9 Best Argan Oils for 2024 – Top Picks & Buying Guide

Argan oil, sometimes called liquid gold of Morocco, offers various possibilities of use, both in gastronomy and in the beauty sector. Thanks to its active ingredients, it has properties that regenerate, hydrate, and nourish the skin. Its soothing effect makes it one of the most appreciated aesthetic products.

As a face or body treatment, Argan oil is often present in cosmetics, and we also find it in beauty centers, where it is used, for example, for massages. It also nourishes and repairs nails and hair, giving them strength and vitality. Discover all that this fantastic oil can do for your skin.

Right here are the best argan oils that are given below.

Argan Oils Buyer Guide

What Exactly Is Argan Oil and What Is Its Origin?

Argan oil is an oil obtained by squeezing the ripe seeds of the fruit of the Argania Spinosa tree. It comes from Morocco, in an area which in 1988 was declared “Arganet biosphere reserve” by UNESCO.

It lends itself to different uses: it is edible, used in gastronomy, is a cosmetic, for the care of the skin, nails, and hair. It is a pure and ecological product: hence its many health benefits.

The production process is based on drying the fruits of the Argan tree by exposure to the sun. Then, the seeds are extracted, usually manually, to cold press them. As a result, no preservatives or other chemicals are used.

The result: an essential oil in the beauty sector, golden in color, light in texture and rapidly absorbed, and practically odorless, unlike many other oils on the market. To be sure that it is ecological, it must have Ecocert certification, the main certification body in the development of standard regulations for this type of cosmetics.

What Are the Properties of Argan Oil?

Triglycerides represent up to 99% of the composition of Argan oil, and, among them, unsaturated fatty acids (80-90%) dominate over saturated ones. And, among the former, the most numerous are oleic and linoleic acids. It also contains tocopherols or vitamin E, antioxidants, beta carotene, and phytosterols.

All these substances slow down premature aging of the skin, reduce blemishes, and soothe the skin in case of sunburn. Also, Argan oil contains squalene, a substance that allows the absorption of its ingredients, so that they quickly and easily penetrate the skin, without leaving it greasy.

What Are the Advantages and Benefits of Argan Oil?

Essential fatty acids reduce the effects of irritation and redness that often occur after the first sun exposure in the summer. Argan oil also has healing properties in the event of sunburn or injury. Omega 3 and 6 acids are characterized by their emollient properties, which restore hydration to dry and devitalized skin.

For its part, vitamin E avoids the oxidative breakdown of the lipids of cell membranes due to the passage of time. Argan oil, pure or as ingredients of other cosmetic products, therefore helps to delay the appearance of wrinkles, to revitalize stressed skin, and to exhibit a smooth and luminous face.

Its properties give softness and shine to frizzy and dull hair, repairing the most damaged and dry ones. On the other hand, this oil is often used for massages, thanks to its moisturizing effect on the epidermis, and is a perfect remedy for brittle nails and eyelashes. It gives vigor, brightness, and softens the cuticles.

Advantages

• Deep hydration
• Reduces blemishes and stretch marks
• It gives compactness and elasticity
• Mitigates wrinkles and expression lines
• Rejuvenating effect
• High quality, 100% pure and ecological
• Strengthens hair and nails
• Easy application

Disadvantages

• Possible allergic reactions to the oil
• Irritation, if it comes into contact with the eyes, or dermatitis
• It is quite expensive

What Side Effects Can Argan Oil Have?

Although it seems that Argan oil offers only advantages, the use of this delicate oil can still have some minor drawbacks. First of all, it should be emphasized that being a natural product, it is not contraindicated for babies, children, or adults. In any case, for greater safety, you can always consult a dermatologist.

We also recommend consulting it in case of allergies or skin changes. The main brands suggest trying the product initially in a small area of ​​skin. Finally, this oil could cause eye irritation or even contact dermatitis if not used properly.

How to Apply Argan Oil?

