31 Science-Backed Benefits and Uses of Argan Oil

You may have heard about argan oil, especially if you use natural skincare products.

If you have not, today we will tell you about a variety of different benefits associated with this product.

The popularity of this amazing oil has exploded since various remarkable health benefits provided by argan oil have become known.

For several centuries, dating back as far as 500 BC, the Phoenicians used this great oil both to heal and to enhance beauty.

Argan oil is extracted from the fruit of the argan tree.

The fruit is so nutritious and delicious that even goats climb the argan trees to eat them.

Argan oil is extracted from the little nut found inside this fruit.

 

What is Argan Oil?

Argan oil is also known as ‘liquid gold,’ due to its therapeutic and healing properties.

It is an organic product that is cold-pressed from the kernel of argan trees; the argan tree is native to Morocco.

The oil is rich in a variety of different beneficial nutrients such as vitamin E and fatty acids.

Argan oil has unique properties, making it especially beneficial for your skin and hair.

This makes argan oil an extremely popular cosmetic choice for a lot of celebrities.

That said, the oil is not only for the rich and famous, as anyone can easily reap the benefits provided by argan oil for their body.

This is why we will discuss some of the most common benefits and uses of argan oil.

Let’s dive right in.

 

The Benefits and Uses of Argan Oil

Now that we have explained to you what argan oil is, let’s talk about how you can make the most of using this wonderful oil.

Below are some important benefits and uses of argan oil.

 

Heals Acne

The triterpenoids that are found in argan oil provide great health benefits for your skin (1).

This includes the healing of mild acne, as well as the treatment of acne-related scars.

Various studies have shown that these compounds help considerably to decrease sebum levels, especially in individuals who have oily or greasy skin.

Moreover, as the oil is rich in linoleic acid, argan oil can help you by decreasing the inflammation triggered by acne, and at the same time help heal damaged skin cells.

In case you have acne, you could use argan oil as a part of your recipe for an effective DIY toner.

It will give your facial skin a radiant glow, and help fight breakouts.

The toner is easy to make:

• Simply pour a cup of hot water over one green tea bag.
• Then let it steep for around ten minutes. Once the water comes to room temperature, remove the tea bag.
• Now add two to four drops of argan oil, as well as one drop of tea tree oil.

You can use this toner before moisturizing and after cleansing.

 

Combats Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a very common skin disease that manifests itself in the form of itchy and inflamed patches of skin.

However, since argan oil is popular for being extremely effective in reducing itchiness and rashes, it can help reduce or even eliminate dermatitis flare-ups such as eczema by hydrating your skin.

When your skin is sufficiently hydrated, it is better able to perform its important barrier function.

Argan oil also contains essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids (4).

These acids help retain your skin’s moisture while protecting cell integrity.

In addition, the oil is rich in vitamin E, which has great antioxidant properties that can help fight the adverse effects caused by free radicals.

These damaging effects are usually one of the main reasons for skin conditions such as eczema.

And the anti-inflammatory compounds found in argan oil can help reduce swelling, too.

 

Fights Signs of Premature Aging

As discussed above, argan oil is rich in fatty acids.

Fatty acids, in fact, make up eighty percent of this oil.

And these fatty acids can work wonders in erasing various signs of premature aging.

This is why so many Moroccans have used the oil to prevent premature aging, as well as its signs, like wrinkles and crow’s feet (5).

This is why regular use of the oil can help reduce both the severity and depth of wrinkles.

Also, argan oil can remove age spots, as it restores the youthful elasticity of your skin and increases the regenerative speed of your healthy skin cells.

A research done in 2014 on postmenopausal women revealed that when the subjects applied a small quantity of argan oil each night for three months, they noticed a significant improvement in their skin’s ability to lock in moisture and water.(6)

This is important because the loss of moisture is the number one cause of skin aging in both men and women.

 

Eliminates Razor Bumps

A razor bump is not just unsightly, but it can also be uncomfortable and, at times, even painful, particularly when you shave and apply sunscreen.

Argan oil can help heal and soothe razor bumps for women and men after you shave your legs or face.

All you need to do is warm up a couple of drops of argan oil in your hands and then gently and thoroughly massage the oil into your affected areas.

Another benefit you will notice is a reduction in the number of ingrown hairs.

 

Protection Against Environmental Damage

As argan oil is rich in antioxidants, it may help protect your hair, skin, and nails against damage caused by ultraviolet radiation.

