Argan Oil: Health Benefits, Uses and Nutrition for skin and hair.
- Zenani Sizane
- Oct 18, 2024
- 14 min read
Written By: Zenani Sizane
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Argan oil, the ever so popular and loved skin and hair care oil. Ever wondered what the hype is, when it comes to argan oil and its benefits for hair and skin, or maybe you have always wanted to try it, but you have been skeptical because of all the TikTok and Instagram influencers that overly hype the oil. Well, in this article, we will unpack what it is about argan oil that people are so obsessed about and if it is really worth all the hype. Keep reading to find out more about this awesome oil.
What is Argan Oil?
Scientific Name: Argania Spinosa
In the Berber state of Morocco’s southwestern region to which it is endemic, the Argania Spinosa tree- also known as Argan Tree, is called the “Tree of Life”. It is believed to have originated in the village of Argana and is a tree well-known for the healing oil or as dubbed “Liquid Gold” that is derived from its fruit kernels. For centuries, the North African Berbers have had strong ties to the Argan Tree and its fleshy fruits, which were favored and eaten by the native goats, who would then leave behind the hard nut containing the oil-rich kernels.
As early as 1550 B.C, the Phoenicians used Argan Oil to heal their ailments and to beautify themselves by applying it as a skin and hair conditioner and recording their usage methods. Historically, the amazing local people of Morocco used argan oil to reduce the appearance of blemishes, wrinkles and to also treat rheumatic problems. In 1510, the African Leo Africanus discovered Argan oil during his travels across Morocco.
And eventually the oil was introduced to Europe, as an exclusive and exotic oil that only the wealthy could afford. The Berber women’s legendary reputation for their exotic beauty was largely credited to the frequent application of argan oil and today, argan oil continues to be respected and a desirable ingredient in natural cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.
Technical Information on Argan Oil:
Shelf Life | 12-18 months |
Colour | Pale yellow |
0 | |
Absorption Rate | 3 |
Saponification Value | 135-190 |
96-99 | |
Extraction Method | Cold Pressed |
Scent | Sweet and slightly nutty |
Safety | Safe for most |
Allergies | Nuts |
Skin Feel | Smooth and Silky |
Solubility | Oil |
Origin | Morocco |
Botanical Family | Sapodilla |
How is Argan Oil Extracted?
The argan tree is low, thick and broad with small, thick leathery leaves that grow in a canopy of branches that have long, thick thorns. Its fruit is small and is either round, oval or conical in shape. It ripens and falls from the trees in the late summer. It is never picked from the trees, and its outermost layer is a thick peel, which protects the fleshy pulp that encloses a nut with a hard shell. This nut comprises 25% of the fruit weight and holds up three kernels that are rich in oil.
Historically, argan oil was extracted when goats would climb the tree and eat the fruit, after which time the ingested fruit husks would pass through their digestive tracts and the clean kernel would be collected from the goats’ droppings. This method reduced the amount of time and effort required for extraction. Presently, depending on the extraction method, the kernels yield 30%-50% of the oil and to produce 1kg of oil, 30kg of argan nuts are required. The production process involves modern technology that is streamlined and thus more hygienic from the initial stages of the fruit collection.
The argan oil cooperatives continue to function along the trees’ native coast and the women there grind the fruit by hand to produce the oil for their cosmetic and culinary purposes. The hard nut must also be cracked by hand with the use of rocks as tools in order to protect the “liquid gold” inside the shells.
The first step of extraction in the oil extraction process is to dry the collected fruit in the open air. Once dried, the fleshy pulp is removed by hand, although some producers opt to remove the pulp mechanically without drying the fruit first. Next, the argan nut is cracked to obtain the kernels.
This is a demanding and time-consuming process that must be done by hand using stones, as mechanically it has been unsuccessful. The kernels themselves are mechanically ground and then cold-pressed. The unfiltered argan oil is transferred to vessels and left to sit for approximately two weeks, during which time the suspended solids in the oil settle at the bottom. Once the oil has been cleared of debris, it is further filtered for enhanced purity and clarity.
Fatty Acid Composition of Argan Oil
Argan oil is mainly composed of about 80% of unsaturated fatty acids and only approximately around 10% of saturated fatty acids. Oleic acid and Linoleic are the major unsaturated fatty acids found in in argan oil. Argan oil also contain two primary saturated fatty acids namely stearic acid and palmitic acid. There are few other fatty acids found in argan oil, such as myristic acid, palmitoleic acid, arachidic and behenic acid which are found in lower quantities.
