What is Argan Oil?
Argan oil, sometimes referred to as ‘liquid gold’ or ‘oil of Morocco’, is an oil utilised in many skin and hair care products. The oil itself comes from the kernels of the Argan tree (Latin name Argania spinosa) which in endemic to Morocco. Argan oil is edible and it is commonly used for dipping in bread or drizzling on salads. We wouldn’t recommend putting your shampoo alongside the salad dressing at dinner though!
Why is it so popular?
Argan oil is so popular is because it is perceived as an ingredient that is both exotic as well as effective. Not only has the oil itself been around for thousands of years, the authentic formula comes solely from Morocco, which gives the ingredient added mystique and credibility.
How does Argan Oil Shampoo work?
Argan oil is rich in Vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants, all of which help to nourish and detangle hair. Argan oil also contains Vitamins A and C, antioxidants; linoleic acid; and omega-6 fatty acids. In a shampoo formula, all these elements work to make your hair shiner, softer and less frizzy.
The Benefits of Moroccan Oil Shampoo
Pictured: A leading brand, Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo and Conditioner by OGX
If you are someone with heat damaged hair or hair that’s been weakened as a result of bleaching, argan oil can have a renewing effect on your tresses. The biggest benefit of using an argan oil shampoo is the hydrating – so those with brittle, dry hair should seriously consider making argan oil a part of their hair care routine.
The Best Argan Oil Shampoo in Australia
Naming the best argan oil shampoo was not an easy task! There are so many options to choose from and each have their own pros and cons. Ultimately, we have managed to narrow our list down to 10 amazing options. Find out their ingredients, their cost and where to buy them below.
10. ESSANO Argan Oil of Morocco Nourishing Shampoo
Product: ESSANO Argan Oil of Morocco Nourishing Shampoo
Cost: $15.99 from Priceline
Ingredients: Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Argan Kernel Oil, Coconut Oil, Rosemary Leaf Extract
Overview: Although this shampoo is a bit on the pricey side for 300ml, ESSANO is a environmentally conscious brand and that’s what we need more of in the industry. Their shampoos are sulfate free (which is good news for colour treated hair) and are not tested on animals.
Review: ESSANO Argan Oil of Morocco Nourishing Shampoo has 6 reviews on the Priceline website with an average 4/5 star rating. One happy customer said –
“It really deeply strengthens and protects your hair, decent lather not overly foamy but I have thick, coarse, long hair and it gets through it all and leaves it clean and hydrated. I feel as though it strengthened my hair a lot and it never caused scalp irritation which I have had from other ‘green’ shampoos. Other ‘green’ shampoos also have no lather or slip when they don’t contain SLS but this one actually works well without SLS, not like you are washing your hair with wax.”
9. TREVOR SORBIE Precious Oils Shampoo
Product: TREVOR SORBIE Precious Oils Shampoo
Cost: $9.74 from Priceline
Ingredients: Argan Kernel Oil, Inca Ichi Oil
Overview: All TREVOR SORBIE products are sulphate, sodium chloride and paraben free, which is just what you need if you’re in the midst of repairing your dry hair.
Review: One satisfied shopper, posting one the Beauty Heaven website, said –
8. Herbal Essences Bio Renew Repair Argan Oil Shampoo
Product: Herbal Essences Bio Renew Repair
Cost: $11.69 from Chemist Warehouse
Ingredients: Argan Kernel Oil, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice,
Overview: Herbal Essences are known for the scent their shampoos and conditioners create. That could be a positive or negative thing depending on your personal preference. The real botanicals used by Herbal Essences are endorsed by the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, so you know you’re not getting played!
Review: Herbal Essences Bio Renew Repair has 3,964 Google reviews and has an average 4.7/5 star rating. One happy customer said –
“A bit apprehensively I went for my shower with my bottles of Herbal Essences Moroccan Oil shampoo and conditioner in hand. I have been dying my hair blonde for over twenty years and because so my hair can be dead after one or fantastic after another dye I always stick to my normal products to attempt to keep my hair in check! So, in the shower and I open the bottles, the first thing is the fragrance. It is very subtle I thought with the Moroccan ones but still off we go. So not going to subject you to the finer details but all shampooed and conditioned I took the towel from my hair and I smelt that lovely smell once more. I applied my usual styling products and went downstairs. My normal moody teenage son, who you would normally have to pay to get a compliment from, said you smell nice mum!!
So the smell isn’t that subtle! After my hair has dried naturally I found myself running my fingers through it over and over again, I couldn’t believe how silly it was!! To style it to go out took me five mins, straightening was just the under layer as the rest had dried straight in its own, this never happens, and it was beautifully shining and smelt delicious. I am definitely a convert if this keeps happening. Sorry ‘havon’ but Herbal Essences have blown you off of the playing field with this one.”
7. Natural World Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo
Product: Natural World Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo
Cost: $9.00 from Coles
Ingredients: Argan Kernel Oil, Rosemary Leaf Oil, Lemongrass Leaf Oil, Orange Peel Oil, Ylang Ylang Flower Oil
Overview: The Natural World Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo is inexpensive and all ranges (bar the Brazilian Keratin range) are vegan. This shampoo does contain SLS (the chemically which causes shampoo to lather up) and for some people this will be more of a ‘con’ than a ‘pro’.