According to a study done in 2013, the oil expedites recovery from such damage.(7)

Keep in mind that melanin is crucial for your healthy skin.

It is an important pigment found in your skin that can help protect you from harmful UV rays.

In case you have too little or too much melanin, it may lead to all kinds of skin conditions; moreover, it can increase your risk of cancer.

As argan oil is a great melanin biosynthesis inhibitor, it can help normalize those skin cells that have excess melanin, and keep you safe from UV rays while promoting skin health (6).

The application of argan oil to skin damaged by UV rays can also reduce sun spots and treat extremely dry or leathery skin that often results from too much exposure to these rays.

 

Enhances Skin Appearance

Even when you do not have any skin conditions such as eczema, acne, scarring, or wrinkles, you may use argan oil to enhance your skin’s appearance, making it suppler and softer.

This is because the saponins found in argan oil can help restore the ability of your skin cells to regenerate, keeping your most important and largest bodily organ strong and healthy.

 

Reduces Cholesterol

If you use culinary-grade argan oil as a replacement for less-healthy cooking oils in your diet, it could help cut down the level of bad cholesterol in your system.

This is because the unique mix of plant sterols that are found in argan oil (such as spinasterol and schottenol) can block or lower the absorption of unhealthy cholesterol from within your intestinal tract.

It is also worth mentioning that argan oil is among the richest food sources of both the plant sterols and the omega fatty acids that can regulate cholesterol.

Although you can find healthy fatty acids in both fish oils and plants, researchers have indicated that fatty acids from a variety of plant sources are almost twice as good as those found in fish oils.

 

Relieves Rheumatic and Arthritic Conditions

Argan oil is considered to be very beneficial for those with both rheumatic and arthritic conditions.

Flavonoids found in the oil have very powerful and effective anti-inflammatory properties.

They can be used for the treatment of both internal and external problems, such as relieving the swelling and pain associated with arthritis.

In addition, the oil is rich in triterpenoids, in particular, butyrospermol (7).

These are vital and biologically-active compounds which are popular because of their unique anti-inflammatory benefits.

Argan oil also contains linoleic acid, which can boost the generation of prostaglandins 1, and help various rheumatologic conditions as well.

To get relief from sore joints and muscles, massage a couple of drops of argan oil on your skin over the affected areas.

 

Helps Digestion

The use of culinary-grade argan oil can help improve your digestion.

It has a variety of healthy organic compounds; when these are added to your food, they can raise the concentration of pepsin in your body’s gastric juices, thereby enhancing digestion.

It is important to note that pepsin is a vital enzyme, found in gastric juices, that has the ability to digest the proteins contained in eggs, meat, and dairy items.

Better digestion has a number of important benefits, such as less hunger, more energy, and improved weight loss, leading to an overall healthier body.

 

Fights Cancer

There are several studies that have proven the ability of the oil to fight effectively skin cancer and various other diseases.

This is because the high concentration of antioxidants in argan oil helps protect your skin against free radicals.

These free radicals often cause skin cancer.(8)

In addition, a few studies have established the healing quality of argan oil against bladder cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.

And the oil inhibits the growth of cancerous cells throughout your body, thus staving off infection and inflammation.

 

Gets Rid of Stretch Marks

Argan oil can also prevent stretch marks arising due to pregnancy, rapid weight gain, and/or pubescent growth of mammaries and hips.

The oil achieves this by strengthening and softening your skin.

The oil works by improving your skin’s elasticity and keeping it adequately hydrated.

As a result, stretch marks are much less likely to appear.

Apply a few drops of argan oil on the affected areas (such as your hips, stomach, and thighs) after warming it in your hands.

You will see noticeable results within a few weeks.

 

Treats Split Ends

When argan oil is applied to hair, it can prevent environmental damage and drying by coating your hair shaft.

Argan oil does a great job of locking in moisture and taming flyaways.

This can make your hair both less susceptible to breakage from styling and brushing, and more manageable.

Moreover, the oil can help retain colorants like amla and henna, extending the time needed between colorings.

As the oil is rich in Vitamin E, it will nourish your hair and repair those irritating split ends while increasing your hair’s overall healthy appearance and shine.

You can use argan oil as an effective leave-in conditioner.

It will not only repair your split ends but also prevent flyaways and frizz.

Start with a couple of drops of argan oil and warm them in your hands.

Then apply the oil throughout your hair using your fingers.

It is important to pay attention to your hair’s split ends when oiling.

A lot of people get immediate results by using the oil this way.