The composition of tocopherol compounds is an important characteristic of argan oil. This vitamin E composition is closely related to stability, cosmetic and nutritional properties. Argan oil is very rich in vitamin E, but it also contains other bioactive compounds of important antioxidant power such as polyphenols, coenzyme Q10 and melatonin.
Here is a look at the fatty acid profile of Argan Oil:
In the past couple of decades, the beauty secrets of argan oil have caught the attention of scientists, who have examined the properties and composition of argan oil to learn the richness of the oil. Components such as antioxidants that contribute to the appearance of healthy, rejuvenated, skin, hair, and nails. It is also renowned for its ability to enhance the appearance of youthfulness.
The triglyceride content of argan oil is dominated by fatty acids oleic acid and linoleic acid and to a lesser extent palmitic acid. Unsaponifiable matter constituents 1% and is made up of carotenes (37%), tocopherols (8%), terpene alcohols (2%), sterols (29%) and xanthophylls (5%). The tocopherol level as well as the presence of phenols contribute to argan oil's stability. Argan carrier oil is a popular cosmetic ingredient used all around the world, especially by those who prefer natural products above those with synthetic chemicals.
Palmitic Acid (C16:10) | 13% |
Stearic Acid (C18:10) | 6% |
Oleic Acid (C18:1) | 42.8% |
Linoleic Acid (C18:2) | 36.8% |
Linolenic Acid (C18:3) | <0.5% |
KEY PROPERTIES | |
Vitamin E | |
CoQ10 | |
melatonin | |
Carotenes | |
squalane | |
tyrosol | |
Antioxidants |
What is argan oil used for?
The uses of argan oil are abundant, ranging from medicinal to cosmetic. Argan oil can be used for a wide array of ailments such as fighting signs of aging, rheumatic, reducing skin inflammation, insulin resistance, preventing hair damage and increasing hair elasticity. Let’s dive deeper in the uses of argan oil and see all that this oil can do for your overall health.
When used medically, argan oil provides soothing relief for the damaged skin as well as conditions that leave skin feeling dehydrated, itchy, irritated and raw. The anti-inflammatory properties of argan oil are beneficial for relieving the pain and swelling associated with arthritis as well as other joint pain and muscle aches. The phenolic compounds, phytosterols and tocopherols present in argan may have cancer chemoprotective effects and can potentially prevent obesity and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. It is also purported that the compounds in argan oil can lower cholesterol and inhibit platelet aggression (thins the blood) which prevents diseases associated with blood clotting.
When used topically, argan oil works as a fast-absorbing, non-greasy moisturizer that can be used as a nighttime serum to soothe acne, balance skin’s oil production, and reduce the appearance of stretch marks, wrinkles and scars. When applied to the skin that has become leathery and sore from overexposure to the sun, argan oil can soothe the areas that have been affected and are painful to the touch, while also fading sun spots and facilitates the regeneration of the skin from further aggravation. It is also used to heal cracked, blemished, infected, scarred and even burned skin.
The antioxidant properties in the oil, helps to balance the skin’s pH and melanin levels and protects against the sun’s UV radiation and potential damage to the skin and hair. Speaking of hair, argan oil is also widely beneficial as a hair care ingredient. It is mostly used in leave-in conditioners or hair masks to repair damage such as split ends and dryness. To smooth and enhance hair manageability, argan oil can be applied onto the hair to coat the hair shaft from root to tip, it also helps to massage it onto the scalp with fingertips or a scalp massager to stimulate circulation and boost hair growth.
As you can see argan oil is truly a versatile oil that can be used in everyday life for a variety of reasons. Argan Oil is like a superfood for your overall health, and this is truly thanks to the antioxidant properties that promote healing, nourishment and rejuvenation to your hair, skin and body.
Skin Benefits of Argan Oil
Anti-aging
Making argan oil a part of your daily skincare routine is a must if you are suffering conditions such as irritated, inflamed, or damaged skin, and also want to reduce the signs of aging and add moisture to your skin. Argan oil can help balance your complexion and help it appear more even. It is also non-comedogenic oil and absorbs into the skin well and can be used on a variety of skin and hair types including sensitive and oily.
Anti-inflammatory
Argan oil has anti-inflammatory properties which make it ideal for reducing redness and irritation from blemishes. Since it locks in moisture and heals skin, it can also be used to help repair dry or cracked skin. The high concentration of fatty acids and vitamin E in argan oil helps promote healing as well as protects skin from oxidative damage. This helps fight signs of aging and keeps you looking young and ageless.
