Argan Oil vs. Moroccan Oil – What’s Better?
If you’re not sure whether you should go with Argan oil or Moroccan oil, you’re not alone. A lot of people use these oils without knowing the difference between them. Some even think it’s one and the same oil.
I grew up in Morocco using Argan oil for my hair and skin very regularly, and I still do! I also started using Moroccan oil in my teenage years. The thing is, there is a BIG BIG difference between these two oils, and it’s best to understand the properties of each one to adapt your beauty routine.
Since today’s market is full of products claiming to be derived from Morocco and based on these oils, it’s good to know more about them so you can choose the better option.
Argan Oil
This golden oil is the purest form of oil extracted from the kernels of the Argan tree that grows in southwestern Morocco. It’s loaded with vitamin E, fatty acids, carotenes, and squalene which make it really beneficial for your hair and skin.
The content of Argan oil includes specialized elastomers which allow it to penetrate the hair once applied and get the excess product fully absorbed, thus replenishing dry and brittle hair and leaving nongreasy after-feel.
The amazing content of argan oil makes it great for repairing damaged hair, treating split ends, boosting hair growth, and making your hair shiny, thick, and beautiful. In 2013, participants in one Brazilian study reported improvement in hair quality and dye retention after using argan oil. Apparently, the oil protects the hair from the damaging effects of hair coloring better than commercial hair conditioners.
Also, the oil helps prevent aging, hydrate the skin, regulate the production of sebum, and treat acne. It’s even used in cooking.
Moroccan Oil
Unlike Argan oil, Moroccan oil is not pure oil. It’s a mixture of Argan oil, additives, and other oils.
The combination of these ingredients makes Moroccan oil great for hairstyling by making it more likely to hold its shape, but not for repairing damaged hair as it lacks the specialized elastomers argan oil has.
Since Moroccan oil is a blend of multiple ingredients, it’s more watery than Argan oil and other products where Argan oil is the main ingredient.
Which Is Better?
You’ll often hear or read that Argan oil and Moroccan oil are one and the same as they both come from Morocco, but the truth is that they are different products. While Argan oil is pure oil, Moroccan oil is a mixture of Argan oil and other ingredients. And while Moroccan oil makes hair more manageable, Argan oil helps repair damaged hair. So, Argan oil is definitely the better option for your hair.
I always recommend choosing a high-quality argan oil and using a few drops on your hair strands and scalp to repair damaged hair. It will do wonder! Try to choose a premium Argan oil that was obtained through cold or stone pressure. It’s the best investment that you can make for your hair, plus, a little bottle will last for months. Believe me, once you add a high-quality argan oil to your hair routine, there will be no coming back!
If your hair tends to frizz after a blow-dry, Moroccan oil can help tame your frizz and reduce static electricity thanks to its silicones. I personally still use Moroccan oil and it works very well. But I avoid using it more than once a week to prevent silicone build-up.
