What is argan oil exactly?

The kernels of the argan tree’s fruit, which are frequently peeled by Moroccan women employed in cooperatives, are the source of argan oil. Krupa Koestline, cosmetic chemist and CEO of KKT Consultants, notes that “fairtrade, sustainably produced argan oil is made from argan fruits harvested from the ground, which helps reduce overharvesting and the threat of deforestation.”

It’s important to remember that there have recently been worries about how the demand for argan oil has resulted in cases of “aggressive harvesting.” In a recent interview with Allure, associate professor of agriculture and applied economics at the University of Georgia Nicholas Magnan, Ph.D., said that some people “wack the trees with sticks to force the fruit to fall from the branches faster, and that’s not healthy for the plants.”

What advantages does argan oil provide for hair and skin care?

Have a few moments? Because of its all-natural composition, argan oil offers an astonishingly lengthy list of benefits. According to Koestline, “Argan oil is special in its makeup, delivering significant concentrations of oleic and linoleic acids, making it highly rich and hydrating. One of the major reasons argan oil is used in so many products is because of these acids.

According to Corey L. Hartman, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, “it has found a use as a skin and hair moisturizer because it is rich in oleic and linoleic acids, both helpful ingredients to maintain a healthy skin barrier because they feed our skin essential fatty acids like omega-3, 6, and 9, which our bodies do not produce.” Dr. Chimento agrees, and he adds that those fatty acids could even aid in wrinkle reduction and collagen formation.

However, there’s still more. Dr. Chimento claims that the vitamin E in argan oil “helps retain skin’s youthfulness and scavenge free radicals.” By halting transepidermal water loss, argon oil also promotes skin surface healing. She claims that when it comes to hair, it protects the external cuticle of the hair shaft while preserving melanin.

Argan oil also helps to relieve inflammation, according to Dr. Hartman, since it contains CoQ10 and melatonin. Through its effect on elasticity and moisture, especially after menopause, argan oil has been linked to the preservation and regeneration of good skin.

Although it contains many other advantageous components, this substance is not very rich in terms of texture. It is really rather lightweight and good for skin that is prone to acne. According to Dr. Hartman, argan oil is one of the least comedogenic oils and is thus effective in skin care products when an emollient is sought. “It is a perfect oil for adding into skin-care products that include other active components since it is a smaller molecule and doesn’t clog pores.”

What additional components go nicely with argan oil?

While argan oil is excellent on its own (Dr. Chimento praised it for its benefits on psoriasis, and some beauty brands sell it as a stand-alone product), it also works well with other products.

Hartman likes it when ceramides are mixed with argan oil. In addition, he believes, it works well with vitamins. “It greatly enhances the skin barrier and helps to skin that is more moisturized, firmer, and less sagging,” he says. Because it is an oil, it can aid in the better absorption of fat-soluble nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E, and K into the skin and even make retinol more tolerable.

Professional Product Picks

Drs. Hartman and Chimento both suggest SheaMoisture 100% Pure Argan Oil if you’re looking for pure argan oil. It may be used from head to toe and is reasonably priced, according to Dr. Hartman. “Its light composition applies smoothly and completes any skin-care program.” It works well to soften and smooth hair, according to Dr. Chimento.

In addition, she suggests using Eve Hansen Argan Oil for your hair, nails, and skin. She claims it increases the appearance of young in the skin and may be applied to the hair overnight to boost shine. She tells Allure that it is perfect for all skin and hair types, lightweight, and swiftly absorbs.

Dr. Hartman recommends the Argan Smooth Skin Resurfacing Serum by Josie Maran as an argan oil product that benefits skin a little more thanks to the addition of other ingredients. Josie Maran is the company that, in Dr. Hartman’s opinion, popularized argan oil by including it as a key ingredient in each of its products. In addition to increasing collagen formation and cell turnover, he adds, “it delivers with little to no discomfort.”