Argan Oil

What is Argan Oil?

Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of Argania spinosa, a tree that grows almost exclusively in southwestern Morocco. It has been a cornerstone of Berber wellness traditions for hundreds of years, used both as a cooking oil and a topical remedy for skin and hair. The oil's unique fatty acid profile and exceptionally high vitamin E content set it apart from most other plant oils.

How does Argan Oil work?

Topically, argan oil forms a light protective layer on the skin that locks in moisture, while its vitamin E and polyphenols neutralize free radicals that break down collagen and accelerate aging. Taken internally, its high oleic and linoleic acid content helps shift the balance of blood lipids toward healthier levels, and its plant sterols interfere with cholesterol absorption in the gut, nudging LDL down.

What forms does Argan Oil come in?

Culinary-grade argan oil (roasted kernels) is for eating and has a nuttier flavor; cosmetic-grade (cold-pressed, unroasted) is for skin and hair. Oral capsules standardize the dose and are odorless. Topical serums and hair products often blend argan oil with other carrier ingredients — look for 'Argania spinosa kernel oil' high on the ingredient list for meaningful concentration.

Where it comes from:

The Berber women of Morocco's Sous Valley have produced argan oil by hand for generations, using it to moisturize skin in the harsh desert climate, treat hair, and dress wounds. UNESCO recognized this tradition as part of Morocco's cultural heritage, and since the 1990s argan oil has been commercially exported worldwide, becoming one of the most studied plant oils in modern dermatology.

What does Argan Oil help with?

• Dry and dehydrated skin: Argan oil is packed with fatty acids that mimic the skin's natural oils, so it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy film and helps the skin hold onto moisture throughout the day. Regular use can noticeably improve skin softness and suppleness within a week or two.
• Aging skin and wrinkles: The high vitamin E and polyphenol content fights the free radical damage that breaks down collagen and elastin over time. Studies in postmenopausal women found that daily use — both applied to the skin and taken by mouth — improved skin elasticity and reduced the appearance of fine lines.
• Eczema and psoriasis flares: Argan oil's anti-inflammatory fatty acids and vitamin E help calm redness, itching, and flaking associated with both eczema and psoriasis. It strengthens the skin barrier, which is often compromised in these conditions, helping reduce the frequency and severity of flares.
• Damaged, frizzy, or brittle hair: Applied to hair, argan oil coats the cuticle and fills in microscopic gaps left by heat damage and chemical processing, reducing breakage and frizz. It also moisturizes the scalp, which can ease dryness and flaking.
• High LDL cholesterol: When consumed as a food oil, argan oil has been shown to lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol and raise HDL ('good') cholesterol in human trials. Its plant sterols help block cholesterol absorption in the gut, and its oleic acid profile supports overall cardiovascular lipid balance.
• Acne and oily skin: Although it's an oil, argan oil is non-comedogenic and actually helps regulate sebum production in oily skin types. Its linoleic acid content, which is typically low in the skin of acne-prone individuals, may help normalize oil balance and reduce breakouts.
• Stretch marks and scars: Argan oil supports collagen production and skin elasticity, making it a popular choice for preventing and fading stretch marks during pregnancy or weight changes. Regular massage with the oil may improve the texture and appearance of existing scars over time.
• Brittle nails: Massaging argan oil into the nail bed and cuticles moisturizes the surrounding skin and may strengthen brittle nails by improving hydration and providing antioxidant support to the nail matrix.
• Oxidative stress: Taken orally, argan oil significantly boosts antioxidant defenses in the body — human studies have shown meaningful increases in antioxidant enzyme activity after regular consumption. This helps protect cells from the everyday damage that contributes to chronic disease and accelerated aging.
• Post-menopause skin changes: Declining estrogen after menopause leads to loss of skin elasticity and increased dryness. Clinical research specifically in postmenopausal women found that combining oral and topical argan oil improved skin elasticity and moisture retention, addressing changes that standard moisturizers often can't fully resolve.

What can Argan Oil help prevent?

• Cardiovascular disease risk reduction through improved lipid profiles with regular dietary use
• Photoaging and UV-related skin damage via topical antioxidant protection

Which foods are rich in Argan Oil?

1. Culinary argan oil (food-grade): The only meaningful dietary source of argan oil itself — drizzle over salads, dips, or couscous; do not heat at high temperatures as it degrades the beneficial compounds.
2. Amlou (Moroccan nut butter with argan oil): A traditional Moroccan spread blending argan oil, almonds, and honey — a delicious way to incorporate food-grade argan oil into the diet.
3. Olive oil: Shares a very similar oleic acid and polyphenol profile to argan oil and supports the same cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory pathways when argan oil is unavailable.
4. Almonds: Rich in vitamin E, oleic acid, and plant sterols — delivers many of the same antioxidant and cholesterol-supporting compounds found in argan oil.
5. Avocado: High in oleic acid, vitamin E, and squalene — supports skin health and heart-healthy lipid levels through overlapping nutrient pathways.

Practical Tips:

Culinary argan oil is the direct food source and the only way to obtain the oil's unique sterols through diet. Look for food-grade (not cosmetic-grade) cold-pressed argan oil from reputable Moroccan cooperatives. Store in a cool, dark place and use within a year of opening.

What are the side effects of Argan Oil?

• Skin or scalp irritation in people with sensitive skin or nut allergies (rare)
• Allergic contact dermatitis: patch-test before widespread topical use
• Mild digestive upset (nausea, loose stools) with high-dose oral supplementation
• Acne breakouts if a product uses a low-quality blend with comedogenic additives (not the oil itself)
• Hair product buildup if used too liberally on fine hair types

Good to know:

Argan oil has an excellent safety record in both topical and oral use. It is one of the better-tolerated plant oils available, and serious adverse effects are uncommon.

How much Argan Oil should you take?

• Recommended daily: Topical: 2–5 drops applied directly to face, hair, or body as needed. Oral/culinary: 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) of food-grade argan oil daily, used as a finishing oil. Oral supplement capsules: typically 500–1000 mg per day per manufacturer guidance.
• Best time of day: Topical skin use: apply at night as part of your evening routine for deep overnight absorption, or in the morning before SPF. Hair: apply to damp hair after washing or as a dry-hair finishing serum. Oral: with a meal to enhance absorption of fat-soluble nutrients.
• With or without food: Oral argan oil should be taken with food to improve absorption of its fat-soluble vitamins and to reduce the chance of digestive discomfort.
• Time to effect: Skin hydration: within 1–3 days. Hair texture improvement: 2–4 weeks. Cholesterol and antioxidant effects: 4–8 weeks of consistent oral use.
• How long to take it: Safe for long-term continuous use — no cycling required. Topical use can be indefinite. For cardiovascular or antioxidant benefits from oral use, maintain consistent daily use for at least 8 weeks before assessing results.