Argan Oil
A luxury oil from the Argania spinosa tree native to Morocco, rich in oleic acid, linoleic acid, vitamin E, and squalene. Argan oil provides excellent moisturization, antioxidant protection, and anti-inflammatory effects. It has a favorable comedogenic rating for an oil and is absorbed relatively quickly. Used for face, hair, and body. Cold-pressed, unrefined oil retains the most bioactives.
Concentration & Usage
Apply 2-4 drops to damp or dry skin after water-based products. Can be used morning and night. For hair: apply to damp ends. Cold-pressed, cosmetic-grade oil preferred over culinary grade (which is roasted and has different properties).
Application
Topical (pure oil or in formulations). Apply as final step of skincare or mixed with moisturizer.
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99%+ purity · third-party lab tested
Mechanism of Action
Oleic acid (43-49%) and linoleic acid (29-36%) provide emollient and barrier-repair effects. Linoleic acid is component of ceramide 1 (acylceramide); acne-prone skin has been shown to have 50% less in sebum — topical supplementation may normalize follicular linoleate levels and reduce comedone formation. Oleic acid enhances penetration of other actives but can disrupt barrier in excess. Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) at 600-900 mg/kg provides antioxidant protection against lipid peroxidation. Squalene (6-8%) mimics skin's natural sebum composition. Polyphenols (ferulic acid, vanillic acid) provide additional antioxidant effects and may inhibit tyrosinase. Fatty acid profile supports lamellar body formation and ceramide synthesis in keratinocytes. Comedogenic rating 0-2. Cold-pressed oil retains tocopherols and polyphenols lost in refined versions.
Regulatory Status
Cosmetic ingredient. Available OTC worldwide. Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for Moroccan argan oil.
Risks & Safety
Common
May cause breakouts in some acne-prone individuals despite relatively low comedogenic rating.
Serious
None.
Rare
Allergic reaction (tree nut allergy cross-reactivity is very rare but possible).
Compare Argan Oil With
Research Papers
10Published: June 30, 2022
AI Summary
There is weaker evidence for castor oil improving hair quality by increasing hair luster, and no strong evidence supporting its use for hair growth or treatment of infestation. Argan oil does not have any significant evidence supporting its use to improve hair growth, quality, or treatment of infestation.
Published: December 26, 2017
AI Summary
They are now being increasingly recognized for their effects on both skin diseases and the restoration of cutaneous homeostasis. Thus, it focuses on the therapeutic benefits of these plant oils according to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the skin, promotion of wound healing and repair of skin barrier.
Published: November 4, 2024
AI Summary
Argan oil is rich in tocopherols, containing between 60 and 90 mg per 100 g, with only 19 g/100 g of argan oil's fatty acids saturated. Jojoba oil is liquid wax comprising over 98% triglyceride esters, pure waxes, vitamins, and sterols.
Published: February 14, 2018
AI Summary
The method of oil processing and refinement is an important component of selecting oil for skin care, and cold pressing is the preferred method of oil extraction as the heat- and chemical-free process preserves beneficial lipids and limits irritating byproducts.
Published: January 29, 2015
AI Summary
During menopause, the decrease of estrogenic secretion induces the disruption of skin functioning, thus causing the decline in skin elasticity characteristic of skin aging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in postmenopausal women the effect of daily consumption and/or application of argan o
Published: October 20, 2024
AI Summary
Argan oil, rich in unsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols, exerts beneficial effects on both the intestinal and skin microbiotas. As the mechanisms of action of argan oil are not completely understood, this work highlighted the benefits of this oil by analyzing its nutritional properties and its beneficial effects on the intestinal and skin mic...
Published: April 24, 2021
AI Summary
Argan oil has also been added to the vesicles because of its regenerative and protective effects on skin. Argan-liposomes were the smallest vesicles (~113 nm); the addition of sodium hyaluronate led to an increase in vesicle size (~143 nm) but it significantly improved vesicle stability during storage.
Published: October 1, 2014
AI Summary
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of daily consumption and/or application of argan oil on skin hydration in postmenopausal women.
Published: August 10, 2014
AI Summary
Moreover, the entrapment of the NLCs in the hydrogel net did not affect their colloidal sizes. Therefore, we concluded that the preparation of NLC systems using argan oil as the liquid lipid is a promising strategy, since a synergistic effect on the skin hydration was obtained (ie, NLC occlusion plus argan oil hydration).
Published: August 25, 2013
AI Summary
Abstract too short to summarize.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Argan Oil used for?
A luxury oil from the Argania spinosa tree native to Morocco, rich in oleic acid, linoleic acid, vitamin E, and squalene. Argan oil provides excellent moisturization, antioxidant protection, and anti-inflammatory effects. It has a favorable comedogenic rating for an oil and is absorbed relatively quickly. Used for face, hair, and body. Cold-pressed, unrefined oil retains the most bioactives.
What are the side effects of Argan Oil?
Common: May cause breakouts in some acne-prone individuals despite relatively low comedogenic rating. Serious: None. Rare: Allergic reaction (tree nut allergy cross-reactivity is very rare but possible).
How is Argan Oil administered?
Argan Oil is administered via topical (pure oil or in formulations). apply as final step of skincare or mixed with moisturizer..
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