Heals the skin
Argan oil soothes inflamed and irritated skin, while reducing the appearance of scarring and balancing skin’s natural moisture and oil production. Argan oil is effective for diminishing blemishes such as stretch marks and it promotes the growth of new skin while boosting its suppleness. Argan oil provides healing and sealing to the skin’s outer layer, which doesn’t just improve appearance-it also prevents further dryness and damage.
Moisturizers the Skin
The oleic and linoleic acids that make up the majority of argan oil fat content are vital nutrients for maintaining healthy skin. Argan oil is often directly administered to skin but may also be effective when ingested (food grade argan oil). This is largely thanks to its abundance in vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps improve water retention in the skin.
Protects against sun damage
Moroccan women have long used argan oil to protect their skin from sun damage, this practice was supported by a 2013 study that found that the antioxidant activity in argan oil helped protect the skin against free radicals and hyperpigmentation, as a result. Long term, this may even help prevent the development of skin cancer, including melanoma.
Suitable for all skin types
Though argan oil is most known for being particularly beneficial to dry, dull skin. It also has been considered for acne, as it is considered non-comedogenic and won’t leave the skin feeling greasy. It is not only safe but can also be beneficial to all skin types.
Argan oil’s anti-aging properties, due to high levels of vitamin E and saponins (which soften the skin) are well documented. It helps to reduce wrinkles by restoring the skin’s water lipid layer and it also cools and soothes inflammation. Its antioxidant properties contribute to the neutralization of free radicals and help it cool skin that has been exposed to wind and the sun and protects against cold weather.
Haircare Benefits of Argan Oil
Increases hair elasticity
With its high content of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E, the benefits of argan oil naturally help to increase the hair's elasticity and consistently restore shine to dull, lifeless hair.
Promotes Hair Growth
Argan oil naturally promotes faster hair growth. The phenols in the oil help to strengthen the hair follicles while the antioxidants promote cell production, all leading to healthy hair growth, by simply applying argan oil to your scalp as a leave-in treatment and to your eyelashes can help promote length to your hair.
Effective Hair Mask
An argan oil hair mask is amazing particularly if you have damaged hair. The vitamin E in the oil helps smooth frayed hair shafts and seal split ends, while the omega fatty acids work to strengthen your hair. Leaving it for 10-15 minutes can help you reap the oil’s full benefits.
Prevents Breakage
The vitamin E in argan oil is a powerful antioxidant that is crucial for the health of our hair. The oil’s richness in antioxidant properties can help neutralize hair damage from free radicals and other harmful environmental elements. Vitamin E helps to keep your follicles free from damage all while helping to prevent splitting and breakage.
Argan Oil Vs Other Oils for Hair
Argan oil is thought to improve hair quality by preventing damage to the exterior cuticle of the hair shaft while preserving the natural pigment. Whether we realize it or not, we put ourselves through a lot of damage with everyday pollution, chemical treatment and hot tools, the vitamin E in argan oil helps keep your follicles free from damage all while helping to prevent splitting and breakage. Argan oil promotes shine, smoothness and definition. It also helps protect hair from mechanical strain and coloring.
Argan Oil Substitutes
Kalahari Melon Seed Oil - Kalahari melon seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids, which are essential to your skin. It harbors twice the amount of essential fatty acids compared to argan oil, which means it has greater antioxidant properties.
Tamanu Oil - it is not a well-known oil as the many others, however Tamanu oil is a great oil that soothes irritation and protects the skin from UV damage. It also has a wide array of applications in skin and hair care.
Jojoba Oil- Jojoba oil has a similar molecular structure as other natural oils and contains antiseptic properties which make it particularly fantastic for people with various skin ailments, especially those who suffer from acne and skin sensitivity.
Hemp Seed Oil - Hemp seed oil is a great alternative to argan oil as it is non-comedogenic and can be used on all skin types. It is also anti-inflammatory and helps reduce redness and irritation that can be associated with acne.
Abyssinian Oil - Abyssinian Oil is also a non-comedogenic oil and recommended for all skin types. It is a great argan oil substitute because it has the same benefits and also helps to hydrate the skin.
Argan Oil is edible!
In Morocco, argan oil is used as a dipping oil or is drizzled over food, however it is not used as an oil to cook with due to the fact that argan oil burns easily. It is important to buy and use Food grade argan oil, which is also known as virgin argan oil, which is found in health food stores and Moroccan grocery stores.
