Argan oil is one of the most versatile ingredients. People use it as a hair loss treatment, ordinary hair oil to give their mane some shine, anti-aging serum, etc. However, you should pay attention to a number of things when searching for top-notch argan oil. We compiled them all in this guide to make it easier for you.
Types of the Best Argan Oil
There are two main types of argan oil—culinary and cosmetic. Culinary argan oil is acquired through roasting the nuts, thus excluding the cosmetic-rich nutrients. Cosmetic grade oil is not roasted, which means that all essential nutrients for hair and skin are preserved.
Benefits of Argan Oil
Just like CBD oil has numerous health benefits, argan oil provides an array of beauty benefits.
Protection From Sun and Styling Damage
The fatty acids in argan oil prevent styling hair damage. Similarly, the antioxidants present in the oil protect both skin and hair from harmful UV rays.
Skin and Hair Moisturization
Argan oil is packed with vitamin E, which helps your skin retain water and stay hydrated. At the same time, linoleic and oleic acids help your hair maintain moisture.
Skin Conditions and Scalp Health
Argan oil products also have healing properties. The oil has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and tend to skin conditions, such as psoriasis and rosacea. It’s also excellent for fighting skin infections due to its fungicidal and antibacterial qualities. Moreover, it’s beneficial to the scalp. It’s particularly good at combating dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Anti-Aging
Argan has been used as an anti-aging treatment for decades. Researchers have found that applying argan oil to the skin increases the skin’s water-retaining ability, which is key to reducing the signs of aging. What’s more, the omega fatty acids in the oil strengthen tissues in the skin, thus preventing wrinkles.
Skin Oiliness
Using oil to fight face oiliness sounds counterproductive. However, many argan oil for face reviews confirm that it works. Oily skin can get dehydrated, too. Deprived of water, the skin produces more oils to tackle dehydration. That is when argan oil comes in. It nourishes and moisturizes the skin, soothing it and balancing the oil production. Regular argan oil use can reduce your skin’s oiliness in just a few weeks.
Stretch Marks
The same argan oil properties that improve the face skin elasticity and prevent wrinkles will work on the rest of your body, too. According to argan oil for skin reviews, as your skin becomes more elastic, there’s a better chance you won’t get stretch marks. Moreover, the oil can reduce the already existing, fresh stretch marks.
Hair Breakage and Hair Loss
Now, there’s still no proof that argan oil prevents hair loss per se, but it helps maintain your scalp healthy. A healthy scalp reduces hair breakage, so there’s less or no hair loss. What’s more, argan oil is believed to strengthen hair follicles, thus promoting hair growth.
What to Look Out for When Shopping for Moroccan Argan Oil
When browsing for your next beauty favorite, pay attention to the following details, as they can make or mar your skincare or haircare experience.
Ingredients
If you’re looking for a pure formula, the only ingredient should be argan oil (Argania Spinosa), provided you’re not buying argan hair products. Be wary of products that have a “Moroccan oil” or “argan added” label. These products often contain minimal amounts of argan oil. As always, avoid products with toxic chemicals, preservatives, fragrances, and other potentially irritating ingredients.
Pure Argan Oil vs. Argan-Infused Products
Argan oil is much lighter than other plant-based oils. You can use it even on fine hair, and it won’t weigh it down. However, it would be best if you decided whether you’ll go for the best pure argan oil or argan-infused products. Both are fine, and added ingredients can provide you with more benefits. Be careful, though, and pay attention to which ingredients are added and where argan oil is on the ingredient list.
Color and Consistency
Argan oil has been nicknamed “Morocco’s liquid gold” for its authentic deep yellow color. Clear or straw-colored argan oil is processed or diluted. On the other hand, very dark and strong-smelling argan may be culinary argan oil.
Production Method
There’s no doubt that the best argan oil brands use cold-pressed argan oil. Cold-pressing maintains the aroma, color, and, most importantly—the nourishing benefits. Modern presses squeeze argan seeds together and extract the oil with a combination of low heat and grinding. By contrast, producing oil at higher temperatures causes it to lose its benefits, change color and aroma.
Packaging
When it comes to packaging, our team believes that everyone’s go-to should be environmentally friendly packaging. Thankfully, most argan oil manufacturers stand by that as well, as their wrapping uses raw materials—glass, paper, rattan, and cardboard. On top of that, environmentally friendly packaging usually means that you won’t have to overpay for costly and redundant wrapping.
Scent
The best-quality argan oil has a natural scent that people refer to as “nutty and light.” People usually tolerate it well, but some might go as far as to describe it as too “aromatic.” All in all, diluted argan oil may have no smell, while the strong-smelling one might be packed with other ingredients.
Texture and Absorption
Argan oil is light but not watery. It should feel silky and smooth. It absorbs into the skin within minutes and leaves no greasy or sticky residue. If the oil is too sticky, watery, or slimy, it may not be high-quality.
Sediment
Even top argan oil may appear cloudy, or you may notice a bit of sediment at the bottom of the bottle. Don’t be alarmed. It’s normal. After all, pure argan oil is a natural product, and this sediment is just insoluble particles of the oil. You don’t have to do anything if you notice this—continue using the oil.
Multipurpose Use
Argan’s distinguishing feature is that it’s multipurpose. You can apply it to your hair, face, nails, scalp, and your entire body. So, if you plan on using argan oil regularly, consider choosing one that will be suitable for more than one purpose.
Certifications
Certifications aren’t a must. However, certificates on purity and quality make the selection easier, especially when looking for the best argan oil for gray hair, shiny face, dry skin, wrinkles, etc.
Price
Argan oil is one of the rarest in the world as the argan tree grows only in Morocco. The oil production is very time- and labor-consuming, so don’t expect to find a super cheap top-notch quality argan oil. It doesn’t mean that the expensive oils are the best, but that high-quality cheap argan oil is much harder to find.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
Generally, argan oil is safe for most people. However, this stone fruit may cause skin irritation, such as rashes or acne, in people who are allergic to tree nuts. It may also cause digestive issues when taken orally.
How to Use Argan Oil on Your Face
There’s a widespread fear that using even good argan oil brands on your face may clog your pores. Don’t worry, that’s not the case. Argan oil acts as a barrier between your skin and the environment. It traps the moisture and prevents it from evaporating from your skin.
It’s best to put it on damp skin, so it can trap as much moisture as it can. Since argan oil is so lightweight, you’ll only be left with a glowy sheen, not an oily face.
How to Use Argan Oil on Your Hair
As we said before, argan oil is a multipurpose oil. You can use argan oil for hair in so many ways we can’t even count them all. But here are some of the most frequent uses.
As an Overnight Treatment (Pre-Shampoo)
All hair textures and types can benefit from argan oil. Apply the oil on unwashed, dry hair, cover each strand of hair thoroughly, and let it work its magic overnight. Wash, dry, and style your hair in the morning, as usual.
As a Scalp Soother
If your scalp is irritated or inflamed, an argan oil massage can be soothing. Slather your hands with argan oil products for hair and start massaging your head. Start from the nape and go up to the crown of your head. It will not only relax you and soothe your scalp, but it will also encourage blood flow, exfoliate, and soften the skin.
As a Hair Styler
Mix the best argan oil for hair with other oils and make a nourishing cocktail for your hair. You can also mix it in with other hair products and style your hair as you wish.
As a Sealant
You can also use it as a sealant for medium-textured straight hair or thick, coarse straight hair to reinforce the moisture in it.
As a Hair Tamer/ Flyaway Smoother
Those who have curly or coily hair can use argan oil to tame their locks and smooth flyaways. Just apply some while your hair is still damp to lock in that moisture and prevent flyaways.