Why is argan oil called 'liquid gold'?

Argan oil is expensive because the Argania spinosa tree grows only in southwest Morocco, and the extraction process is extremely labour-intensive. Traditionally done by hand, it takes approximately 15 hours of work to produce one litre of oil. Mechanised production exists but pure, cold-pressed argan remains costly.

Is argan oil better than coconut oil for hair?

Different, not better. Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft and prevents protein loss — superior for damaged, protein-deficient hair. Argan oil primarily seals the cuticle from outside, adding shine and controlling frizz. For low-porosity hair that repels coconut oil, argan often works better. Many routines use both.

Does argan oil work on the face?

Yes — it is one of very few oils suitable for acne-prone and oily skin due to its zero comedogenic rating. Its linoleic acid content is particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin, which typically has lower linoleic acid levels in sebum.

Argan Oil

Safety 5/5

Argania spinosa

Best Used For

Hair Fall Dry Skin Anti Aging

Quick Answer

Argan oil (Argania spinosa) benefits hair and skin through its unique combination of oleic acid, linoleic acid, Vitamin E tocopherols, and squalene. It seals the hair cuticle for exceptional frizz control and shine, while its zero comedogenic rating makes it ideal for oily facial skin. Safety 5/5.

Key Takeaways

✓Zero comedogenic rating — the only common oil that doesn't risk clogging pores
✓Squalene mimics natural skin sebum for seamless compatibility
✓Ferulic acid in argan significantly boosts Vitamin E and C stability and efficacy
✓Safety 5/5 — suitable for all skin and hair types

What is Argan Oil?

Argan oil from the nuts of Argania spinosa, a tree endemic to Morocco, has become one of the most popular premium hair and skin care ingredients globally. In India, it entered the market as a hair shine and frizz control ingredient and is now present in shampoos, conditioners, and serums across price points.

Active Compounds

Oleic acid (omega-9, ~45%) — penetrates skin deeply, nourishment and softness
Linoleic acid (omega-6, ~35%) — skin barrier essential fatty acid
Vitamin E (gamma-tocopherol, ~620 mg/kg) — highest tocopherol content of common oils
Squalene — matches human skin sebum composition
Ferulic acid — phenolic antioxidant that boosts Vitamin E and C activity

Benefits

Hair Frizz Control and Shine

Argan oil's fatty acid profile, particularly the oleic acid, fills gaps in the hair cuticle structure, creating a smooth, reflective surface. This dramatically reduces frizz and increases shine. Unlike silicones, argan oil is breathable and won't build up over time.

Zero Comedogenicity

With a comedogenic rating of 0, argan oil is the only common face oil that poses essentially no risk of clogging pores. Its linoleic acid dominance makes it particularly compatible with acne-prone skin.

Heat Protection

The high antioxidant load (Vitamin E + ferulic acid + squalene) protects hair proteins from the oxidative stress caused by heat styling tools. Used as a pre-styling treatment, argan oil reduces heat-induced protein degradation.

How to Use

Hair serum: Apply 2–3 drops to damp hair before blow-drying
Frizz control: Apply 1 drop to dry hair ends to smooth flyaways
Face oil: 3–4 drops massaged into damp face as the last step of skincare routine