Argan Oil: A Powerful Skincare Ingredient

Argan Oil in Skin Care

Argan oil is the best oil to soothe sensitive skin and is used in skin creams for eczema, psoriasis, rashes, dermatitis, skin aging, and rosacea. The best argan oil products are moisturizing anti-inflammatory serums, oils or face creams.

Argan oil is soothing and hydrating because of the fatty acids it contains. Linoleic acid is one of the strongest natural soothing ingredients to look for in oils.

It is a desirable ingredient because it is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds as well as hydrating unsaturated fatty acids and creamy saturated fatty acids.

Argan oil also contains stearic acid – one of the best fatty acids to repair the skin barrier.

In this blog I will tell you why I personally use Argan oil for my Rosacea prone skin. (I’m Baumann Skin Type 4).

The trees the kernel is harvested from are mainly grown in Morocco. The type of argan oil with the most antioxidants is the “first press” from the argan nut. Roasted argan oil has a nutty flavor and is used for cooking or in salads but does not have as much antioxidant activity as the unroasted argan oil.[i]It is the unroasted argan oil that should be used on the skin, not the edible form.

Looking for products with argan oil that are right for you? You can shop by your skin type here.

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Nuxe Oils 50 ml Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Florale Multi-Purpose Dry Oil – Skin Type Solutions

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Florale Multi-Purpose Dry Oil

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760,000

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Argan Oil Uses in Skin Care Products:

Argan oil is considered an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and an occlusive moisturizing ingredient. It is used to treat many kinds of skin concerns such as:

Acne – It helps get rid of the red marks left after pimples clear and is non-comedogenic.

Dry Skin-Has moisturizing fatty acids so is one of the best oils for dry skin. Look for it in barrier repair moisturizers.

Sensitive Skin- Soothing and calming due to the types of fatty acids it contains.

Rosacea- Calms facial redness and soothes stinging skin.

Eczema- In barrier repair moisturizers designed to sooth eczema-prone skin.

Psoriasis- Helps smooth and soothe itchy skin from psoriasis.

Razor rash- Calms razor rash.

Insect repellant – It has camphor and 1,8-cineole in the fruit pulp that keeps insects away.

Shelf Life

Virgin edible argan oil exhibits a longer shelf-life compared to virgin beauty argan oil used topically on skin. When stored at 77°F (25°C), the edible variety can remain usable for up to two years, whereas the topical oil has a significantly shorter shelf-life, lasting only three to four months.

You can keep your argan oil in the refrigerator to extend the shelf life.

Benefits

Argan oil has many unsaturated fatty acids.These help give it powerful skin benefits. For example, linoleic acid reduces inflammation. Many of these fatty acid lipids in Argan Oil hydrate skin by strengthening the skin barrier and providing an occlusive effect.

It also is an emollient that smooths the skin’s surface, helping it reflect light and make the skin glow.

2 aging people with a skin aging icon

For wrinkles

Skin Aging- Argan oil has antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and help protect the skin from aging.

Side Effects

It is an oil, so can make oily skin look shiny. or greasy. It is best for dry skin types. Oily skin types may think it feels too heavy on the skin

Clogged Pores and Comedones

Argan oil does not clog pores so is not found on lists of comedogenic ingredients.

Skin allergy

It can rarely cause skin allergy and should be avoided if you have a tree nut allergy. A single case of anaphylaxis was reported in 2010 in a tree nut allergic individual. (19)

Safety

Argan oil is considered a safe and clean beauty ingredient. There are organic forms of argan oil, which comes from trees in Morocco.

For centuries, the Amazigh population of southern Morocco has safely incorporated Argan oil into their diet and utilized it as a topical cosmetic agent. There is no evidence to suggest any association with acute or chronic toxicity.

There are no safety risks for argan oil.

The EWG rates it as a 1 and the CIR review stated it was safe. (25).

Cancer

Argan oil is not associated with any risk of skin cancer. In fact, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help decrease cancer risk.

Endocrine Disruption

Argan oil is not known to affect hormones or cause any endocrine dysfunction or fertility issues.

It is safe to use when pregnant, breastfeeding, and trying to conceive.

Research Studies on Argan Oil Containing Skin Care Products

In one study by Dobrev (3), the efficacy of a sebum control cream containing saw palmetto extract, sesame seeds, and argan oil was evaluated on 20 healthy volunteers, 16 with oily skin and four with combination skin. Over four weeks during the winter, the test formulation was applied twice daily to their faces, and assessments were made using both clinical evaluations and instrumental measurements before and after the study period. Questionnaires were also completed by the participants to subjectively evaluate efficacy, tolerance, and cosmetic qualities.

The results indicated that all volunteers tolerated the product well. In 95 percent of the participants, a visible sebum-regulating or anti-sebum effect was observed. Clinical evaluation scores, casual sebum levels, and areas covered by oily spots significantly decreased after one month of treatment. Dobrev concluded that this particular formulation, containing argan oil, effectively reduced greasiness and improved the appearance of oily facial skin.

However, it’s worth noting that the mechanism of argan oil’s effects on sebum production remains perplexing and questionable, as further research on argan oil alone is required. Additionally, this single open-label study does not provide substantial support for the use of argan oil as an anti-aging or anti-inflammatory product, despite its frequent application for such purposes. It is important to mention that there are no other published studies on topical argan oil listed in PubMed. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and mechanisms of argan oil in skincare.

Effects on The Environment

The argan tree faces endangerment due to the harsh environment and overexploitation. To safeguard it, Moroccan law initially provided protection, and in 1998, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) extended its protection further. This led to its inclusion in the World Heritage List in 1999, where it was designated as a bioreserve.

These trees hold significant importance for the region as their roots play a crucial role in preventing the Sahara desert from encroaching further. Additionally, local communities utilize the fruits, leaves, and wood for various needs, while the oil extracted from the tree serves culinary and cosmetic purposes, providing essential income for the local Berber women. Sadly, about one-third of Morocco’s argan forest has disappeared in the past century.

To address these challenges, a local economic interest group was established to promote the forest’s development, preservation, and value. Collaborations have been forged to harvest argan oil sustainably, ensuring its long-term viability. The “argan forest” in Morocco has been recognized as a crucial factor in combating desertification, and efforts towards its sustainable development have been ongoing since 1995.

Chemical components in Argan Oil

The fatty acids in argan oil are oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid.

It contains these polyphenols:

caffeic acid

vanillic acid

syringic acid

ferulic acid

tyrosol

catechol

resorcinol

(-)-epicatechin

(+)-catechin,

p-hydroxybenzoic

The sterols in argan oil are stigmasta-8,22-diene-3-ol, spinasterol, schottenol, stigmasta, and 7-24-diene-3-ol.

It also contains tocopherols (α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocopherols), squalene, carotenes, and triterpene alcohols.

Find Skincare Products

The best way to find good argan oil containing skin care products is to take our quiz. Once you know which of the16 Skin Types you are- look for your skin type octagon next to the product that is right for you. Have a question?- Ask our AI bot that we call the Skin Care Concierge. It’s been trained with all my books and blogs to answer your skin care questions.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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