The 10 Best Moroccan Oils
Special Honors
Difeel Premium Natural This 99 percent pure serum is one of the most budget-friendly options out there. It's crafted specifically for dry hair, and a day or two of use should result in locks that are shinier and bouncier. Unfortunately, it does include additional oils extracted from soybeans and olives. target.com
Hask Hot Treatement This one is surprisingly easy to use, even though it requires an extra step. To heat it up, all you have to do is submerge the tube in hot water. Then massage the oil into your hair from root to tip, and let it sit for three-to-five minutes before washing it out. It's a relatively simple, quick way to replenish moisture. sallybeauty.com
The Ordinary Cold-Pressed The natural argan aroma may be a little on the strong side, but that's just because this oil is completely unrefined, which in turn means that it's more potent than its processed counterparts. A UV-protective bottle ensures that light won't spoil the contents prematurely. deciem.com
Editor's Notes
August 20, 2020:
As we've already mentioned, many Moroccan argan oil users report seeing benefits in their skin, hair, nails, and more. However, since these claims have not been evaluated by any of the major health organizations that we depend on to confirm product effectiveness and safety, it's always wise to proceed with caution. Bear in mind that your particular skin and hair types will impact your results and that while beauty oils may be helpful, they are not a panacea and shouldn't be viewed as such.
With that being said, there have been a few updates to the list. Arganistry Argan Body, Suave Professionals Styling, and Art Naturals Organic Argan are no longer included due to complaints about rancidity, effectiveness, or availability (or some combination of concerns). In their place, we've added Mother Nature Organics Extra Virgin, Kate Blanc Cosmetics Light, and VoilaVe Ecocert, all of which are high-quality oils that have received overwhelmingly positive reviews from beauty enthusiasts, both amateur and professional.
March 14, 2019:
Moroccon oil has been found to offer a variety of benefits to skin and hair. Whether you are looking to tame a wild mane, add shine and volume, or just make your locks softer, one of the products on our list can help. Those looking to revitalize their skin, minimize the appearance of wrinkles, or sooth eczema or psoriasis, will also be satisfied with one of these options. For the purists out there who want to add nothing but argan oil to their body, take a look at US Organic Cold-Pressed Argan, Majestic Pure Cosmeceutical Natural & Organic, Pura D'Or Pure, Shea Terra Organics 100% Pure, and Art Naturals Organic Argan, as these have no other additives. That being said, some additives aren't necessarily a bad thing. For example, our number one pick, MoroccanOil Treatment, actually contains linseed seed extract, which itself is loaded with beneficial nutrients. Blends are often more affordable as well and better for people on a tight budget, such as in the cases of Organix Renewing, Garnier Sleek and Shine, and Suave Professionals Styling. Some may even prefer a blended option as they can feel lighter on the skin and in the hair.
Why You Should Use Moroccan Oil On Your Skin
It's rich in vitamin E, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Your beauty-obsessed friend or favorite vlogger may be raving about Moroccan oil, leading you to wonder what all the hype is about. Considering how much money we spend on products to improve our complexion, it's amazing more individuals don't look into natural remedies first — they're more affordable, and don't carry the unfortunate side effects that products concocted of chemicals in laboratories can. Moroccan oil is one such item. If you suffer from scars — perhaps caused by old acne or the chicken pox — this aromatic product can help. Moroccan argan oil has been shown to help treat hyperpigmentation disorders, restoring balance to your complexion.
The stuff is also loaded with antioxidants, which can protect your pores against the harmful pollutants in the air. If you live in a metropolitan area that has a lot of traffic and buildings emitting toxic chemicals, you can't afford not to put a layer of Moroccan oil on your skin before leaving your home in the mornings. On the beautifying front, it also boasts essential fatty acids. These are not only deeply hydrating, but they also improve the elasticity of your skin, giving it that glowing, bouncy look that everyone wants in their cheeks. If you have sensitive skin and other creams and lotions have caused breakouts or irritation, Moroccan oil can be the perfect gentle alternative moisturizer.
If inflammation has your skin looking puffy, red, and riddled with acne, this oil can help with that, too. It's rich in vitamin E, which has anti-inflammatory properties. That means it can reduce the size and appearance of pimples, and help with issues like rosacea and eczema. As for more intense spot treatment, Moroccan oil makes a great base for facial scrubs. Just blend some with sugar or coffee grounds, rub it over your entire face, let it sit for about 10 to 20 minutes, and rinse off. It will remove dead skin cells without drying out the skin. It's really a miracle product for all complexion problems.
Benefits Of Moroccan Oil For Your Hair
Moroccan oil can do wonders for your hair, too. Anyone who suffers from dandruff knows how embarrassing that condition can be. Unfortunately, many of the shampoos we use can dry out our hair and scalp, which causes the latter to flake and create dry specs. Combining Moroccan oil with a good dandruff shampoo can help fight this unsightly issue. The oil penetrates deep into the follicles, preventing the dryness that causes the problem. In this same way, it helps with itchy scalp (which is important, since scratching can cause even more dandruff).
Chlorine and salt water can cause hair to become brittle and break off, but Moroccan oil can prevent this from happening.
If you live in a humid environment or, for some other reason, struggle with frizzy hair, Moroccan oil can tame the fluff. Your hair is made up primarily of lipids, the structure of which is affected when it comes into contact with too much moisture. Moroccan oil creates a protective barrier around strands, keeping lipids unaffected by the environment, and helping to maintain that sleek style you worked so hard on at home. It can also act as a nice shaping product that, unlike hairspray or mousse, won't leave your tresses stiff and crunchy. Just a few drops of the stuff, spread across your head, will do the trick.
Hair loss is something nobody wants to go through, but an alarmingly high number of people do. When you start noticing strands on the walls of your tub after a shower, it could be time to look into treatment. You don't need to jump right into the chemical stuff. Moroccan oil stimulates the scalp, helping it produce more hair. Furthermore, it can prevent hair loss. Swimmers, in particular, should soak their strands in this oil before getting in the water. Chlorine and salt water can cause hair to become brittle and break off, but Moroccan oil can prevent this from happening. Naturally, even non-swimmers can reap the same benefits.
Habits That Weaken Your Hair
If you're looking into products that can strengthen your hair, like Moroccan oil and thickening sprays, you may as well double your efforts by also cutting back on habits that weaken your locks. There are probably things that you do every day — if not several times a day — that compromise the quality of your strands. Let's start with diet. There are a lot of ways that your nutritional intake affects your hair. Make sure to eat a diet rich in vitamin E, protein, zinc, and copper. A poor diet full of fast food and lacking in proper nutrients can cause strands to weaken and fall out.
Make sure to eat a diet rich in vitamin E, protein, zinc, and copper.
As for styling, ease up on the hot appliances. While flat irons can create a nice tamed look and hot curlers can add playful volume, limit these tools for special occasions. Regularly using them can damage the hair cuticle, cause split ends, and lead to breakage. Even wearing ponytails that are too tight can hurt strands. Consider soft, extra stretchy bands that don't put too much pressure on hair. If you just prefer updos, try using headscarves or alternative accessories to elastic ties.
There are a few harmful things you may be doing in the washing and maintaining department. Do not wash your hair every day. This not only strips it of its natural, protective oils, making it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage, but it also causes you to pull hair out. Just look around in your shower after you shampoo: you'll find strands on the floor. Massaging your scalp and rinsing your hair with strong water pressure naturally pulls out some strands, so consider washing once every other day. Wait for your locks to dry before brushing them, too. Hair is most fragile when wet, so you should keep bristles away from it then.