We have already seen that Argan oil is recommended for the care of skin, hair, and nails. It is very simple to apply, and most packs contain droppers or pipettes. On dry and damaged hair, it must be applied from the roots to the ends to facilitate brushing and recover the original shine and strength.

Argan oil is quickly absorbed, and it is recommended to apply it overnight when the skin can absorb it even faster. It is necessary to pour a drop on the palm and heat it for a few seconds.

Therefore, it should be applied with circular movements on the face, neck, and décolleté. In the area around the eyes, to reduce small expression lines, the idea is to apply it with light touches.

What Are the Food Benefits of Argan Oil?

Thanks to its essential fatty acids, which also bring cosmetic benefits, Argan oil protects our health, avoiding making us contract heart diseases and reducing bad cholesterol.

It is also a good antioxidant that prevents cellular oxidation and damage. And it promotes digestion, thanks to the increase in the production of pepsin.

An article in the “Critical Reviews in Food and Nutrition” magazine, published by Taylor & Francis, indicated that Argan oil deserves a place among the most beneficial oils for human health, from a food standpoint. Its high content of unsaturated fatty acids and its rich aroma gives it a great dietary and culinary value.

In fact, according to numerous studies, Argan oil can be an ideal substitute for olive oil in fries with high-fat content, thanks to its stability even at high temperatures. Studies also report that Argan oil helps improve liver function and regulates high blood pressure.

Where to Buy Argan Oil for Food Uses?

Food Argan oil can be purchased in specialized shops, herbalists, and in various shops that sell ecological products. As is the case with cosmetics, its price is quite high, given that it usually costs about 70 euros per liter, on average, twice the price of the most exclusive olive oil.

The positive side is that, in addition to food benefits, it also has numerous culinary uses. You can use it to flavor any type of dish; it gives an exceptional flavor to meat and fish and is also used as a base for ice cream. Its pleasant taste has a full-bodied aftertaste and is reminiscent of peanut butter.

What Studies Confirm the Benefits of Argan Oil?

A 2004 study published in the “British Journal of Nutrition” argues that Argan oil reduces the risk of cardiovascular problems. The researchers had noticed that some rats fed a diet containing Argan oil had lower blood pressure compared to those fed a diet without this oil.

According to a 2009 study, however, published in the journal “Metabolism,” Argan oil would be able to reduce insulin resistance, thus avoiding the development of diabetes.

As for the link between this product and tumors, a study published in 2006 in the journal “Cancer Investigation” claims that the remarkable antioxidant power of Argan oil, protecting against cell damage, reduces the development of various cancerous forms.

Type of Requirement

Even if, in general, it is a product to treat different skin problems, you have to decide if you need it, for example, for dryness of the scalp, for damaged hair and split ends, or because they have lost their shine or softness.

Also, if you have brittle nails, Argan oil is powerful and effective. And again, you will have to evaluate if spots on the skin represent your problem or if you need to eliminate stretch marks. Sunburn and eczema? It is also an excellent product in these cases. As you can see, this oil offers a solution to every problem.

Food or Cosmetic

By now, you know that Argan oil is so versatile that it has two main uses: food and cosmetic. When choosing it, therefore, you must also choose between the two uses. As for cosmetic use, the extraction process takes place in the cold, its color is clear, and the aroma is sweet, almost invisible.

On the other hand, the one for food use derives from a seed roasting process before cold extraction. Therefore, it has a slightly darker color than the previous one, similar to amber, and the flavor is stronger and reminiscent of dried fruit, one of its main characteristics when used to flavor tasty dishes.

Conclusions

Argan oil is one of the most appreciated products in the cosmetic sector, thanks to its great efficacy and safety. It is suitable for all skin types, and being an ecological product, it fights the signs of aging naturally. Its tradition, its history, and the production process are an added value.

It is ideal for keeping the skin bright and soft at any age, when the first wrinkles appear, for strengthening the nails and giving the hair shine. Whatever your problem, Argan oil will ensure an effective solution to revitalize the whole body. Following our advice, choose the oil that best suits your needs.