Argan oil is a lightweight, cold-pressed carrier oil extracted from the seeds of the argan tree (Argania spinosa). It is prized for skin and hair care because it is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin E, and it absorbs without leaving a heavy, greasy feel. You can use it neat as a moisturiser, mix it into serums, or blend it with essential oils for a custom treatment.
What argan oil is good for
Often called "liquid gold," argan oil earns its reputation because it works on both the face and hair without clogging or weighing things down. Here is where it genuinely shines:
- Facial moisturiser: A few drops soften dry patches and help skin feel supple. Its lighter texture suits most skin types.
- Hair and scalp: Smooths frizz, adds shine and helps tame flyaways when applied sparingly to damp or dry ends.
- Cuticles and nails: Massaged in, it conditions dry cuticles and rough hands.
- Carrier for essential oils: Dilute stronger essential oils in argan oil before applying them to the skin.
- DIY formulations: A useful base for balms, serums, beard oils, body oils and hair masks.
How to use argan oil
A little goes a long way. Start with 2 to 4 drops and add more only if needed.
- For the face: Warm 2 to 3 drops between your palms and press gently onto clean, slightly damp skin, morning or night.
- For hair: Rub a few drops between your hands and smooth over mid-lengths and ends. For a deeper treatment, massage into the scalp, leave for 30 minutes, then shampoo out.
- As a carrier: Mix roughly 3 to 5 drops of essential oil per 10 ml of argan oil for a body or hair blend. It pairs nicely with tea tree, frankincense, lavender or rosemary oil.
- For nails and cuticles: Massage a drop into each nail bed before bed.
Blending ideas
Argan oil is easy to build recipes around because its odour is mild and characteristic rather than overpowering.
- Calming night serum: Argan oil with a couple of drops of lavender.
- Scalp refresh: Argan oil with rosemary for a light pre-wash massage.
- Clarifying blend: Argan oil with tea tree for oily or blemish-prone areas.
- Beard and skin oil: Argan oil with frankincense for a grounding scent.
Safety and patch testing
Argan oil is generally well tolerated, but sensible care still applies:
- Always patch-test on the inner forearm and wait 24 hours before wider use, especially if you have nut allergies, since argan comes from a nut kernel.
- This is a cosmetic carrier oil for external use. Do not ingest it.
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Never apply undiluted essential oils to skin; always mix them into a carrier like argan oil first.
- If you notice redness, itching or irritation, stop using it.
Buying and storage tips
Look for cold-pressed argan oil, which is processed without heat and retains more of its natural goodness. Azlok's argan oil is cold-pressed, sourced in India, and available in sizes from 100 Gm right up to bulk 25 KG packs, so it suits both home users and small businesses making soaps, balms and hair care.
To keep it fresh through its two-year shelf life:
- Store in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Keep the cap tightly closed to limit exposure to air, which can cause oils to turn over time.
- Use clean, dry hands or a dropper to avoid introducing water or bacteria.
- Buy a pack size you will realistically use within a reasonable period rather than over-buying.
FAQ
Is argan oil good for oily or acne-prone skin?
Argan oil is relatively light and absorbs quickly, so many people with oily skin use it in small amounts. Because everyone's skin differs, patch-test first and start with just a drop or two.
Can I use argan oil directly on my hair?
Yes. Smooth a few drops over damp or dry ends, or use a larger amount as a pre-wash scalp and hair mask that you rinse out. Avoid overusing it, as too much can leave hair looking greasy.
Is Azlok argan oil pure and cold-pressed?
Azlok's argan oil (Argania spinosa) is cold-pressed and sourced in India, with a characteristic mild odour and a yellow to dark yellow colour. Check the product listing and documents for the specific batch details.
What essential oils blend well with argan oil?
It pairs well with tea tree, frankincense, lavender and rosemary. Add a few drops of essential oil per 10 ml of argan oil for a balanced blend.
How long does argan oil last?
Stored properly in a cool, dark place with the cap sealed, argan oil keeps for around two years. Discard it if the smell turns sharp or rancid.