Argan oil: properties and application

Argan oil – squeezed from the kernels of the fruit of the evergreen relict argan tree (Argania spinosa), which grows mainly in the arid regions of Morocco – is 2.5 times more expensive than grape seed or macadamia oil, 11 times more expensive than jojoba oil and 15 times more expensive than peach oil (obtained from the kernels of peach kernels).

Obviously, the cost is determined by the limited region of growth of the source of this oil, the complex technology of its production, as well as the very short shelf life of the product - from three to six months (and when the temperature drops, the oil thickens irreversibly).

Let's see why argan oil is valued in cosmetology.

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Composition and benefits of argan oil

Endless competition among cosmetics manufacturers constantly forces them to release new products of their brands: face creams, body care products, hair and nail care products. And the rather exotic argan oil quickly became a fashionable ingredient. Especially since the composition of this oil convinced experts of its considerable benefits for skin and hair.

The unsaponifiable part of argan oil contains mono- and polyunsaturated omega fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, alpha-linolenic, stearidonic), as well as saturated fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, myristic). The composition of fats is similar to olive, sesame or peanut oil. Unsaturated fats in oils help the skin retain moisture and remain elastic.

Carotenoids (argan oil contains about 0.4% provitamin A) can protect the skin from keratinization and harmful effects of the sun. Compared to olive oil, argan oil contains almost twice as much tocopherol (vitamin E), in particular α- and γ-tocopherol. The benefit of this vitamin is that it increases skin elasticity, promotes nutrition and regeneration of damaged epidermal cells, reduces inflammation and strengthens capillary walls. It has been proven that tocopherol helps reduce scars from wounds and prevents stretch marks on the skin.

Polyphenols of argan oil (vanillic and ferulic acids, tyrosol, quercetin and myricetin) inhibit lipid peroxidation and provide an antibacterial effect. The benefit of polyphenols is that they fight photoaging, since they are able to absorb ultraviolet rays and thus protect the skin from their destructive effects. The most valuable phenolic compound in argan oil is ferulic acid, which counteracts free radicals more effectively than vitamins E, A or C.

Argan oil contains squalene, an organic compound involved in the production of cholesterol, steroid hormones, and vitamin D in the human body. Our skin contains 12% squalene, which softens, moisturizes the skin, and protects its cells from oxidative processes. It is largely due to this component that argan oil helps so effectively against wrinkles, stimulating the growth of new cells and reducing the appearance of age-related changes in the skin.

Argan oil also contains rare plant D-7-sterols (phytosterols) schottenol and α-spinasterol, which were found only in the seed oil of the Mexican cactus Senita cactus. These phytosterols not only reduce any inflammatory processes, but also stimulate the production of new collagen, which is lost due to sun exposure and aging.

The benefits of argan oil are that its use helps:

• provide hydration and softening of the skin;
• saturate the skin with useful substances, increase its elasticity and make wrinkles on the face and neck less noticeable;
• combat excessive dryness of the skin, relieve itching and irritation of dry skin;
• treat damaged skin cells and reduce inflammation in acne;
• make hair soft, silky and shiny.

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Uses of Argan Oil

Today, argan oil is recognized in cosmetology as one of the most effective means of solving many problems for different skin types.

So, using argan oil for dry skin helps to retain moisture, reduce itching and flaking.

Sensitive and problematic skin responds well to the antioxidants and vitamin E contained in this oil. Dermatologists recommend using it for dermatitis, eczema and even psoriasis.

To compensate for the lack of moisture, oily skin produces more sebum, causing acne. Using argan oil can provide the necessary moisture for oily skin, which will reduce sebum production.

Combination skin is characterized by some areas of the face being oily and others being dry, and argan oil can balance sebum production in all areas of the face.

There are no particular difficulties in using this oil. However, it should be used correctly.

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Argan oil for face

To get the maximum benefit, the oil should be at body temperature. It is also important that the skin is clean and slightly damp before applying to the face. Two drops of argan oil are enough, which is applied to the face and neck in circular motions. It is useful to lightly massage areas with wrinkles using pressing finger movements.

This oil, thanks to the fatty linoleic acid, penetrates the skin surprisingly easily, which literally in a few minutes becomes smoother and silkier.

Argan oil can be applied to lips if they are chapped and cracked. However, cosmetologists warn that the oil should not be used before or during sunbathing.

See also – Argan Oil for Face

Argan oil for hair

Argan oil can act as a moisturizer for the scalp if it is dry and has dandruff, and can also promote healthy, strong hair growth if the ends are split, the hair has become dull from frequent coloring or over-drying with a hair dryer.

To use argan oil as a hair conditioner, put a few drops in your palms, rub them together and massage into slightly damp hair, starting from the ends. If your hair is very dry, you can leave the oil on overnight (wrapping your head in a towel) and wash it off with shampoo in the morning. If you suffer from dry scalp and dandruff, apply the oil only to the roots of your hair and then massage the scalp with your fingers.

When you need to quickly style unruly curly hair, argan oil (literally a couple of drops) is applied to dry hair (evenly distributed along the entire length), and then they are easy to comb, becoming smoother and more voluminous.

Keep in mind that argan oil is also very beneficial for eyelashes, so you can apply a little oil to them twice a week at night (for example, with a clean mascara brush).

Argan body oil

With the help of this wonderful oil, you can exfoliate dead keratinized cells. It is enough to mix a few drops of argan oil with water and massage the body with this emulsion using a gauze napkin, and then take a regular warm shower.

The benefits of argan oil for the body are moisturizing, and it is recommended to apply it to the skin of the body after a bath or shower. For oily skin, use the oil in minimal quantities so as not to clog pores.

