Everything you need to know about argan oil for the skin
What exactly is argan oil and which is the best in our 2024 test? It can also treat a variety of skin conditions. Find out all about argan oil here.
Although there are tons of oils in the skincare world, they can still be a little confusing. When you're already dealing with the slightest amount of excess oil on your face, the idea of dipping your skin in an oily liquid seems, simply put, counterintuitive.
What is Argan Oil?
Argan oil is a vegetable oil made from the grains of the orchard of the argan tree that grows in Morocco (also known as the Argania spinosa ) is extracted. "Traditionally, oil extraction is a cold-pressed process using mechanical pressure with little to no heat," explains the New York-based dermatologist. However, he notes, "The growing popularity and demand for argan oil has led to industrialised extraction methods that use solvents."
Although argan oil is known to be particularly beneficial for dry, dull skin , "it has also been considered for acne because it is considered non-comedogenic and does not make the skin oily," explains the New York-based board-certified dermatologist. Not only is it safe, but it can also be beneficial for all skin types.
Below are our TOP 5 test winners.
Argan oil benefits for the skin
- Rich in antioxidants : Argan oil is rich in antioxidants that protect for environmental damage, such as polyphenols and vitamin E. This vitamin is important in skin care because of its Anti-Aging and skin softening properties. Both help to scavenge free radicals and preserve the youthfulness of the skin.
- Rich in fatty acids : "AO is extremely rich in fatty acids, with about 95% of it consisting of fatty acids," Howe notes. These provide moisture and nutrients to the skin.
- Anti-inflammatory : Another benefit of fatty acids such as oleic and linoleic acid is that they are also anti-inflammatory. "This not only makes it an option to soothe irritated skin, but because of these anti-inflammatory properties, it has also been considered for acne as it is considered non-comedogenic and does not make the skin greasy," Garhick says.
- Moisturising : "In general, argan oil can be used by all skin types, as people with dry skin benefit from its moisturising properties, while people with oily skin may also find it tolerable as it is light and does not make the skin greasy. Again, it is a common misconception that only dry skin needs moisture. Any Skin needs moisture.
- Prevents transepidermal water loss : Argan oil heals and seals the outer layer of the skin, which not only improves its appearance but also prevents further drying and damage. It does this by stopping the transepidermal water loss (literally moisture leaking out of the skin and evaporating into the air) caused by disruptions to the skin's outermost barrier.
Keep scrolling - to find out more about our top 5 argan oil winners.
How to use it
Argan oil is often included in single-ingredient oil formulas, but can also be found in the ingredient lists of moisturisers, Face masks, Eye creams and more can be included. Argan oil can be used once or twice a day (suitable for morning and evening skincare) as the final step in a routine applied over your cream or to lock in moisture.
Derm tip: Pay attention to how your skin reacts when you routinely use argan oil with the other ingredients you use. "The oleic acid and linoleic acid found in argan oil are said to be penetration enhancers and help improve the penetration of other ingredients into the skin and reduce inflammation".
This is especially important to consider in combination with active ingredients, as increased penetration of a retinol serum, for example, is not always desirable. "Especially for people with sensitive skin, the best way to avoid this is to slowly simplify the use of new products and only introduce one new item at a time so you know if your skin reacts and what the trigger may be." In short, if you use products that contain linoleic acid and oleic acid, make sure you use them as directed.
The 5 best products with argan oil in the test
1st place: Mother Nature Cosmetics
Josie Maran's collection introduced many product junkies to the versatile wonders of argan oil. In this moisturiser, the ingredient is combined with sodium hyaluronate to increase hydration, and botanicals such as watermelon seed oil, cucumber extract and shea butter support the skin's moisture elasticity.
2nd place: R&M Beauty
Use this argan oil for daily body care. Convince yourself of the positive change in your skin's appearance. Your skin looks younger and skin impurities are a thing of the past. For the love of nature and the Moroccan people. 5% of each sale goes to social projects to help people help themselves in Morocco through the Fair Trade Premium programme.
3rd place: Minnabelle Argan Oil
This organic argan oil has the typical pleasant, sweet to nutty smell and is a boon for lovers of natural cosmetics. The highest content of natural active ingredients without chemical residues. Organic argan oil naturally contains a large amount of vitamin E, antioxidants and omega 6, so it has perfect moisturising and anti-aging properties. The good thing is that solvent extraction and after-treatment (refining, deodorisation) are not used. Pure variety: The BIO argan oil is in no way stretched with proportions of other favourable oils, only pure and fresh argan nuts are used for pressing.
4th place: Satin Naturel
For less than 25 euros, you can experiment with 100% pure, cold-pressed argan oil and benefit from its moisturising, antioxidant properties.
5th place: Woldo Health
Organic Argan Oil cold pressed from Morocco 100ml with pipette in amber glass bottle with UV protection. Easy to dose through the pipette. The oil is absorbed quickly and without greasy or oily residues. Sustainably harvested by Moroccan Berber women. Without additives or other oils.
