Alluring Argan Oil: Why It’s Good for Skin and Hair

At Pharmacopia, we believe in the benefits of plant-based oils for skin and hair. We add everything from essential oils to jojoba oil in our better-for-you collection of natural bodycare. But no oil is more alluring than argan oil, which is found in our Argan Oil Collection. This oil, derived from the fruit of the Moroccan argan tree, is rich in nutrients that are good for the body — and have amazing benefits for skin and hair.

Often referred to as “liquid gold,” food-grade argan oil is prepared from unroasted kernels from the argan fruit and is one of the most nutritious oils in the world. But cosmetic-grade argan oil—which is used in our argan oil products—is created by cold-pressing kernels roasted for several minutes. Because of argan oil’s unique chemical composition and ingredients, we created an entire product line around it. In fact, our Argan Oil Collection is found in Hyatt Regency Hotels around the world—and used (and loved!) by over 500,000 hotel guests a day. To say we’re pretty proud of our argan oil products is an understatement!

Argan Oil Rich in Nutrients

Argan oil is chock-full of vitamins A, C, and E. It’s also rich in hydrating fatty acids like omega-6, linoleic acid and oleic acid. These fats are also anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce inflammation not only in the body but on the skin.

Argan oil also contains important plant sterols. These are substances naturally found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes. When ingested, plant sterols can help to reduce cholesterol. But when used on the skin and hair, these plant sterols can offer many benefits. Not only are they anti-inflammatory, helping to calm redness and itching and soothe skin, but they have also been shown to help repair the skin’s barrier function.

It's the skin’s barrier, or outermost layer of skin, that helps retain moisture in the skin. It also keeps unwanted toxins, pollution, and UV radiation out. Dry, irritated, and inflamed skin are signs of a compromised skin barrier.

Argan Oil Benefits for Skin

Because of its high nutrient content, its anti-inflammatory properties, and its barrier repair abilities, we believe argan oil is a must-have ingredient in any skincare products. That’s why we created our Argan Oil Body Wash, Body Lotion, and Cleansing Bar.

These skincare benefits include:

• Hydrates skin

The high vitamin E and essential fatty acid content in argan oil is hydrating. In one study, topical application of argan oil helped to increase the moisture content of skin.

• Calms irritated skin

The omega-3 fatty acids in argan oil have been found to calm irritated skin by reducing inflammation. These fatty acids also help to maintain skin barrier function, helping to prevent irritation moving forward.

• Helps protect the skin

The vitamin E found in argan oil is a potent antioxidant. It’s been shown to reduce damage from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause skin aging and damage. (The sun’s UV rays are a potent source of free radicals, as is pollution.)

• May help reduce signs of skin aging

Some studies show that argan oil may help increase skin elasticity and hydration. By reducing inflammation and free radical damage, it can also help prevent damage. Its skin barrier repair abilities may also help slow the signs of aging.

Argan Oil Benefits for Hair

The same rich nutrients that make argan oil amazing for skin also make it incredible for hair. But argan oil has some additional benefits when applied to the hair and scalp:

• Soothes an itchy scalp

The same omega-3s that help calm irritated skin can also soothe the scalp. By helping to repair a compromised skin barrier on the scalp, argan oil may help to keep moisture in. This may be especially helpful to reduce the symptoms of itching and dryness that accompany dandruff.

• May reduce hair loss 

Omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in argan oil, may reduce hair loss and boost hair growth. By reducing the inflammation associated with hair loss, omega-3 fatty acids may help soothe the scalp, helping to keep hair strands in place. Early studies have shown hair growth benefits too when these fatty acids have been ingested.

• Conditions hair strands

The fatty acids in argan oil—like omega-6, linoleic acid, and oleic acid—help to make hair strands silkier. And, for extra conditioning benefits, you can even apply argan oil to the hair, leave in for 10 minutes, and then rinse out. 

• Adds shine

Hydrating oils can help make hair strands silky. Argan oil is no different. The fatty acids in argan oil can leave hair shiny—and soft to the touch.

Adding our Argan Oil Collection to your daily routine is sure to reap beautiful benefits. Whether you use it on your skin or hair, the healing and restorative properties of this plant-based oil are not to be missed. And you’ll be bringing a touch of hotel luxury straight into your home.