What are the benefits of argan oil for skin?

Argan oil improves skin elasticity, provides antioxidant protection, supports skin barrier function, and offers anti-inflammatory benefits. Clinical research has shown it significantly improves skin elasticity in postmenopausal women. It moisturises without heaviness and absorbs readily into skin.

Is argan oil good for mature skin?

Yes, argan oil is particularly beneficial for mature skin. Clinical studies have demonstrated that it improves skin elasticity in postmenopausal women, addressing one of the key concerns of ageing skin. Its antioxidant content also helps protect against further environmental damage.

Can argan oil be used on sensitive skin?

Yes, argan oil is generally well tolerated by sensitive skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties and compatibility with the skin microbiome. It can help calm reactive skin and conditions like eczema. As with any new product, patch testing is recommended if you have very sensitive skin.

What is the difference between cosmetic and culinary argan oil?

Cosmetic argan oil is cold-pressed from unroasted kernels, preserving more beneficial compounds for skin use. Culinary argan oil is made from roasted kernels, giving it a stronger nutty flavour for cooking but making it less suitable for skincare. Always use cosmetic-grade argan oil for skin and hair.

Why is argan oil called liquid gold?

Argan oil earned the nickname liquid gold due to its golden colour, labour-intensive production process, and exceptional benefits for skin and hair. It's also known as Moroccan gold because the argan tree grows almost exclusively in Morocco. The oil has been treasured by Berber women for centuries.

Argan Oil

In brief: Argan oil - often called "Moroccan gold" or "liquid gold" - is a luxurious plant oil prized for its remarkable ability to improve skin elasticity, deliver antioxidant protection and nourish without heaviness. Unlike many rich oils, argan absorbs quickly and reaches deep into the skin, making it suitable for both face and body. Clinical research confirms what Moroccan women have known for centuries: this oil genuinely improves skin texture and resilience.

Quick Reference

INCI Name: Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil

Common Names: Argan oil, Moroccan argan oil, Moroccan gold, Berber almonds

Category: Emollient, antioxidant, skin conditioning agent

Source: Natural - cold-pressed from kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), endemic to Morocco

Skin Types Suited To: All skin types, particularly mature skin, dry skin, sensitive skin

Cautions: Generally very well tolerated. Rare allergic reactions possible - patch test if concerned. Those with tree nut allergies should exercise caution.

What It Is

Argan oil comes from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), which grows almost exclusively in a specific region of southwestern Morocco. The trees are so ecologically important that UNESCO declared the argan forest a Biosphere Reserve. For centuries, Berber women have extracted and used this oil for cooking, medicine and skincare - knowledge passed down through generations long before the global beauty industry discovered it.

The oil is labour-intensive to produce. Each kernel must be extracted from a hard nut, then cold-pressed to yield the golden oil. Cosmetic-grade argan oil (as opposed to culinary argan oil) is pressed from unroasted kernels, preserving more of its beneficial compounds for skin application.

What makes argan oil special is its balanced composition of fatty acids, tocopherols (vitamin E), polyphenols and other bioactive compounds. It's rich in both oleic acid (omega-9) and linoleic acid (omega-6), giving it properties that support skin barrier function while remaining lightweight enough to absorb readily. This unusual balance of richness and absorbency is why argan oil has earned its "liquid gold" reputation.

How It Works

Skin elasticity improvement. Clinical research has demonstrated that argan oil - both applied topically and consumed - significantly improves skin elasticity in postmenopausal women. The improvement was measurable within 60 days. This is particularly relevant for mature skin, where declining oestrogen levels accelerate the loss of collagen and elastic fibres.

Barrier support. The linoleic acid in argan oil integrates into the stratum corneum (the outer skin layer), strengthening the spaces between skin cells and reducing transepidermal water loss. A stronger barrier means better moisture retention and improved protection against environmental stressors.

Antioxidant protection. Argan oil is exceptionally rich in vitamin E (tocopherols) and polyphenolic compounds including ferulic acid and caffeic acid. These antioxidants neutralise free radicals generated by UV exposure and pollution, helping to prevent the oxidative damage that accelerates skin ageing.

Microbiome support. Recent research suggests argan oil supports a balanced skin microbiome by hydrating and balancing the lipid environment. It creates conditions favourable to beneficial microorganisms while its antimicrobial properties help keep problematic bacteria in check.

Anti-inflammatory action. The combination of fatty acids and polyphenols in argan oil provides anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to calm irritated or reactive skin. This makes it suitable for conditions like eczema and rosacea, where reducing inflammation is key.

Sebum regulation. Despite being an oil, argan oil may help regulate sebum production. Its linoleic acid content is thought to balance the skin's natural oil production, which can be beneficial for both dry and oily skin types.