Questions and answers
Can argan oil also be used for the skin?
Argan oil is suitable for use on the skin as well as in the hair and for nails. It is quickly absorbed and leaves no oily residue. In its homeland, it has been used for centuries for skin care.
How long do I have to leave the argan oil in my hair?
For a pampering care treatment, distribute 15 ml of slightly warmed argan oil in washed, still damp hair and leave it to work for around 30 min under a towel turban. Then rinse your hair thoroughly and carefully pat dry.
Why is argan oil good for the skin and hair?
Argan oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E and essential fatty acids. By applying it, the skin and hair are enriched with these nutrients.
Is the oil also suitable for daily facial care for normal skin?
The oil is very rich and since every skin type is different, everyone should try it out for themselves.
Benefits of argan oil for the skin
1. protects from sun damage
Moroccan women have long used argan oil to protect their skin from sun damage.
This study found that the antioxidant activity in argan oil helped protect the skin from free radical damage from the sun. This prevented burns and hyperpigmentation. In the long term, this may even help prevent the development of skin cancer , including melanoma.
You can take argan oil supplements orally or apply the oil topically to your skin to get these benefits.
2. moisturises the skin
Argan oil is perhaps most commonly used as a moisturiser. For this reason, it is often found in lotions, soaps and hair conditioners. It can be applied topically or taken orally with daily supplements for a moisturising effect. This is mainly due to the abundance of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that can improve water retention in the skin.
3. treats a range of skin conditions
Argan oil contains a variety of healing properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Both help to reduce symptoms for a number of different inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and rosacea .
For best results, apply pure argan oil directly to skin patches affected by psoriasis. Rosacea can best be treated with oral supplements.
4. treats acne
Hormonal acne is often the result of excess sebum caused by hormones. Argan oil works for sebum , effectively regulating sebum levels on the skin. This can help to prevent various types of Acne and promote a smoother, calmer complexion.
Apply argan oil - or Face creams with argan oil - directly onto your skin at least twice a day. After four weeks you should see the first results.
5. cures skin infections
One of the traditional uses of argan oil is to treat skin infections. Argan oil has both antibacterial and fungicidal properties. This gives it the ability to treat and prevent both bacterial and fungal skin infections.
Apply argan oil topically to the affected area at least twice a day.
6. improves wound healing
Antioxidants are clearly a powerful force. The powerful combination of antioxidants and vitamin E in argan oil can be used help wounds and cuts heal faster. You can take argan oil supplements regularly to experience this benefit throughout your body.
7. alleviates atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition with symptoms such as itchy, red skin. Research has shown that topical application of argan oil to the affected area can help treat symptoms. Vitamin E and the natural inflammatory properties of argan oil may lead to this soothing effect.
A study was conducted to treat dermatitis patients with placebo or oral vitamin E, which is abundant in argan oil. The researchers found that participants who received vitamin E saw a significant decrease in symptoms.
8. has anti-ageing effects
Argan oil has long been used as an anti-ageing treatment. Although it has only ever been supported by anecdotal evidence, Current study with postmenopausal participants was able to support this claim. The researchers found that a combination of oral and cosmetic argan oil resulted in a significant increase in skin elasticity. This provided an effective anti-ageing treatment.
You can achieve these benefits by applying argan oil directly to the skin, taking oral supplements regularly, or both.
9. reduces the oiliness of the skin
Some of us naturally have oilier skin than others. Those who do often do everything they can to get rid of the oily sheen that can appear. Thanks to the sebum-reducing ability of argan oil, it can help reduce all the sebum and reduce the oiliness of the skin.
One study found, that a twice-daily application of cream containing argan oil reduced sebum activity and greasiness within just four weeks.
10. prevents and reduces stretch marks
Stretch marks are especially common during pregnancy, but anyone can experience them. A study found that a water-in-oil cream containing argan oil improved skin elasticity. This helped to prevent and treat stretch marks early on.
Apply argan oil directly to the affected area at least twice a day. Do this as soon as you suspect or see stretch marks for best results.
Argan oil side effects
Argan oil is generally considered safe by most people. However, some people may experience minor side effects due to its use.
When applied topically, argan oil can irritate the skin. This can lead to the formation of rashes or acne. This can be a more common reaction in people with tree nut allergies. Although argan oil comes from a stone fruit, it can aggravate people with such allergies. To avoid this, test argan oil on a small, slightly hidden patch of skin to make sure it does not irritate your skin.
When taken orally, argan oil can cause digestive disturbances, including nausea , gas or diarrhoea. It can also cause loss of appetite or bloating, and some people may experience skin reactions such as rashes or acne breakouts.
In very rare cases, people may experience more serious side effects from oral supplementation with argan oil. These include confusion, sleep disturbances, general malaise, over-excitement, depression and restlessness. If any of these symptoms occur, stop taking argan oil immediately.