Table Of Contents:
What is Argan Oil?
What Makes Argan Oil Great for Skin
Argan Oil for the Face: A Skincare Superhero
Comedogenic Rating: Will Argan Oil Clog Your Pores?
Risks and Side Effects of Argan Oil
Our Top picks
Discover the multifaceted benefits of argan oil, a nutrient-packed natural elixir extracted from the nuts of the Moroccan argan tree. Brimming with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and unique plant compounds, this oil is a powerhouse for both skin and hair care routines.
While argan oil is widely celebrated for its hair-nourishing properties, today we’re shining the spotlight on its incredible benefits for the face. This feature is part of our ongoing series highlighting the most effective and luxurious face oils.
What is Argan Oil?
Argan oil is a rich, golden-yellow oil with a gentle, nutty scent, celebrated for its nourishing and restorative properties.
Extracting argan oil is a painstaking process that has been perfected over generations. Traditionally, women collect the fallen fruit, remove the outer pulp, and crack the hard shells to access the kernels.
For culinary purposes, the kernels are roasted, while for cosmetic uses, they are kept raw before being cold-pressed to produce the oil.
Even though modern machinery is often used for large-scale production, some artisans still rely on traditional hand methods to ensure the highest quality.
This labor-intensive process, coupled with a naturally low yield, explains why authentic argan oil is considered so precious.
What Makes Argan Oil Great for Skin
Argan oil is a skincare powerhouse, packed with nourishing fatty acids, antioxidants, and unique plant-based compounds that help soothe, protect, and rejuvenate the skin.
Its fatty acid composition is primarily oleic acid and linoleic acid. While oleic acid is high, argan oil is unlikely to clog pores or trigger inflammation because of its significant linoleic acid content. The balance between these two fatty acids is key to its skin-friendly benefits. Here’s an approximate breakdown:
- Oleic acid (Omega-9): 42–48%
- Linoleic acid (Omega-6): 30–38%
- Palmitic acid: 10–15%
- Stearic acid: 4–7%
Beyond fatty acids, argan oil contains several rare and active phytochemicals that make it exceptional for skincare:
- Sterols (Schottenol and Spinasterol): Support the skin’s barrier, lock in moisture, and reduce inflammation.
- Polyphenols: Powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties that help protect and repair the skin.
- Squalene: Shields the skin from environmental damage and promotes hydration.
- Triterpenoids (like Tirucallol and Amyrenone): Offer anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and potential anti-aging benefits.
With this combination of nourishing compounds, argan oil works as a natural elixir, helping the skin stay soft, radiant, and resilient.
Argan Oil for the Face: A Skincare Superhero
Argan oil is a powerhouse for facial skincare, offering nourishment, protection, and rejuvenation. It delivers essential nutrients to the skin, shields against environmental stressors, and helps reduce inflammation while boosting hydration.
Here’s how argan oil benefits the face:
- Natural emollient: Softens, smooths, and soothes the skin.
- Hydrating fatty acids: Help lock in moisture and prevent water loss.
- Antioxidants (Vitamin E & polyphenols): Protect the skin from environmental damage like UV exposure.
- Fast absorption: Delivers nutrients deeply without leaving a greasy residue.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Calm irritation and reduce redness.
- Sebum regulation & antibacterial effects: Balance oil production and support clearer skin, making it beneficial for acne-prone areas.
With this combination of properties, argan oil is a versatile and natural addition to any skincare routine, helping the skin stay soft, radiant, and healthy.
Comedogenic Rating: Will Argan Oil Clog Your Pores?
Argan oil is very unlikely to clog pores. With a comedogenic rating of 0–1, it’s considered non-comedogenic, making it safe for most skin types, including acne-prone skin.
Combined with its ability to help regulate sebum production and its natural antibacterial properties, argan oil is often recommended for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin.
Risks and Side Effects of Argan Oil
Argan oil is generally safe for skin use, but some individuals may experience side effects or allergic reactions. Potential issues can include skin irritation, breakouts, increased sun sensitivity, or reactions due to impurities or low-quality products.
To avoid complications, it’s always best to perform a patch test, especially if you have sensitive skin or known allergies. Additionally, choosing a high-quality, pure argan oil is crucial, particularly for anyone with a nut allergy.
Our Top Picks
1. MODEL OFF DUTY BEAUTY
Model Off Duty Beauty Golden Glow Face Oil ($48) size: 1 oz
A replenishing facial oil for combination and dry skin types formulated with superfoods that hydrate and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin radiantly glowing.
2. DERMALOGICA
Dermalogica Retinol Acne Clearing Oil ($89) size: 1 oz
Formulated with retinol, salicylic acid, and skin-friendly oils, Dermalogica’s Retinol Acne Clearing Oil reveals clear, smooth-looking skin overnight.
3. ALPYN BEAUTY
ALPYN Clarifying Facial Oil with Retinol & Pink Algae ($56) size: 1 oz
Formulated for experienced and new-to-retinol users, this oil visibly clears skin and improves texture. Vitamin C and licorice root brighten the look of tone, while skin-soothing red raspberry and moringa oil keep skin calm and comfortable, and salicylic acid exfoliates pore-clogging debris. See fewer breakouts, a visible softening of wrinkles, and a boost in glow.
4. LANCER SKINCARE
Lancer Skincare Omega Hydrating Oil with Ferment Complex ($80) size: 1 oz
Omega Hydrating Oil delivers instant comfort and moisture, with the help of nourishing oils like grape seed, jojoba, and olive. This fast-absorbing, hydrating face oil improves skin texture for a more youthful, healthy appearance-without being greasy or heavy on the skin.
5. AUGUSTINUS BADER
Augustinus Bader The Face Oil ($270) size: 1 oz
This intensely restorative formula melts into the skin to instantly nourish, hydrate, refine, and protect, for a supple complexion and long-lasting radiance.
