Argan oil is known as the “little oil that might.” It wasn’t long ago that it was completely unknown in the US beauty industry (despite being a go-to beauty secret for Mediterranean women for years). It’s now found in a slew of various products in the hair and skincare sectors, and with good reason.
Derived from the kernels of the argan tree, it’s jam-packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and important fatty acids that can benefit both hair and skin. It’s frequently used in the former for its superior smoothing and shine-boosting abilities; in the latter, it provides deep hydration and antioxidant protection without blocking pores. In short, it’s an oil that you should certainly include in your beauty routine.
Not sure where to begin? The greatest argan oil treatments are listed here.
1. Overall winner: SheaMoisture 100% Pure Argan Oil
This vial contains only one and only one component. That’s accurate, you receive pure argan oil with no extra oils or fillers. This makes it an excellent multi-tasker; use a few drops on damp hair before blowdrying, layered under your face moisturizer, or dabbed over rough cuticles—the possibilities are endless. Furthermore, at such a low cost, you may pour it on with wild abandon.
What We like
- Multi-purpose oil.
- Inexpensive
- Quickly absorbs
What We Don’t Like
- Strong odor
2. 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil The Ordinary
The Ordinary is our go-to for concentrated blends of unique ingredients at ridiculously low rates, and argan oil is no exception. This version is organic and cold-pressed to guarantee that all of its properties—fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and more—remain in their purest and most effective form. The compact dropper makes it simple to distribute, whether you want to use it on your hair or your skin.
What We Like
- Low-Cost
- Simple to use
- Oil with several uses
What We Don’t Like
- It might be a little weighty at times.
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3. OGX Extra Penetrating Moroccan Argan Oil is the best drugstore product.
Pick up this hair treatment if you’re not sure if argan oil will work for your hair (or if you’re just a committed drugstore shopper). It mixes argan oil with other strand-softening substances to add hydration, smoothness, and softness to the hair. Because this is a rather rich recipe, it will work best on dry, coarse, or thick hair.
What We Like
- hair is smoothed
- Frizz is reduced.
- Lightweight
What We Don’t Like
- Not cruelty-free or Byrdie Clean.
4. Moroccanoil Treatment Original is the best hair treatment.
This OG is a major strand-saver and is arguably the product that sparked the Moroccan oil obsession in the United States. There are several applications for lightweight stylers. Try it on damp hair for a smoother, sleeker blow-dry, or on dry tips to tame flyaways and eliminate the appearance of split ends.
What We Like
- Frizz is reduced.
- Hair appears to be shinier and healthier.
- It smells fantastic.
What We Don’t Like
- Not even Byrdie Clean
5. Poppy Austin Pure Argan Oil is the best for stretch marks.
To cut a long tale short, very few topical substances or therapies have been clinically proven to remove stretch marks. Having said that, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence (read: word of mouth) that vitamin E can help reduce the tell-tale signs caused by pregnancy or weight fluctuations. Argan oil is popular as a stretch mark treatment because it is high in vitamin E. (it also may help skin retain its elasticity). Here, we recommend a 100% pure version that is also ethically sourced.
What We Like
- Oil with several uses
- Vegan
- Organic and ethically sourced products
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
What to Look for When Choosing an Argan Oil Treatment?
Cold-Pressed
Dr. Geeta Yadav, a board-certified dermatologist, suggests choosing a cold-pressed product when using argan oil on your face, scalp, or hair. “This implies the raw material was removed delicately and mechanically to assure its purity and efficacy,” she explains.
When Used in conjunction with Other Beneficial Ingredients
According to Dr. Yadav, argan oil contains moisturizing characteristics that help maintain the skin barrier, as well as a high concentration of antioxidants and polyphenols that can help protect against UVB-induced damage and photoaging. While there are many pure versions available, she suggests looking for one that combines argan oil with additional substances that may be good for your skin or hair type.
For people who are prone to breakouts, she suggests looking for a solution that also contains tea tree oil, which has sebum management capabilities and can enhance skin clarity. She also recommends castor oil, which is high in fatty acids and has a nourishing impact on the hair.
