Is there anyone out there who hasn’t heard of argan oil? With its silky texture and golden color, argan oil is one of the cosmetic ingredients that most easily convey a feeling of pampering luxury. But what exactly is argan oil, and what benefits does it bring to our skin and hair?
On this post:
- What is argan oil?
- How argan oil benefits the skin
- Potential side effects of argan oil
- Who should use argan oil?
- How to use argan oil in your beauty routine
- What kind of products contain argan oil?
What is argan oil?
Argan oil is a natural plant oil derived from the argan tree (Argania spinosa), the second most common tree in Morocco. Argan oil has a long history in this region, having been used as a food and cosmetic ingredient for centuries. In terms of production, argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the fruit of the argan tree, or argan nut.
In its composition, argan oil is made up of 99% acylglycerides (mainly triglycerides), which are derived from a series of fatty acids: oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stearic. The remaining 1% of argan oil is made up of carotenes, tocopherols, triterpene alcohols, sterols and xanthophylls.
How argan oil benefits the skin
Argan oil has centuries of history as a cosmetic ingredient and has been used for a variety of functions. Starting with skincare, argan oil can offer skin-protective properties: it not only hydrates and repairs the skin, but also offers anti-aging benefits due to its high concentration of antioxidants. According to studies, argan oil can also help control sebum production, which makes it useful for combination, oily or acne-prone skin.
And if you’re more used to seeing argan oil being used on the hair, there’s a reason for that too: Moroccan women have long used argan oil to bring shine to their hair, and studies confirm that argan oil can indeed be beneficial to both hair and scalp.
Potential side effects of argan oil
Argan oil is a natural oil derived from a tree nut, as we have already seen, and it may trigger allergic reactions in people with tree nut allergies. Outside of these cases, it’s also possible that argan oil may occasionally cause skin irritation, especially on sensitive skin. As you know, there are no skincare ingredients that are completely immune to causing allergies, so it’s always a good idea to patch test any new products you may be using to figure out whether your skin can tolerate them.
Who should use argan oil?
As we have already seen, argan oil has different properties that can benefit different people, depending on their skin concerns. If you have dry or damaged skin, in need of some much-needed pampering and repairing, products enriched with argan oil may be a good option for you–for both the face and body! If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you can also look for products that harness the sebum-controlling functions of argan oil.
In terms of hair care, it is difficult to imagine who might not benefit from argan oil. Whether in rinse-off products, such as shampoos or masks, or in leave-in products, such as hair creams and sprays, argan oil is a very common ingredient in hair products, as it effectively promotes more nourished and smoother hair.
How to use argan oil in your beauty routine
Due to its moisturizing and repairing properties, argan oil is a relatively common ingredient in beauty products. In terms of face and body care, argan oil can be a valuable complement to other moisturizing and nourishing ingredients.
If you are more interested in using argan oil in your hair, you have two options: you can look for products infused with argan oil, from shampoos to masks, or you can apply pure argan oil directly to your hair, to tame frizz and add shine.
What kind of products contain argan oil?
To help you incorporate argan oil into your beauty routine, we have selected some face, body and hair care products that include this famous natural ingredient:
Argan oil for skin
To make the most out of the moisturizing and repairing properties of argan oil, we’ve selected a moisturizer and an anti-aging serum:
If you’re looking for a moisturizing cream that allows you to benefit from the nourishing properties of argan oil, try the Ziaja Argan Oil Revitalizing Face Cream. Formulated with argan oil and panthenol, this face cream is perfect for providing hydration and comfort to dry and very dry skin. For those who have dry skin but are looking for an advanced anti-aging effect, the SVR Densitium Bi-Serum Anti-Gravity is a great option: with hyaluronic acid, squalene, and argan oil, among many other plumping and redensifying ingredients, this serum helps restore firmness and elasticity to dry, aging skin.
Argan oil for body
When it comes to body care, it’s hard to imagine a more pampering product than an argan-infused body butter or body balm:
With a nourishing blend of argan oil, shea butter, and aloe vera extract, the Arganicare Hydration Treatment Body Butter is a rich body butter that returns comfort and hydration to dry skin, leaving it hydrated and soft to the touch. We also love the NUXE Rêve de Miel Melting Honey Body Oil Balm, a body balm that combines honey with argan and borage oils. The unique formula transforms from balm to oil upon application, making it perfect for a relaxing massage.
Argan oil for hair
To care for your hair, we bring you two options: a leave-in hair mist and a nourishing argan-infused hair mask.
If you’re looking for an argan oil spray that hydrates your hair without weighing it down, try the Herbal Essences Bio Renew Repair Argan Oil & Aloe Oil Hair Mist–this author is a fan! Formulated with argan oil and aloe vera extract, this spray leaves the hair soft and hydrated, with a delicious fragrance. If you prefer to hydrate with masks, we also love the Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Remedy Argan Oil Mask, a nourishing mask made from argan oil and camellia oil. In addition to repairing the hair in depth, this mask also immediately improves the appearance of the hair, leaving it softer and shinier.
As you can see, argan oil can be a valuable ally in your beauty routine: whether it’s caring for your face, body, or even your hair. Learn more about top ingredients for your skin and hair, and create a routine that works for you!
