Also known as “liquid gold”, Argan Oil is best known for its healing, restorative and strengthening abilities across hair and skin care. It is also considered one of the rarest oils and even falls under the protection of UNESCO.
Since around 1550 B.C. some suggest that Argan Oil has always been popular for boosting skin tone, promoting radiance and lowering the appearance of blemishes. Thanks to its rich antioxidant and rejuvenating properties Argan Oil is a favourite in all areas of beautification and is particularly prized for conditioning hair and skin.
What is Argan Oil?
Argan Oil is made by cold-pressing the kernels of the Argan Trees (also known as the Tree of Life) in Morocco. The oil carries a rich nutty aroma, is a golden yellow colour and has a smooth, silky and viscous consistency that easily absorbs into the skin.
Suitable for most skin types, Argan Oil is a favourite among carrier oils for those who want to take advantage of its therapeutic benefits that are known to condition, restore and regenerate the skin and hair. Argan Oil is deeply nourishing on the skin and is a popular carrier oil for essential oils and aromatherapy. Due to its concentration of antioxidants, Argan Oil is also considered to be a nirvana for rejuvenating hair, skin and nails as well as enhancing skin radiance and youthfulness.
Benefits of Argan Oil
The secret behind Argan Oil is its high concentration of natural compounds such as oleic (Omega 9) and linoleic (Omega 6) fatty acids, as well as palmitic, stearic, and linolenic acids. Combined, these are the holy grail of therapeutic benefits for cosmetic purposes and are known to enhance skin tone and texture while smoothing and strengthening the hair follicles.
Argan Oil is filled with natural antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties that work to soothe a plethora of skin complaints and ailments.
When used directly, or paired with essential oils, Argan Oil can have the following benefits:
- Protects against UV rays and sun damage
- Fades sun spots and reduces the appearance of blemishes
- Encourages healing for sore, infected and scarred skin
- Boosts skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Soothes inflammation, redness and irritation
- Balances oil production
- Promotes skin cell regeneration
- Controls frizz and promotes shiny hair
- Protects skin against aggravation from the elements
- Eases inflammation from muscular aches and pains
- Conditions and strengthens dry, dehydrated or damaged hair
- Moisturises and restores dry skin
Common Uses of Argan Oil
Argan Oil is a favourite ingredient for cosmetic purposes. Whether it’s evening out skin tone or building moisture retention, the uses of Argan Oil are incredibly versatile. Here are some popular ways to use Argan Oil:
Argan Oil For Hair
Argan Oil for Hair
Filled with essential fatty acids, Argan Oil is a popular option for strengthening hair follicles, boosting radiance and shine while acting as a nourishing conditioner.
Argan Oil for Hair Growth
- With natural conditioning properties, Argan Oil can build moisture back into dry or damaged hair while taming frizz and boosting shine.
- The essential fatty acids in Argan Oil help to stimulate healthy, strong hair growth and eliminate dandruff.
- Argan Oil can prevent dryness and soothe the scalp when applied on the roots and scalp.
Argan Oil For The Skin
Argan Oil for Skin
Argan Oil is filled with emollient and anti-ageing properties that are known to moisturise skin, promote cell regeneration and smooth, cleanse and enhance overall skin elasticity.
Argan Oil for Skin Tone
- With a high concentration of essential fatty acids, Argan Oil promotes moisture retention in the skin.
- Argan Oil contains healing and restorative properties that work to boost skin cell reproduction, tighten the skin, and reduce the appearance of blemishes. It also works to lower the appearance of sun spots, stretch marks, fine lines and wrinkles.
Argan Oil for Skin Irritations
- The anti-inflammatory properties within Argan Oil are known to reduce inflammation and soothe skin ailments such as sunburns and rashes.
- Because Argan Oil is known to balance sebum production, it is suitable for most skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Argan Oil for Nail Care
- Due to its intense moisturising properties, Argan Oil is great for conditioning dry skin, nails and cuticles.
Argan Oil For The Face
Argan Oil for Face
With stearic and palmitic acids, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, Argan Oil is great for clearing pores, soothing inflammation and reducing redness.
Argan Oil for Acne
- Argan Oil is filled with anti-inflammatory properties that have been seen to ease inflammation and redness as well as soothe acne breakouts.
- It is known to help balance oil production, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.
Argan Oil for Skin Protection
- The cleansing properties of Argan Oil are known to clear away dirt and toxins from the skin while evening out skin tone.
- With natural antioxidants, Argan Oil can act as a protectant against UV rays and radical damage.
Argan Oil For Pain and Inflammation
Argan Oil for Pain and Inflammation
- With natural anti-inflammatory properties, Argan Oil is known to ease inflammation of stiff muscles and muscle pain.
How To Apply Argan Oil
Massage: Dilute a few drops of your favourite essential oil in Argan Oil to create a soothing and hydrating massage oil.
Directly on the Skin: Apply directly onto the skin to receive the many skin benefits of Argan Oil.
Diluting with Essential Oils: Argan Carrier Oil makes a great base for diluting essential oils. You can also add this oil in to a lot of skincare formulations such as skin serums and moisturisers.
Hair Mask: Apply this carrier oil to the scalp to create a nourishing hair mask.
Is Argan Oil Safe?
Argan Oil is generally considered to be safe for most skin and hair types, however, there are some considerations for its use.
Because Argan Oil is derived from stone fruit, it may trigger tree nut allergies and cause skin irritation or breakouts.
Before using Argan Oil we recommend performing a skin patch test on a small area of the skin to check for a reaction. Those with sensitive skin should perform the test over at least 48 hours to give the body ample time to respond.
Because of its intense nutty aroma, Argan Oil is best paired with essential oils that complement the scent. Essential Oils such as Frankincense, Lavender or Rosemary Essential Oils work well to enhance any skin or hair care routine.
Argan Oil and Pregnancy
Argan Oil provides rich nourishment for the skin and is considered safe for topical use. If you are pregnant we recommend reaching out to your GP or healthcare practitioner to discuss any concerns you have about implementing Argan Oil into your skincare routine.
Where To Buy Carrier Oils?
While carrier oils are generally available to purchase at health, wellness and retail stores, it is important to keep in mind that the quality and purity of these carrier oils will vary. This is why we recommend finding a reputable supplier.
Here at AWO we have a wide selection of carrier oils and organic carrier oils that are sold at reasonable prices. Because our stock is purchased in bulk quantities our costs are significantly less, which allows us to offer high-quality products at affordable prices. We are also based right here in Australia!