Moroccan Oil vs Argan Oil: Which One To Choose?

Fatima O.

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Moroccan oil and Argan oil are two popular oils that are often used in hair care products. But what is the difference between them? and which one is better?

Argan oil and Moroccan oil are two of the most popular oils on the market today. They are often used interchangeably, but there is a big difference between the two.

In this blog post, we will discuss in detail the differences between Argan oil and Moroccan oil, and help you decide which one is right for you!

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What is Argan Oil?

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A naughty goat snacking on the Argan fruits

Argan oil is made from kernels of the argan nut, which is found inside the fruit of the Argan tree, which is only found in Morocco. This pure gold has been used for centuries by Moroccan women to protect and nourish their hair skin and nails.

Whenever I visit my home country, I make sure to bring back a few bottles of both cosmetic and culinary Argan oil for myself.

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Grinding the kernels of the Argan tree with a traditional Moroccan mill to produce Argan oil

There are two types of Agran oil, cosmetic and culinary. The cosmetic Argan oil is what we are discussing today as it’s used for hair, skin, and nails. Meanwhile, the culinary Argan oil is used for cooking and is darker in color with a nuttier flavor.

The benefits of Argan Oil

Cosmetic Moroccan Argan oil has so many benefits that it’s hard to list them all, but here are some of the most important ones.

  • Argan oil is rich in nutrients like vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which are vital for keeping hair healthy. It also helps restore moisture, repair damage, and prevent frizz. Plus, when using it, Argan oil does not leave a greasy feel on your hair like other types of repairing oils.
  • Even better, this Moroccan liquid gold is also a game-changer when it comes to your skin. It can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Plus, Argan oil is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores.

How to use Argan oil?

Now that we know all the amazing benefits of Argan oil, let’s talk about how to use it.

When using Argan oil on your skin, you can apply a few droplets directly to your face, and use your fingers to lightly massage it in. Best applied in your night routine.

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The best time to use argan oil on your hair is after it’s been washed and is still moist. Simply apply a few drops to your palm, rub it between your hands, and then run your fingers through your hair from the root.

Our Argan Oil Pick

Josie Maran 100 Percent Argan Oil

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Josie Maran’s Argan oil is a 100 percent form of Argan oil with no additives. It can be used for skin, hair, and nails. This pick is great when you are not sure which brand of pure Argan oil to go for. We recommend Josie Maran 100 Percent Argan Oil as it’s pure and organic. They also have a travel size option.

To buy: Josie Maran 100 Percent Argan Oil ($49; amazon.com)

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moroccan-oil-vs-argan-oil-whats-best

What is Moroccan oil?

Moroccan oil, on the other hand, is the commercialized version of Argan oil and it’s not Argan oil as some people may think.

Moroccan oil is a blend of oils including Argan oil and other additives. so, it’s not a pure form of oil like Argan oil.

Texture-wise, Moroccan oil is much lighter than Argan oil as it includes other lighter ingredients in the blend. Plus, the combination of its ingredients gives it a delicate scent that argan oil does not have.

what-is-moroccan-oil

Since it does include some Argan oil, it is also rich in nutrients like vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which can help keep your hair healthy. However, the results are not as guaranteed as using pure Argan oil on its own.

Our Moroccan Oil Pick

Moroccanoil Treatment Light

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This Moroccan oil brand has a very lightweight recipe which makes it a perfect go-to for hair styling. It includes argan oil and linseed extract, which is a good source of alpha-linolenic acid, a fatty acid that helps nourish your hair. 

To buy: Moroccanoil Treatment Light (from $16; amazon.com)

How to use Moroccan oil?

Moroccan oil is also often used as a styling product rather than a repairing one. It can help tame frizz, add shine, and may help protect your hair from heat damage as it contains Argan oil.

Unlike Argan oil, Moroccan oil is not recommended for your skin as it contains other oils and additives that can clog your pores.

So, which one is best? Moroccan oil or Argan oil?

If you are looking for an oil that is going to be very nourishing and will help repair the damage, Argan oil is the way to go. Argan oil is also a good choice if you have very dry or frizzy hair.

Moroccan oil is a good choice if you are looking for an oil for your daily use that is lighter in feel and scent. It’s also a good choice if you have normal to oily hair.

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Since it comes down to purity, I personally recommend going for 100 percent Argan oil over Moroccan oil if you are looking for something that can help you repair and restore the health of your hair and skin.

Price-wise, Argan oil is usually more expensive than Moroccan oil. This is because Argan oil is 100% pure, while Moroccan oil is a blend of different ingredients that may not be of good quality.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! The differences between Argan oil and Moroccan oil. I hope this helped you decide which one is right for you!

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argan oil vs moroccan oil

About Fatima O.

Fatima, born and raised along the foothills of the Atlas mountains, in the heartland of the indigenous Amazigh peoples. She loves Moroccan tea and travel. Now, she travels and writes about the beauty of her homeland.

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