Why Your Hair and Skin Need Argan Oil
If you’ve ever been bored in the shower and started reading the ingredients in your products—and who hasn't—you might have noticed one frequent star: argan oil. It’s one of those “hero” ingredients for your body that make basically everything better. Know that whenever you see it listed near the top in any product that things are off to a great start.
But let's go a little deeper: Argan oil originally comes from Morocco—you might see it referred to as Moroccan oil for this reason. It’s an extract from the argan tree, or rather, the nut that is inside the fruit that grows on that tree. Its use is traced back some 2.5 millennia (eat your heart out, hyaluronic acid), and it can only be extracted manually, through grinding and pressing. It’s benefits are broad-ranging, too, which we’ll get into below; however, it is most beloved for its profound nourishing and moisturizing powers on both skin and hair.
How Argan Oil Benefits Your Skin
Argan oil is packed with fatty acids and vitamin E. So when used in a moisturizer (or atop a moisturizer, as the last step in your skincare regimen), the oil locks in moisture and strengthens the defensive barrier functions of the skin. This helps other ingredients reach their full potential under the surface of the skin, while also preventing moisture loss due to environmental factors. It is also rich in antioxidants, so it disarms skin-aging and cancer-causing free radicals.
What's extra great is that argan oil is generally very safe to use on sensitive skin. This oil is famously used to treat inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and rosacea. (Though it's smart to talk to your dermatologist before dealing with any specific health condition.)
It Also Works Wonders on Your Hair
Argan oil is mixed into just about everything: shampoos and conditioners, stylers and treatments, and frizz-fighting oil blends. The oil is naturally composed of tiny molecules (which also make it non-comedogenic on skin), which allows it to penetrate the hair shaft easily. Its high density of vitamin E then restores dull, dry, and brittle hair. Its anti-inflammatory powers also lend themselves to your scalp, in that it can help mitigate bacterial and fungal breakouts (which lead to itching, flaking, and redness).
Putting oil into your hair can feel a little odd at first, but it won't leave an oily residue, since it absorbs so easily. You'll get a healthy shine.
Who Should Use Argan Oil?
The upshot is really that argan oil works for everyone. It’s non-comedogenic, so it’s not likely to clog your pores, even if you have oily skin. It also absorbs fully into the hair, so it won’t leave yours looking greasy and unwashed. And, since everyone wants healthier and more vibrant hair, as well as soft, strong, and firm skin...argan oil is basically for everyone.
But What About People With Oily Skin?
While certain severe cases of acne (those often associated with overactive sebum production) demand an oil-free skincare regimen, most people find oil-based skincare products perfectly accommodating to their face and body. But that’s only certain oils—the ones that are non-comedogenic.
The Best Argan Oil Moisturizer
Josie Maran argan oil moisturizer SPF 47$34
Ulta
Smooth and nourishing, with sun protection built-in.
The Best Argan Oil for Your Face
Illustration by Liza CorsilloPaula's Choice argan oil and ceramides facial oil$38
Amazon
Serious hydration that won't clog your pores.
The Best Argan Oil Lotion
Illustration by Liza CorsilloAmir argan oil body lotion$14
Amazon
Get those hydrating properties all over the rest of your skin, too.
The Best Argan Oil Product For Curly Hair
Illustration by Liza CorsilloSheaMoisture Men argan oil and shea butter defining cream for twists and curls$7
Walmart
This is specifically made for guys with curly hair, but it'll help literally anyone banish frizz forever.
The Best Argan Oil Hair Treatment You Can Find Everywhere
Illustration by Liza CorsilloOGX argan oil hair treatment oil$11 $6
Amazon
Add a hit of shine that won't weigh you down.
The Best Argan Oil Shampoo
Illustration by Liza CorsilloShu Uemura argan oil shampoo for damaged hair$49
Sephora
Hydrate while you cleanse.
The Best Argan Oil Conditioner
Illustration by Liza CorsilloPura d'Or healing conditioner with argan oil$20
Amazon
Keep your mane healthy.
The Best Argan Oil Scalp Treatment
Illustration by Liza CorsilloMoroccanoil argan oil dry scalp treatment$38
Amazon
Because scalp care is skin care.
Read More10 of the Best Hydrating Hyaluronic Acids to Use at Any Step in Your Skin Care RoutineThe ingredient that dermatologists regularly name-check for its hydrating, firming properties can fit at any point in your regimen.
By Adam Hurly
Adam Hurly has been covering men's grooming since 2013 (and for GQ since 2016). He is also a travel writer. In Fall 2024, Adam is launching Blue Print by Adam Hurly, a men's grooming platform. Adam resides in Lisbon (previously Berlin, NYC, and San Francisco). He is a Sioux Falls, SD, native... Read moreWriterInstagramRelated Stories for GQBathroom and ShowerMoisturizerSkincareHair