Why Argan Oil Is the Versatile Ingredient Everyone Needs in Their Beauty Routine

What Is Argan Oil and What Can It Do for Your Face?

While this hydrating beauty staple is certainly having a moment, it is by no means new. This nutrient-rich oil has been harvested from the fruit of Moroccan argan trees since the 13th century. Similar to other natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, and grapeseed oil, argan oil is often used both in the kitchen and as a beauty product. When applied to the face, argan oil has a host of skin-loving benefits. 

David A. Colbert, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of New York Dermatology Group, says one primary benefit is that it's 100% natural. He adds, "It fills in fine lines and wrinkles almost immediately, it's packed with antioxidants, and it is an excellent way to seal in moisture." 

Benefits of Argan Oil for the Skin

We wouldn’t devote a whole article to this powerful oil if its benefits didn’t span a variety of needs. NYC board-certified dermatologist Anna Karp, MD, shares argan oil’s key targets below:

• Hydration and barrier repair: The oil restores lipids in the stratum corneum, helping skin retain moisture.

• Anti-aging properties: The oil contains antioxidants that protect against environmental stressors contributing to fine lines and pigmentation.

• Fighting acne: Because it’s non-comedogenic and rich in linoleic acid, argan oil can support acne-prone skin, especially in people with sebum imbalances.

• Calming and healing: Anti-inflammatory properties make the oil useful for conditions like eczema or irritation from over-exfoliation.

• Multitasking: It also benefits hair (smoothing frizz, nourishing ends) and nails (reducing brittleness).

How to Use Argan Oil

Like all facial oils, argan oil should be applied as the last step in your skincare routine after toners, serums, and moisturizers. If you're using cold-pressed pure argan oil on the face, it will likely come in a bottle with a dropper applicator. "Use a few drops in the morning and evening with your favorite face cream, or you can use it alone," says Colbert. "Pure argan oil is also great for the neck and décolleté." 

Because argan oil is relatively fast-absorbing, it can be used morning and night. If you're using it in the a.m., it's a good idea to swap this facial oil out for your morning moisturizer. Be sure to allow the oil to fully soak into the skin before applying any makeup so it doesn't end up sliding around. At night, go for extra hydration by topping your p.m. face lotion with a layer of argan oil to boost moisture and lock in all the ingredients layered underneath. 

Will Argan Oil Clog Your Pores?

When asked if argan oil is comedogenic, Colbert replied with a resounding “no.” In fact, on the comedogenic scale (a scale which gauges how likely an ingredient is to clog pores) argan oil gets an impressive 0 out of 5.

Because it won't clog pores, Dr. Colbert says, "It is great for all skin types." He does make one exception though: Those with "super oily complexions" may want to tread lightly when using this natural ingredient. 

How Often Should You Use Argan Oil?

Argan oil makes for a great addition to your daily skincare routine because it has moisturizing benefits for morning and night. Plus, for those with mildly oily skin and acne-prone skin, using argan oil regularly can actually help to control excess sebum, therefore minimizing the likelihood of breakouts. 

What Are the Origins and Key Properties of Argan Oil?

Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the fruit pit of the Argania spinosa tree, which grows almost exclusively in Morocco. 

“Traditionally, it’s cold-pressed by women’s cooperatives, which has cultural and economic significance,” explains Dr. Karp. “From a dermatologic standpoint, its value lies in its composition: essential fatty acids (oleic and linoleic acids) help restore the skin barrier, and vitamin E acts as a potent antioxidant. Polyphenols provide additional anti-inflammatory and free radical–scavenging properties. It’s also relatively lightweight and fast-absorbing, so people are less likely to find it greasy compared to heavier plant oils.”

What Skin Types Are Best for Argan Oil, and Is Anyone Not a Fit?

“Argan oil is best for dry, dehydrated, or mature skin types,” Dr. Karp shares. “They benefit from its emollient and antioxidant properties. Sensitive skin also tends to tolerate argan oil well, as it’s gentle and soothing. Acne-prone patients can also do well with it because of its high linoleic acid content, which may help balance sebum and reduce breakouts. I personally used it when I had breakouts and was amazed by how well it worked.

On the flipside, however, Dr. Karp says, “Very oily skin types may find it too occlusive as a daily moisturizer. Also, if your skin is sensitive, it’s always best to test the product on a small area of skin to make sure you don't have a negative reaction.”

Argan Oil Products We Love

Argan oil works wonderfully when used solo, but it can also be combined with other healthy skin ingredients to create a nourishing formula for all different kinds of skin types and skin concerns. If you'd rather use a skincare product that's already formulated with this face oil, we've highlighted a few of the best argan oil products below. 

1. Best for Daily Hydration: 

JOSIE MARAN Whipped Argan Oil Face Butter

Courtesy of JOSIE MARAN

If you want to commit to an argan oil-rich skincare routine, JOSIE MARAN products are the way to go. Every product by this brand features certified-organic argan oil as the hero ingredient. This whipped face butter combines vitamin E and fatty acid-rich argan oil with aloe vera, shea butter, watermelon seed oil, and cucumber extract to create a decadent moisturizer that both hydrates and soothes. While this is labeled as a "butter," don't table this as a purely p.m. product. The whipped texture sinks into the skin instantly, making it an ideal choice morning or night. 

2. Best for Acne-Prone Skin: 

GEORGETTE KLINGER Volcanic Mineral Scrub

Courtesy of GEORGETTE KLINGER

If your main goal is using argan oil for acne-prone skin, this product is a great go-to. This non-abrasive scrub gently exfoliates using volcanic minerals, which slough away dead skin cells and excess sebum without being too aggressive on the skin. Witch hazel extract and green tea extract also come into play here, purifying pores and soothing any irritation. While exfoliating scrubs can sometimes be overly drying, this product immediately replenishes moisture with (you guessed it) argan oil. 

3. Best for Budget: 

THE ORDINARY 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil for Skin & Hair

Courtesy of SEPHORA

When we simply want to kick dryness to the curb, hydrating skincare with argan oil is the way to go. This inexpensive product offers the powerful ingredient in its purest form. With the ability to use it on both skin and hair, we’ve been known to stick a few of these bad boys in our bags. You just never know when you’ll need it. 

4. Best Retinol: 

DERMALOGICA Retinol Acne Clearing Oil

Courtesy of SEPHORA

Retinol can often be too harsh on the skin, but thanks to inclusion of argan oil, among other protective lipids, the skin stays hydrated and nourished even with retinol in the mix. We recommend this product for targeting fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, and acne/blemishes.

Final Thoughts

A nourishing, non-comedogenic oil with a multitude of benefits? Argan oil really is an all-star skincare ingredient. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it’s easy to apply under makeup as a lit-from-within glowy base, and it is even suitable for hair and has benefits for acne-prone skin. While certain oils can generally be iffy for some, you really can’t go wrong with argan oil. If you want to start incorporating argan oil into your routine, start by exploring the IPSY Shop, which offers a selection of products you can play with.