Argan oil does a great job in promoting gloss and shine, taming frizzy hair, and leaving it much softer and more manageable.

 

Treats Brittle and Dry Hair

Apart from using the oil as an effective leave-in conditioner for repairing split ends and preventing frizz, you could use argan oil as a great overnight deep conditioning treatment.

Doing so will leave your hair moisturized and soft.

Just warm five to ten drops of argan oil in your palms and massage the oil thoroughly into your scalp.

Ensure that you apply the oil throughout your hair, from root to tip.

Once you are done, twist your hair up and put on a shower cap.

This is important because the shower cap will help retain your body heat, making sure argan oil thoroughly penetrates into the hair; also, it will keep your pillowcase oil-free.

Simply wash your hair in the morning like you normally would, and rinse well to ensure none of the argan oil residues is left.

All you have to do is repeat this process just once a week, and your hair will look softer and more radiant.

In case you have dry scalp or dandruff, it is advisable to oil your hair twice per week.

 

Protects Hair from Heat Styling

Unlike a majority of hair styling agents which may cause severe and long-term damage to your hair because of the many harmful chemicals they contain, argan oil can help enrich and nourish your hair.

This is because the oil contains various nutrients that can repair hair damage.

Before you use any hair styling products, just apply two to three drops of argan oil to your hair with your fingers.

Then, using a comb or brush, distribute it throughout the hair evenly from root to tip.

This will coat your hair with the oil, and keep it protected against heat damage.

 

Strengthens Nails

When regularly applied to toenails and fingernails, argan oil can help promote healthier and stronger nails naturally.

This is because the oil is rich in vitamin E.

In addition, the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities of the oil can help fight off skin and nail infections that are associated with bad nail health (8).

This also makes argan oil a great non-greasy moisturizer for your cuticles and nails.

Before using the oil, make sure you have removed any nail polish and have rinsed your hands and feet thoroughly.

Place only a small fraction of each drop of oil on every nail, and then gently rub it into the nail bed and cuticle.

Leave it on for a couple of minutes, and then wash your hands and feet thoroughly.

Argan oil will help condition and nourish your nails, and keep the cuticles thoroughly moisturized which can prevent painful hangnails.

 

Cracked Heels and Dry Feet

Cracked and dry skin on your feet or heels is not just uncomfortable, it can also be unsightly, making you want to hide or cover your feet.

This can happen even when it is hot outside and you are yearning to wear that adorable pair of sandals.

The good news is that argan oil could be helpful here.

Just rub a couple of drops of argan oil on your feet; it is important to pay attention to the rough and dry areas.

In case you have very dry skin, you may need more oil to moisturize them well.

After application, do not rinse away the oil. Instead, leave it on and cover the feet with a pair of socks.

This will allow the oil to soak in. Leave your socks on for a minimum of thirty minutes.

You will be amazed by the results.

 

Treats Hair Loss

Many women and men experience moderate to severe hair loss at some stage in their life.

Although you may think that this problem is specific to men, keep in mind that nearly forty percent of American women also experience it.

This is why it is vital that when you notice you are losing a lot of hair in your shower, on your hairbrush, or in the bathroom sink, do not simply ignore the problem; instead, treat it using argan oil.

Argan oil is great, as it helps to prevent or reduce hair loss, and can even help facilitate new growth if you oil your scalp and hair three times per week.

The oil works by ensuring you do not shed more hair than you can grow.

Several studies on argan oil’s effect on the re-growth of hair have indicated that the oil could help stimulate your scalp because of its rich nutrient content.(9)

And a number of studies have also proven that the oil helps promote faster hair growth.

So, if you want to treat your hair loss with argan oil, massage gently a couple of drops of the oil into the scalp with a circular motion.

Start from the front hairline and gradually work your way back, also covering both sides.

Continue massaging your hair for at least fifteen minutes, as this will allow the argan oil to penetrate the scalp completely and will facilitate blood flow to your scalp as well as your hair follicles.

If you do this oil massage three times per week, you will notice considerably fewer hairs on your brush and in your tub.

In addition, you will see an improvement in your hair thickness, texture, and length.

 

Tones Skin

Toning your skin is a crucial step in your skincare routine.

A lot of people buy expensive toners for this purpose.

However, you can achieve that radiant and glowing skin by making your own all-natural and chemical-free toner at home.

Pour one cup of hot water over a tea bag and allow it to steep for about five to ten minutes.

Then remove the tea bag and let the water come to room temperature.