Massage with argan oil is considered the best option for preventing stretch marks. Stretch marks are a problem for many pregnant women, so argan oil is very useful during pregnancy. Using a few drops of argan oil and rubbing it lightly into the skin on the chest, thighs and abdomen can reduce the likelihood of developing an unsightly skin defect during pregnancy.

Argan oil is also ideal for nails, especially brittle and peeling ones. When caring for your hands with argan oil, try massaging your cuticles with 1-2 drops of oil (every night before bed), and in ten days your nails will be stronger and healthier.

Argan oil: what do cosmetic manufacturers offer?

Find out what brands of argan oil are produced today, as well as what cosmetic products contain it.

Eveline Cosmetics (Poland) produces the Argan Oil series, consisting of day and night anti-aging anti-wrinkle cream; face, neck and décolleté mask; anti-wrinkle cream for the eye area, as well as an anti-cellulite serum – Slim Extreme 4d Argan Oil Thermo Slimming Cellulite Serum.

Garnier (France): oil for curly, dry and unmanageable hair Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Moroccan Sleek Oil.

Belita (Belarus): argan oil for eyelashes in Belita-Vitex Luxury Argan Oil mascara; Professional Hair Repair hair series, which includes oil for dry, porous and damaged hair ARGAN OIL, argan oil-based shampoo Professional HAIR Repair, and a moisturizing mask with argan oil.

Kapous (RF): ArganOil oil for all hair types; Fragrance free moisturizing hair serum; Fragrance free hair mask with argan oil.

Proffs (Sweden): argan oil for all hair types Proffs Argan OiL.

Hair Vital (Italy): daytime moisturizing cream Oil Infusion2 40+ with argan oil, tsubaki oil (from the seeds of the winter Japanese rose), Peruvian Inca inchi oil and South African marula tree oil.

MoroccanOil (Israel): argan oil for hair Moroccanoil Treatment; hair mask Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask.

Redken (USA): All Soft Argan-6 Multi-Care Oil.

Magic Glance (France): argan oil for hair Magic Glance.

Lakme (Spain): argan oil for hair Bio Argan Oil.

Diar Argan (Morocco): organic cosmetics with argan oil from the Cosmetic Argan Oil 100% Pure & Natural series; face balm Baume with argan & cactus; massage argan oil for the body. All products are Ecocert certified.

Constant Delight (Italy): regenerating face mask Constant Delight maschera ristrutturante con olio di argan; hair serum Constant Delight siero ristrutturante con olio di argan and restorative shampoo based on argan oil Constant Delight shampoo ristrutturante con olio di argan.

BB Gloss (Brazil-Morocco): argan oil for all hair types BB Gloss Argan oil.

Confume Argan Treatment Oil (Welcos, Korea) – argan oil for hair.

Orly (USA): argan oil for nails Orly Argan Oil Cuticle Drops with the addition of jojoba and avocado oils.

RICH (France): RICH Hair Care Argan Oil – argan oil for hair moisturizing; RICH Pure Luxury Argan De-Frizz & Shine Mist – Rich spray veil for hair with argan oil; RICH Pure Luxury Argan Oil – elixir for hair structure restoration.

Lee Stafford (UK): Lee Stafford Arganoil from MoRocco.

Londa (Germany): VELVET hair oil with argan oil (Londa Professional VELVET OIL with Argan).

Seliar (Italy): the Echosline line includes argan oil for hair Seliar Argan Beauty Secret; shampoo based on argan oil Seliar Argan (with the addition of linseed oil and silk proteins); hair mask Seliar Argan Mask.

Reference (Sweden): hair oil Ref Argan Oil.

Salerm (Spain): nourishing and moisturizing product for unruly hair Salerm Arganology with argan and cotton oils.

Planeta Organica (Russia): shampoo based on argan oil for colored hair ORGANIC ARGAN OIL with betaine, vanilla and mallow flower extracts.

Gaincosmetics (South Korea) argan oil for hair Lombok perfect argan oil.

Almost 20 years ago, the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve was created in the south of Morocco. Moroccans call this tree iron or goat: its deep roots help slow the advance of the desert into populated areas, in the shade of these trees you can hide from the scorching sun, the leaves and fruits provide food for animals, the production of argan oil provides jobs for more than 2 million local residents. And argan oil in cosmetology helps care for skin and hair.

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Allergy to argan oil

There are cases of allergy to argan oil, although most dermatologists believe that the real culprits are the ingredients used to preserve cosmetics containing this oil…

However, if you have an allergy to nuts or peanuts, you should use argan oil with caution: researchers have found in it a 10 kDa protein that causes an allergic reaction, which may belong to the oleosin family of strong allergens.

Due to the presence of this protein, an allergy to argan oil may develop – like contact dermatitis (in the form of uneven skin, acne on the face and rash on the scalp).

Therefore, before using argan oil, you should test the reaction to it on a small area of skin.

Many manufacturers claim that these proteins are removed from their product. But to do this, the oil is exposed to high temperatures and chemicals, meaning it is no longer a 100% natural product.

When purchasing any product, including those containing argan oil, carefully read the label and study the composition.

By the way, harm from natural Moroccan argan oil, produced in local cooperatives by hand, can be associated with the presence of organic peroxides in the finished product, which are unsafe for the skin. Where do these substances come from in the oil?

From goat manure. Women work in cooperatives and select argan kernels from the manure of goats that feed on the tree's fruit. The kernels are extremely hard, but after passing through the animals' intestines, the shell becomes less strong, and it is much easier to extract the kernels - the raw material for the oil.

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