What is Argan Oil?
Argan oil, sometimes known as Argan Oil of Morocco or ‘Liquid Gold’, is an oil derived from the kernels of the Argan tree, a plant which is endemic to south-western Morocco. Argan oil can be eaten; and indeed many people dip bread into the oil or drizzle it over salads as part of a meal. Argan oil can also be used cosmetically to improve the condition of the skin or hair. Because of this versatility, it’s safe to say that Argan oil benefits are numerous. This is partially why the oil is so popular – it can help with so many things!
What is Argan Oil Made From?
The raw ingredient is the oil which originates from the Argan tree itself. First, seeds are extracted from the Argan nuts. This is no easy task, as the Argan nut is a tough nut to crack! One traditional process relies on the hungry tree-climbing goats of Morocco to help the process alone. Once a nut passes through a goat’s digestive tract, it becomes much easier to crack. Enterprising people would search through goat droppings to find the nuts before extracting the seeds with ease.
Pictured: The tree happy goats of Morocco helping the Argan oil process along
Nowadays, more commercial operations will extract Argan seeds without the help of these sure-footed friends but the traditional goat-process is still in place in some regions. This is why you’ll sometimes hear people mistakenly say that Argan oil is actually goat poo. The more you know!
The Benefits of Argan Oil
Pure Argan oil has the ability to hydrate, moisturise and condition both your hair and skin. Within this one magical ingredient, we can identify Vitamin E, antioxidants, linoleic acids, essential fatty acids and free radical fighting molecules. Many reasonably priced shampoos and conditioners now contain Argan oil, and using Argan oil for the face is a well known method for combating acne scars and wrinkles. Because Argan oil has become such a well-known product in the hair care world, many people are left asking is Argan oil good for the skin? While you should also conduct a small patch test before introducing anything new to your skin, generally Argan oil is safe for people to use on their face or body.
- The Benefits of Argan Oil for Hair
Fights split ends
Combats dryness and brittleness
Helps to hydrate the hair, leaving it softer and shiner
Can be used as an alternative to a leave-in conditioner
Can readily be found in many shampoos and treatments
- The Benefits of Argan Oil for Skin
A little goes a long way, and Argan oil easily absorbed into the skin
Although it can’t erase existing wrinkles, regular use can slow down the signs of aging.
As a moisturiser, Argan Oil can help those who suffer from dry skin
The Best Argan Oil For Face & Body
The anti-aging benefits of Argan oil are so good that there’s no excuse for anyone to be missing out. But don’t get yourself into a tizzy thinking “Where can I buy some of this rare oil?” Although it is rare, in that the Argan tree only grows in one region, Argan oil is readily available in a variety of formats and can be bought at fairly cheap prices from your local pharmacy. We’ve compiled a list below of 10 outstanding argan oil products for sale in Australia. See which ones get you your desired results!
10. Swisse Argan Face Oil
Product: Swisse Argan Face Oil
Price: $21.99 from Priceline
How to Use: Gently massage 2-3 drops into clean skin until absorbed.
Overview: This certified organic Argan oil is suitable for sun damaged dry skin, but no word on its uses for oily skin. It does say ‘suitable for all skin types’, but whether this face oil would push oily skin over the edge will differ from person to person. Swisse also produce an Argan Oil Facial Moisturizer and an Argan Oil Anti-Aging Eye Cream for the delicate skin around your eyes.
Reviews: One happy customer on the Priceline website said –
“Does wonders for my dry & sensitive skin .. i just love it!”
9. Sukin Restoring Argan Oil +
Product: Sukin Restoring Argan Oil +
Price: $10.00 from Priceline
How To Use: Apply to face area once or twice daily.
Overview: Forget your boring face cream! The Sukin Restoring Argan Oil + is best described a luxurious face elixir. It’s a combination of Argan Oil, Maracuja and Rose Hip Oils, Calendula Extract and Jojoba Oil that’s free from preservatives.
Reviews: One satisfied shopper on the Priceline website said –
“I love the sukin Argan Oil, it’s very light on the skin. I noticed the acne has completely gone. When I have breakouts it doesn’t last long on my face, the pimples dry out very fast. Giving me a clearer complexion. Would recommended. Am buying more!”
8. Seven Wonders Moroccan Argan Oil Skin Serum
Product: Seven Wonders Moroccan Argan Oil Skin Serum
Price: $20.49 from Chemist Warehouse
How To Use: Massage a few drops into the face and neck area after cleansing and before face cream.
Overview: The Seven Wonders website informs us that their Argan Oil Serum is suitable for all skin types, and that the Argan oil itself is 98% certified organic.
Reviews: One happy shopper on the Chemist Warehouse website said –
“I’ve been using this product for years, and love it, it has improved the condition of my skin”
7. Swisse Argan Anti-Aging Eye Cream
Product: Swisse Argan Anti-Aging Eye Cream
Price: $11.69 from Chemist Warehouse
How To Use: Warm a small amount between fingers and pat into eye contour area.
