, such as their heels and elbows, they may wish to use slightly more oil to rehydrate these areas.
If a person uses skin care or hair care products that contain argan oil, they should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Some people use argan oil for cooking, so it is safe to consume. However, a person should only purchase and use argan oil that companies have made specifically for use in food if they intend to consume it.
A person should ensure that they store argan oil appropriately. People should store argan oil away from direct sunlight and not use it if it has a bad smell.
Because argan oil comes from tree nuts, people with nut allergies should not use this product. Additionally, some people may experience contact dermatitis from using this product. Contact dermatitis
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Below are some of the best argan products available to purchase online.
Pura D’Or Organic Moroccan Argan Oil
- Ingredients: This product contains organic 100% pure cold-pressed organic argan oil.
- Size: This product is 4 fluid ounces (fl. oz).
- Price: This product has a list price of around $13.
This product is USDA Certified organic and Climate Pledge Friendly, which is Amazon’s own label to describe eco-friendly and sustainable products.
The company claims that this product is suitable for dry skin and dry or damaged hair. It also warns that this product is for external use only.
To use Pura D’Or’s Organic Moroccan Argan Oil, a person should apply 1–3 drops of the oil to the desired area and massage for up to 1 minute.
ViolaVe Pure Organic Moroccan Argan Oil
- Ingredients: This product contains organic 100% argan oil.
- Size: This product is 4 fl. oz.
- Price: This product has a list price of around $18.
This product is also USDA Certified organic and Climate Pledge Friendly.
The company claims that this product is suitable for dry skin and hair and hair and nail growth. This product is for external use only.
To use ViolaVe Pure Organic Moroccan Argan Oil, a person should apply 1–3 drops of the oil to the desired area and massage for up to 1 minute.
Cliganic Organic Argan Oil
- Ingredients: This product contains 100% pure cold-pressed argan oil.
- Size: This product is 2 fl. oz.
- Price: This product has a list price of around $13.
This product is also USDA Certified organic and Climate Pledge Friendly.
The company claims that this product is especially beneficial for dry skin. Additionally, the company states that people can use this oil in DIY shampoos and hair masks.
To use Cliganic Organic Argan Oil, the company recommends using a small amount of oil on damp skin or hair as necessary.
Eve Hansen USDA Certified Organic Argan Oil
- Ingredients:
- Size: This product is 4 fl. oz.
- Price: This product has a list price of around $21.
This product is also USDA Certified organic and Climate Pledge Friendly.
The company claims that this product is a rich hydrator and can reduce the appearance of scars, burns, stretch marks, and wrinkles.
To use Eve Hansen USDA Certified Organic Argan Oil, the company recommends one of three strategies:
- Massage a handful of oil into the scalp and hair, leave overnight, and rinse in the morning.
- After cleansing the skin, massage a few drops of oil onto the face and leave to absorb.
- Massage a few drops of oil onto the nails and cuticles and leave them to absorb.
In addition to its use as a skin and hair care product, people can use argan oil for cooking.
Consumable argan oil has a noticeable scent and flavor due to a roasting process during manufacturing. Cosmetic argan oil is only for external use and is typically cold-pressed, resulting in less odor and flavor.
Below are some frequently asked questions about argan oil.
Does argan oil grow hair?
Currently, there is no clinical evidence that argan oil can stimulate hair growth.
However, anecdotally, people have found that argan oil can make brittle and dry hair feel thicker and healthier.
Can I use argan oil every day?
As long as a person does not experience contact dermatitis or an allergic reaction to argan oil, they can use it every day.
However, if a person feels as though it leaves skin and hair greasy or does not work as intended, they can discontinue use or reduce the amount they use.
Does argan oil brighten skin?
Argan oil can help
However, there is currently no clinical evidence that argan oil can reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone or dark spots.
Argan oil is a multi-purpose product that may help hydrate and moisturize skin and hair.
While there is evidence that argan oil can increase elasticity and hydrate the skin, there is not enough clinical evidence to suggest it has a particular benefit for hair. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that argan oil can reduce frizz and prevent hair breakage.