Argan Oil Is the Secret Ingredient Your Skincare and Hair Care Routine Needs

Originally hailing from Morocco, argan oil is a versatile, all-natural beauty product that you can use from head-to-toe. For centuries, this ancient oil has been used to promote healthy hair, hydrated skin, and a clear complexion. Lately, this Moroccan miracle product has become increasingly popular stateside. Many now love to use it solo or as a key ingredient in their favorite skincare products.

Want to know more about what this liquid gold oil can do for your skin, face, and hair? Continue reading below to discover some of the biggest benefits of argan oil, plus a few of our favorite products that feature the ingredient.

Argan Oil Skin Benefits

Argan oil makes for a great daily addition to your skincare routine for both your face and your body. This all-natural oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores or cause breakouts. If you plan to use argan oil on your face, David A. Colbert, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of New York Dermatology Group says, "Use a few drops in the morning and evening with your favorite face cream or you can use it alone. Pure Argan oil is also great for the neck and décolleté."

Here are a few of the biggest skin benefits associated with argan oil.

1. It's great for hydrating dry skin.

One of the biggest benefits of argan oil will always be its impressive ability to hydrate the skin. This is primarily thanks to the powerful combination of fatty acids and vitamin E found in the oil. While vitamin E hydrates and conditions the skin, linoleic acid strengthens the skin's barrier, sealing all that moisture in. Oleic acid also acts as a sort of booster, helping all the other active ingredients in argan oil effectively penetrate the skin and work efficiently.

2. It can help to lighten dark spots.

Mild skin lightening benefits have often been associated with argan oil thanks to its antioxidant properties and high levels of vitamin E. Whether you're looking to reduce the appearance of dark spots, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation or you're generally hoping for a more even-looking skin tone, using argan oil helps with all of the above.

3. It's great for oily skin and acne-prone skin.

The biggest misconception about facial oils is that people with oily or breakout-prone skin can't use them. In reality, one of the most popular benefits of argan oil is its ability to control excess sebum (the skin's oil). With that in check, mildly oily skin can stay shine-free for longer and the pores are less likely to get clogged. Adios, breakouts.

4. It comes with powerful anti-aging benefits.

"Argan oil fills fine lines and wrinkles almost immediately," says Colbert. The antioxidants in argan oil can neutralize free radicals and help protect against sun damage–both of which can prevent premature signs of aging. Additionally, the oil's hydrating and skin-strengthening fatty acids help to boost the skin's elasticity making it appear plumper and firmer.

Argan Oil Hair Benefits

Argan oil's key combination of antioxidants, vitamin E, and fatty acids can do amazing things for the hair as well as the skin. GLAMSQUAD's Creative Director Giovanni Vaccaro says this oil can be a great daily product for those with medium to thick, coarse hair. "It’s also great for frizzy hair," he adds. "If you have fine, thin hair, I would stay away because it may get oily quick."

Here are a few ways argan oil can boost your hair health.

1. It can give you your healthiest hair yet.

Just like when applied to the skin, argan oil's active ingredients can penetrate hair strands to plump them with hydration. Not only will this prevent dry hair, but it will also boost shine and protect against heat damage, split ends, and frizz.

The easiest way to reap all these benefits is to use a few drops of argan oil as a leave-in conditioner. "Rub the oil between your palms and then comb your hands and fingers thoroughly through damp hair. Leave it in and style as desired," says Vaccaro. Because argan oil is fast-absorbing, you don't have to worry about it leaving the hair feeling heavy or greasy in the way that something like coconut oil might.

2. It can improve scalp health.

"If your scalp is inflamed and prone to itchiness, argan can be a great solution," says Vaccaro. This is thanks to argan oil's anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help to relieve dandruff-inducing oxidative stress, an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. To soothe an itchy, irritated scalp, try an argan oil scalp mask.

3. It may prevent hair loss and promote hair growth.

Because argan oil can keep your scalp balanced and your hair strong and healthy, it has also been associated with hair growth. While there aren't any studies that directly tie argan oil to faster hair growth, it can prevent breakage and hair loss which allows more strands to keep growing. 

Argan Oil Products We Love

Ready to start incorporating argan oil into your beauty routine? Here are six of our favorite products that feature this versatile face, body, and hair oil. 

1. JOSIE MARAN Whipped Argan Oil Face Butter

If you're looking to commit to an argan oil-rich skincare routine, JOSIE MARAN products are the way to go. Every product by this brand features certified-organic argan oil as the hero ingredient. This whipped face butter combines vitamin E and fatty acid-rich argan oil with aloe vera, shea butter, watermelon seed oil, and cucumber extract to create a moisturizer that both hydrates and soothes.

While this is labeled as a "butter" don't table this as a purely PM product. The whipped texture sinks into the skin instantly, making it an ideal choice morning or night.

2. BRIOGEO HAIR CARE Farewell Frizz™ Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioner

Mist this clean, vegan, and cruelty-free formula all over hair after a shower for a dose of daily moisture and detangling assistance. This milky leave-in conditioner pairs argan oil with coconut oil and rosehip oil to seal the hair cuticle, boost shine, and eliminate frizz. This is a great option for all hair types but can be especially great if you have fine hair and want to try using a product with argan oil. The mist is ultra-lightweight and won't weigh hair down.

3. GEORGETTE KLINGER Volcanic Mineral Scrub

If you're hoping to reap the benefits of argan oil for acne-prone skin, this scrub could be a great weekly addition to your routine. This non-abrasive scrub gently exfoliates using volcanic minerals which wipe away dead skin cells and excess sebum without being too aggressive on the skin. Witch hazel extract and green tea extract purify pores and soothe any irritation while argan oil immediately replenishes moisture and helps control oil production.

4. SLEEKE HAIR Silk'e Repair Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner

If argan oil's ability to help with hair growth caught your attention, you're gonna love this shampoo + conditioner combo. The clarifying shampoo features citric acid, which contains folic acid, vitamin B, and magnesium—all of which can naturally stimulate healthy hair growth. To replenish moisture and further help hair to stay strong and healthy, the conditioner formula infuses argan oil and shea butter into every hair cuticle.

5. ECO LIPS Eco Tint Rose Quartz Lip Balm

Because lips don't have oil glands, it's essential to use hydrating lip balms to deliver essential hydration to protect them. This subtly tinted balm is an ideal everyday pick. In addition to featuring organic argan oil, the formula also uses trusted hydrators like cocoa butter, coconut oil, vitamin E, and aloe vera. As an added bonus, the nourishing formula comes with just a touch of shimmer for a little radiance.

6. LA CHATELAINE Hand Cream in Cinnamon Orange

When the dry, winter weather starts to take a toll on your hands, you'll want to replenish and repair moisture with a decadent hand cream. This richly hydrating, all-natural formula combines the moisturizing powers of pure argan oil with nourishing shea butter to treat dry skin and minimize cracks and flakes. Plus, the cinnamon-orange scent is the perfect blend to use throughout the holiday season and beyond.

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