Overview: This anti-aging eye cream is designed to combat the wrinkles that form due to repeated squinting. It also contains Vitamin K2, so say goodbye to dark circles!
Review: One happy customer wrote on the Chemist Warehouse website –
“Does what it claims. Purchased a month ago. Saw results immediately. Was worried as I have sensitive skin but it works great with my skin.”
6. Derma V10 Moisturising Argan Oil Foot Mask
Product: Derma V10 Argan Oil Foot Mask
Price: $2.99
Overview: We’re on our feet all day and yet we so often neglect them. This Argan oil foot mask is deeply moisturising. Be sure to take ‘Before and After’ pictures, because soon your cracked, dry heels will be but a distant memory.
5. French Girl Nail & Cuticle Oil
Product: French Girl Nail & Cuticle Oil
Price: $34.00 from MECCA
How To Use: Massage into nail beds and cuticles as desired.
Overview: French Girl Organics have combined argan and pomegranate oil, for deep hydration, with rosemary and rose geranium essential oils to boost nail growth. Conditioned cuticles and nails that grow, we love killing two birds with one stone!
Reviews: One pleased customer on the MECCA website said –
“Beautiful cuticle oil to add to your winter armory! Hydrated and keeps dry cuticles at bay. Full of gorgeous oils but not too oily. Excellent metal roller ball application.”
4. Josie Maran Cosmetics Argan Cleansing Oil
Product: Josie Maran Cosmetics Argan Cleansing Oil
Price: $49.00 from MECCA
How To Use: Massage 3-4 pumps onto dry skin for 2-3 minutes using dry hands. Then, wet face with warm water to transform the oil into a rich milk. Rinse thoroughly, pat skin dry, and embrace refreshed, balanced skin.
Overview: The 100% Pure Argan Oil in this Josie Maran Cleanser soothes and conditions as it lifts away makeup and dirt. Despite the high price point, it is something of a cult product and so definitely deserves a place on this list.
Reviews: One satisfied shopper on the MECCA website wrote –
“This is hands down one of the best cleansers for dry and irritated skin. The oil isn’t heavy, it smells pleasant, easily removes make-up and leaves skin dewy, hydrated and clear. I can have quite reactive skin, and this oil calms it down. I’m converted!”
3. Tata Harper Beautifying Face Oil
Product: Tata Harper Beautifying Face Oil
Price: $116.00 from Sephora
How To Use: Apply after moisturiser. Massage 1 to 2 pumps onto face and neck. Use in the morning and at night.
Overview: Although it is expensive, this face oil combines powerful natural antioxidants like Sacha Inchi Seed Oil, Alfalfa, Camellia Oil and Squalane to help fight the visible effects of free radicals that can prematurely age you. The Tata Harper Beautifying Face Oil is also multipurpose, as you can also use this oil on split ends.
Review: One happy customer wrote on the Sephora website:
“This oil is simply gorgeous on the skin, feels so hydrating and the smell is so fresh. I will continue to buy this as I feel like this really does it for my skin. Worth every cent I spent on this life changing oil, love”
2. Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Argan Dry Oil
Product: Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Argan Dry Oil
Price: $48.00 from Kiehl’s Australia
How To Use: Apply to skin after cleansing. For hair, spray a small amount through hair and ends
Overview: Kiehl’s has long been an established leader in the skincare and haircare industry, and this multipurpose product lives up to its claims.
Review: One happy shopper on the Kiehl’s website said –
“I love this oil. If you asked me a few years ago to put oil on my face I would have said “no way, that’s nuts” but it WORKS! I use it as a night treatment on my face and my skin loves it. It’s also the best hair product I have ever used. After washing, I apply it to damp hair and then go to bed (my hair dries overnight). It reduces frizziness (a big problem during east coast summers) and moisturizes (a big problem during east coast winters) better than anything else I’ve tried. Everyone constantly comments on how rich and shiny my hair is. And I agree! It’s not a secret, I tell everyone they should use this oil!”
1. Lush Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner
0Product: Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner
Price: $32.95 from Lush Australia
How To Use: Gather a luxurious handful and sweep all over the body, then gently rinse and pat dry for sensationally soft skin.
Overview: It’s not a body butter, and it isn’t a lotion. Lush Body Conditioner is the perfect hybrid of both, ideal for those who find lotions too slimy and time consuming to apply after a shower or bath. Simply apply to wet skin whilst bathing, and then pat your skin dry.
Review: One satisfied Lush customer wrote on the company website –
“I got this for myself as a treat and it is hands down the most amazing smelling and feeling product I’ve managed to get my hands on! I have very VERY dry hands but using this right after a shower has really really made a difference! A little spritz with Rose Jam body spray and the smell lasts all day”