Review: Natural World Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo has 80 customer reviews on Amazon and has an average of 3.8/5 stars. One happy customer said –
“Excellent product and value for money. Second time I’ve bought [it] and will not be the last. Wife very pleased with the product and suitable for the whole family”
6. Babyliss Pro Argan Oil Moisture Repair Shampoo
Product: Babyliss Pro Argan Oil Moisture Repair Shampoo
Cost: $33.50 from Oz Hair & Beauty
Overview: The Babyliss Pro Argan Oil Moisture Repair Shampoo is free of sulphates, phosphates and parabens. It certainly isn’t cheap, but a little goes a long way. If you want to get a good deal, you can always wait for a sale and then pounce!
Review: Babyliss Pro Argan Oil Moisture Repair Shampoo has 12 reviews on the My Haircare & Beauty website and has an average rating of 4.6/5 stars. One happy customer said –
‘I had used these products previously but have had trouble finding them in the shops nearby. My son also uses them. His hair is thick and extremely curly, afro like in fact. I have tried many other products on his hair but this one is the best I have found. I have thick long hair and sometimes have foils through it and many other products dry my hair out too much. I also use the Argan oil, especially when I am going to straighten my hair. I would definatley recommend these products to my friends and family. We are both very happy with the results.’
5. MUK Spa Argan Oil Repair Shampoo
Product: MUK Spa Argan Oil Repair Shampoo
Cost: $25.95 from Hair House Warehouse
Ingredients: Moroccan Argan Oil, Linseed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Keratin Protein, Aloe Vera.
Overview: The MUK Spa Argan Oil Repair Shampoo is 100% free of sulphates parabens, silicone oil, alcohol, phosphates and mineral oils. Despite its high price point, it has been formulated for all hair types so everyone in the family can use it, and is designed to protect the hair from blow-drying, hair irons, chlorine, salt water and sun exposure. It can also reduce hair drying time up to 50% so you can get out the door in the morning quickly!
Review: One satisfied customer wrote on the Hair House Warehouse website –
‘I brought this product as I had already been using the conditioner. Leaves your hair feeling clean and refreshed and helps minimise the frizz a little product goes a long way.’
4. Marc Anthony Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo
Product: Marc Anthony Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo
Cost: $11.98 from Priceline for 250ml
Ingredients: Keratin, Pomegranate Extract, Soybean Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Argan Kernel Oil
Overview: It’s pretty hard to beat such a low price for an Argan Oil shampoo – plus Marc Anthony isn’t just some new brand on the block. With over 20 years of experience, we’re confident when we pick up one of their ‘Salon Created-Salon Approved’ products.
Review: Marc Anthony Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo has 18 reviews on Amazon and has an average rating of 3.8/5 stars. One satisfied shopper said –
“The only shampoo and conditioner I will use. Not allergic to the fragrance like I am with so many other products. Cleans and conditions well. Free of many of the dangerous chemicals found in other products.”
3. Agadir Argan Oil Daily Moisturising Shampoo
Product: Agadir Argan Oil Daily Moisturising Shampoo
Cost: $5.99 from Priceline
Ingredients: Castor Oil, Argan Kernel Oil, Wheat Protein
Overview: Agadir Argan Oil Daily Moisturising Shampoo is sulphate free and paraben free. You certainly get your value for money, as it’s cheap and you don’t need much per wash. Its formulated to protect coloured hair and protect it from heat damage.
Review: Agadir Argan Oil Daily Moisturising Shampoo has 299 Google reviews and an average rating of 4.5 stars. One happy reviewer said –
‘Hands down the most amazing hair product. I have really long hair that usually requires loads of product, but this one you only need a tiny amount. The product goes a very long way! I’ve been using this brand on and off for years and my hair is in perfect condition. It smells delightful and lasts fresh and clean for days on end. Another positive note is that is really does smooth our your hair and provide a gorgeous shine. Never had any issues with product build up like I have with other ‘oil’ shampoos. Now that I’ve found a place to buy bulk, I won’t turn back. Would 100% recommend!!!’
2. HASK Argan Oil Repairing Shampoo
Product: HASK Argan Oil Repairing Shampoo
Cost: $3.99 from Priceline
Ingredients: Argan Oil, Soybean Protein, Corn Protein
Overview: HASK hair products were used on the sets of Queer Eye, A Star is Born, American Horror Story and Crazy Rich Asians. If HASK is good enough for the likes of Hollywood A-listers, it’s good enough for us!
Review: HASK Argan Oil Repairing Shampoo has 588 Google reviews and has an average 4.5 star rating. One happy customer said –
0‘I’ve been buying this for around 6 months now. Over the last couple of years I’ve found I’ve become sensitive to sulphates and parabens leaving me with a terribly dry, itchy flakey scalp. Since using the Hask range the above issues have disappeared! Hask leaves my hair silky soft, conditioned and nourished. It has a wonderful smell and I find a little goes a long way – which is a bonus as it is a little on the pricier side of shampoos. It’s also not tested on animals which is fantastic.’
1. OGX Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo
Product: OGX Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo
Cost: $1.99 from Chemist Warehouse
Ingredients: Argan Kernel Oil.
Overview: For currently just under $2, the OGX Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo comes in at No.1. The only ‘con’ we could possibly mention is that it does come in a relatively smallish bottle.
Review: OGX Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo has 6,475 Google reviews and has an average 4.3/5 star rating. One happy customer said –
1‘I have been using OGX shampoos for around 4 years. The Argan Oil variant is my favourite. This shampoo makes my hair feel squeaky clean with just one application – rather than having to shampoo my hair twice like some brands. It’s great for removing product without dehydrating my coloured hair. It is has a thick and creamy consistency, nice perfume and is packaged in a sensibly shaped bottle with a flip lid that is easy to open with wet hands. A huge plus for me. The other plus point is that I only need to shampoo my hair every 3-4 days.’