It is primarily eaten cold or added to warm foods at the end of the cooking process. You can make a salad dressing or include it in hummus or even drizzle it on top of grilled fish. You can even try the famous amlou, a Moroccan dip made with roasted, grounded almonds, honey and argan oil.
Argan Oil Side Effects
Argan oil is not known to have adverse side effects for the most part and it is generally well tolerated, though some can experience some mild sensitivity. If you have inflammatory skin conditions as these, can be aggravated by external oils. Seborrheic dermatitis is exacerbated by oils applied to the skin surface. It is important to pay attention to how your skin reacts when you use argan oil in a routine. When using products that contain oleic and linoleic acids, make sure to use them as instructed.
Disadvantages of Argan Oil
The argan fruit is a stone fruit rather than tree nut, however the oil is derived from the fruit’s nut, which contains the proteins that trigger allergic responses. Those with nut allergies should be cautious about using argan oil, as there have been some cases, though rare, that have reported adverse reactions.
Despite the fact that Argan oil is largely used in cosmetics for the purpose of treating acne and wrinkles, it may potentially cause an allergic reaction that could involve acne as well as anaphylaxis, difficulty breathing, rashes and itchy, red, scaly skin.
These reactions could possibly be caused by impure or low quality argan oil. It is recommended that a skin patch test be conducted on a small area on the inner arm to test for any potential reactions.
Argan Oil Vs Moroccan Oil
Argan oil and Moroccan oil are not the same. Argan oil is the purest form at 100% of argan oil, whereas Moroccan oil is a mixture of argan oil, additives and other oils. Depending on what your hair needs and preferences one cannot simply determine which one is good based on ingredients only. While Moroccan oil oil can help with hair styling and making the hair more manageable. Argan oil can reverse damage and condition the hair and skin, which are both great characteristics to have in terms of keeping your hair in good condition. In 2010, argan oil gained protected geographical indication recognition, which means that only the oil produced in Morocco can be called “argan oil”. Its importance in Moroccan culture derives from its traditional use in local cuisine, medicine and cosmetics, the vegetable oil has been prescribed for reputed cosmetic, bacterial and fungicidal properties.
Environmental Benefits and Sustainability
The argan tree is endemic to Morocco and the species grows almost exclusively in the southwestern region, along the Atlantic coast between tourist hotspots Essaouira and Agadir. Argan oil is harvested across the reserve’s 2.5 million hectares of forests, which are divided into three ones. The central zone is specifically devoted for scientific research and the other two, the buffer and transitional zones are used for education, tourism and commercial exploitation.
The preparation and production of argan oil is slow and tedious. It involves a seven-step process, which is done fully or partially by hand depending on the production facilities. It takes about 100 kg of fresh fruit and 20 hours of work to produce 1 liter of oil.
Pure argan oil is vegan and cruelty free, but it can be used in the composition of products that aren’t. Very little is lost during the production process of argan oil. The discarded fruits and pastry dough are used to prepare beauty products or given to the village animals and the nutshells are burned for fuel. The sustainability of the oil depends on the management of the argan tree forests, which are susceptible to over-farming and deforestation.
As the global argan oil market grows, it leads the argan oil farmers to hit the trees to make fruit fall prematurely, endangering the ecosystem and turning a fairly eco-friendly enterprise into an unsustainable one. The argan tree is a very resilient species capable of withstanding extreme heat and possesses great environmental benefits, as its deep roots help provide soil stabilization by absorbing water and help Morocco’s argan forests to act as a natural barrier against desertification.
The argan tree constitutes a vital source of food for herds of animals, such as goats, especially during drought. It grows in the wild without the need for human intervention, pesticides or herbicides. All argan oil sold today is produced by a women’s cooperative that shares the profits among the local women of the Berber tribe. The cooperative has established an ecosystem reforestation project so that the supply of argan oil will not run out and the income that is currently supporting the women will not disappear. The money is providing healthcare and education to the local women and supporting the entire community as a whole.
Consumers are advised to seek 100% cold-pressed argan oil and ensure it has been produced on a small-scale, independently owned and operated by women cooperatives. This information should be clearly stated on the brand’s website, and it is also good to know that true argan oil is generally yellow rather than gold and also quite expensive to purchase.
Final thoughts
Argan oil is a loved oil around the world and its benefits has proven it to be a superior oil in the hair and skincare industry, all the hype is totally worth it and we love the added benefit of the many women in Morocco who are able to feed their families due to the production and demand of argan oil. Now that you have gotten all the necessary information about argan oil and its benefits and drawbacks, you can conclude whether argan oil is the best oil for your skin, body and hair care needs.
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