Add a few drops of an essential oil (such as lemon, orange, or tea tree oil) along with two to four drops of argan oil, and store in an air-tight jar.

Use it in the morning and before going to bed, before moisturizing and after cleansing.

 

Exfoliates Your Skin

You can make a great, easy-to-make exfoliator at home (9).

Moreover, natural exfoliators are considerably less expensive compared to the products available on the market.

To get all the benefits of argan oil while exfoliating, simply mix a few drops of the oil with one tablespoon of brown sugar in your hands.

Rub this mixture on your face in a circular motion for about three to five minutes, paying special attention to any dry and acne-prone areas.

Then rinse thoroughly, using warm water, and pat dry.

Keep in mind that regular and gentle exfoliation will help get rid of dead skin cells and will considerably reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

This will give you a more radiant, fresher, and younger complexion.

With the help of brown sugar, the nutrients in argan oil are more easily and quickly absorbed into your skin.

In addition, you could use this natural exfoliator on other parts of your body.

For example, if you have dry heels or elbows, mix up a little more and massage the dead and dry skin away.

 

Whole-Body Moisturizer

Effective moisturization is not only important for your face but is crucial for your entire body, especially in the winter.

And you can use argan oil for this purpose.

We are hoping that you already use a natural moisturizer (such as coconut oil) on your body to keep it soft and smooth while avoiding the harmful chemicals often found in many moisturizers and lotions.

Just mix a few drops of argan oil with any food-grade essential oil of your choice (such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, or sesame oil) to get the various benefits of argan oil.

In case you have dry spots or patches on your elbows, heels, or other body parts, massage a drop or two into these areas for immediate relief.

Apply it more frequently during the winter, and you will notice that the dry spots and patches will disappear in a few days.

 

Lip Conditioner

Argan oil is not only great for your hair and skin, but it also makes an excellent lip balm or lip treatment.

All you have to do is rub in a drop or two of argan oil on your lips, wiping away any excess oil.

Application of argan oil on your lips will not just relieve any chapped or cracked lips, but will also help keep your lips smooth, soft, and conditioned.

 

Heals Wounds

Antioxidants are great for expediting wound healing. And that is how argan oil works its magic.

The powerful combination of vitamin E and antioxidants that are found in the oil can be used to heal wounds and cuts much faster.(10,11)

You can take a variety of argan oil supplements on a regular basis to reap this amazing benefit of argan oil throughout your body.

 

Tightens Skin

In old age, sagging and drooping skin is a very common worry.

This is often due to muscle impairment, as well as the significant decrease in the body’s production of collagen.

Many people with sagging skin soon realize that cosmetics products are not only very expensive, they are rarely helpful.

This is why getting rid of this problem can be an uphill battle for many older people.

That said, argan oil can take care of this problem for you.

This is because it boosts the formulation of collagen, therefore tightening your skin and making it more supple and flexible.

Just apply a few drops of argan oil on your skin, massaging it in thoroughly in a circular motion.

 

Substitute for Shaving Cream

Shaving creams or gels can be expensive and may even irritate specific skin types.

Unfortunately, you cannot stop shaving.

So, if you find shaving creams expensive or irritating to your skin, you could now choose the better and more economical alternative to argan oil.

It will not only lead to a better shave but also will moisturize your skin at the same time.

You’ll get two benefits in one product.

 

Enhances Hair Texture

As argan oil can repair your dull and damaged hair, it makes sense when people claim that it can also enhance the hair’s texture, making your hair fuller, livelier, and smoother.

This is because the oil is rich in fatty acids such as omega-6 and Vitamin E which help moisturize your hair shaft.

In addition, argan oil can also provide keratin to your hair, improving its color and texture.

Apply the oil gently to your scalp and hair follicles, and it will penetrate the hair pores, nourishing them with healthy and essential nutrients.

 

Fights Infection

Argan oil can also act as a great deterrent to a variety of serious bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.

You can apply it, whenever required, on your feet in order to get rid of bad odor and fight certain skin diseases.

Plus it can expedite the healing process that will further keep any infection from developing.

And it is very simple; all you have to do is apply this oil gently on the skin’s infected areas.

 

Rash Treatment

Argan oil has incredible anti-inflammatory properties because of its high linoleic acid content.

This is why argan oil can effectively reduce the inflammation triggered by allergic issues, and cause new skin cells to turn over.

The next time you or someone in your family gets a rash, apply a little argan oil on it gently, and you will notice it will have cleared up by the next morning.