Benefits

Primary Benefits

Argan oil's standout benefit is improving skin elasticity and resilience. This makes it particularly valuable for mature skin, where maintaining firmness and bounce becomes increasingly challenging. The clinical evidence for this benefit is stronger than for most cosmetic oils - it's not just marketing.

Secondary Benefits

The oil provides excellent moisturisation without heaviness, protects against oxidative stress from environmental exposure, supports skin barrier function, and may help even skin tone over time. For hair, it adds shine, reduces frizz and protects against heat damage.

Skin Concerns Addressed

Argan oil is well suited to addressing signs of ageing and loss of firmness, dry or dehydrated skin, dull or lacklustre complexion, sensitive or reactive skin, inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, dry or damaged hair, and general skin health maintenance.

The Research

Unlike many trendy ingredients, argan oil has genuine clinical research supporting its benefits. A study with postmenopausal women found that both dietary consumption and topical application of argan oil significantly improved multiple measures of skin elasticity over 60 days. Another study demonstrated its capacity to protect skin from UV-induced oxidative damage.

Research has also shown that argan oil supports both the skin and gut microbiome, promoting beneficial bacteria while reducing pathogenic species. This aligns with our philosophy of working with the body's natural systems rather than against them.

The mechanisms behind argan oil's benefits are still being fully elucidated, but the evidence base is unusually strong for a cosmetic oil ingredient.

Who Benefits Most

Mature skin. The proven elasticity benefits make argan oil particularly valuable as skin ages and collagen production declines. It's one of the few ingredients with clinical evidence specifically for postmenopausal skin.

Dry skin. The combination of oleic and linoleic acids provides effective moisturisation that's absorbed rather than sitting on the surface. Dry skin gets genuine nourishment rather than just a temporary coating.

Sensitive skin. Argan oil's anti-inflammatory properties and compatibility with the skin microbiome make it suitable for reactive skin that struggles with many products.

Sun-damaged skin. The antioxidant content helps address existing oxidative damage while protecting against further environmental stress. It complements rather than replaces sun protection.

Anyone seeking effective, evidence-based skincare. If you appreciate ingredients with genuine research behind them rather than just marketing hype, argan oil delivers.

How We Use It

Products Containing Argan Oil

Black Castor & Argan Moisturising Balm combines organic argan oil with organic black castor oil for intensive conditioning of very dry skin. The argan oil contributes elasticity support and antioxidant protection, while the castor oil provides deep occlusive moisture.

Using Our Argan Oil Products

Our Black Castor Oil & Argan Moisturising Balm is designed for targeted application to areas needing extra nourishment - dry hands, rough elbows, heels, cuticles. Apply to clean skin and allow time for the oils to absorb. The combination of argan and castor oils creates a treatment that's rich but not greasy once absorbed.

For an intensive hand treatment, apply generously before bed and let the oils work overnight. Your hands will feel noticeably softer and more supple by morning.

Black Castor & Argan Oil Moisturising Balm also makes the most wonderful, deeply moisturising lip balm containing nothing aside from pure organic oils, Noosa Hinterland Beeswax and a smidge of natural vitamin E.

It can also be used over the eyebrows and hair line.

Organic Black Castor & Argan Oil Moisturising Balm. Made in the Noosa Hinterland, Australia.

Organic and Ethical

We use organic argan oil because it matters - both for the quality of the oil and for the communities that produce it. The argan oil trade has provided economic opportunities for Moroccan women's cooperatives, and choosing quality, ethically-sourced oil supports this sustainable industry.

Organic certification also ensures the oil is free from pesticide residues and produced to standards that protect both the environment and the workers involved in production.

Usage Guidelines

Application

Argan oil absorbs well into skin, so it can be used on face, body and hair. For balm products containing argan oil, warm a small amount between fingertips before applying to help it spread evenly.

Frequency

Argan oil is gentle enough for daily use. For intensive treatment of very dry areas, twice daily application will deliver faster results.

What to Expect

Immediate softening and a non-greasy moisturised feel. With consistent use over 4-8 weeks, expect improvements in skin texture, suppleness and overall radiance. The elasticity benefits shown in research took around 60 days of consistent use to become measurable.

Contraindications and Cautions

Argan oil is generally very well tolerated with few reported adverse reactions. However, those with tree nut allergies should exercise caution, as cross-reactivity is possible (though not common).

As with any new product, patch testing is wise if you have sensitive or reactive skin. Apply a small amount to the inner arm and wait 24 hours before using more widely.

Pure argan oil has a mild, slightly nutty scent. If you notice a strong or unpleasant odour, the oil may be rancid or adulterated - quality argan oil should smell pleasant and mild.