In order to get the most out of argan oil’s anti-inflammatory properties, use it with blue chamomile, blue tansy, or blue yarrow oils.

You will be amazed by the results.

You can also infuse argan oil with a plant called calendula for its amazing soothing properties.

 

Bug Bite Care and Bug Repellent

If you mix argan oil with certain essential oils, such as grapefruit oil, ginger oil, and lavender oil, it makes a great skin-conditioning and soothing bug repellent.

The oil can moisturize and soothe your skin, while the other essential oils can keep ticks and mosquitoes at bay.

Combine the following to make an all-natural bug repellent:

• 30 ml argan oil
• 6 drops of grapefruit essential oil
• 6 drops of citronella essential oil
• 3 drops of ginger essential oil
• 2 drops of geranium essential oil
• 3 drops of lavender essential oil
• 6 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

 

Nursing Ointment

If you have breastfed a baby, you know that it can take a toll on your delicate nipples.

This is especially true for many fair-skinned mothers who have sensitive skin.

In this situation, a mix of argan oil, coconut oil, beeswax, and lavender oil could be extremely soothing for irritated nipples and can facilitate healing much more quickly.

However, do not use this if you plan to nurse soon after, as you do not want your baby to ingest it.

 

Bath Oil

Many people like to put essential oils in their bath for a spa-like experience.

Argan oil one of the most popular choices because it will soak into your skin well, and will also feel light on the skin as you dry.

Also, try to add some luscious and beautiful dried flowers such as lilac or rose petals which can boost argan oil’s ability to reduce wrinkles and fine lines on your skin while creating an aromatic steam to open your pores.

For a more luxurious experience, add a couple of drops of jasmine or lavender essential oil.

This will help relax your whole body and senses.

 

Cradle Cap Treatment

Sometimes newborns get a flaky and crusty condition on their fragile baby heads which is called cradle cap.

Although this condition is not very serious and often goes away on its own, you could give your little one a great scalp treatment with argan oil to encourage healing, while conditioning her or his sensitive skin.

Rub a couple of drops of the oil gently onto the baby’s scalp and allow it to soak in for about five minutes.

Then rinse with lukewarm water and use a soft comb to peel off areas of cradle cap.

Argan oil works like a softener and helps make your baby’s head feel less itchy.

 

How is Argan Oil Made?

The process of making argan oil is not too complicated.

Women in Morocco collect and harvest nuts from argan trees. These nuts are about the size of an olive and resemble green olives.

Then these nuts are allowed to dry in the sun, shriveling and turning brown.

You need about 90 pounds of fruit in order to make just one liter of argan oil.

When these nuts are dry, two nuts are used to separate the dried flesh and the hull of the nut.

After separation, women grind these nuts manually until they get a paste like a peanut butter.

Grinding them by hand does a good job of preserving the healthy nutrients which can be lost in machine pressing.

Finally, the paste is squeezed by hand in order to extract the argan oil.

Argan oil is placed in bottles, while the remaining matter is usually fed to the animals.

 

Precautions

People have used argan oil for centuries because of its medicinal, culinary, and cosmetic value.

In this time there have not been any serious adverse impacts associated with argan oil.

The oil has not contributed to rising toxicity levels when used orally or topically.

To date, there has been just a single reported case of anaphylaxis; however, it has not been proven that this occurred directly due to using the oil.

That said, it is always better to exercise some caution when using argan oil.

First, you should only use the oil for quick cooking; you should avoid prolonged frying.

Secondly, always buy products made of pure argan oil.

This is because impure oil may trigger allergic reactions, especially when used externally.

You should never use argan oil on open wounds, as it is not a substitute for medical treatment.

In case of any moderate to severe medical condition, contact your doctor right away.

Although argan oil is considered safe for almost all skin types, in very few cases, some people may develop an allergic reaction.

In this case, you should immediately discontinue your use of the product.

Keep in mind that antioxidants often fight wrinkles and signs of aging.

However, they will not get rid of wrinkles that already exist.

Therefore, it is important to verify the claims made by an argan oil product before you buy it.

You should store the oil in cobalt blue, amber, black, or other dark-colored bottles, preferably made of aluminum or stainless steel.

So, refrain from purchasing the oil if the bottle is made of clear plastic, as light degrades the quality of argan oil very quickly.

Also, remember that pure argan oil will never be absolutely clear.

Typically it appears a little cloudy, with some sediment at the bottom.

Moreover, it will not have a strong aroma but has a light scent.

Consider these factors when buying the oil.