Is Argan Oil Worth the Money?

Question: My hair  salon is now selling  argan oil shampoo.  Is is a good choice for dry hair?  And is it worth  the higher price?

Answer:  Argan oil  is arguably the oil of the year.  It comes from the nut of the argan tree which  is found  primarily in Morocco.  In North Africa argan oil is used  as a dip for bread, in salads as well as in skin and hair care products.     Argan seeds destined for eating are toasted to bring out the nutty flavor.   When seeds are used for  cosmetics, they  skip the  toasting step. 

Argan seeds are a tough nut to crack ( pun not really intended)  They have to cracked by hand and the entire  extraction process is long and labor intensive.   This, plus  the  fact that  the argan tree is now on the endangered list, make argan oil one of the rarest  ( and thus most expensive) oils on the market.

Health Benefits of Argan Oil

Argan oil is packed with  omega six fatty acids.  It is actually almost 40% linoleic acid– the most effective anti-wrinkling oil  according to the NHANES study.  Pure argan oil is also  rich in a range of anti-oxidants including vitamin E, carotenes, and phenols.  Studies done with volunteers found that adding argan oil to  the diet lowered both cholesterol and triglyceride levels.    Other studies suggested that argan oil  could be as heart healthy as olive oil– but at  a much higher price tag.

Beauty Benefits of Argan Oil

Moroccan women have a long tradition of using argan oil to soften  sun dried skin and hair.  Linoleic  acid is  known for its anti-inflammatory properties maknig it an excellent choice for  irritated or sensitive skin.   Argan oil mixes well with other cosmetic ingredients  and softens without excessive oiliness.  In a shampoo and or conditioner this means it can  add shine and flexibility  without making the hair flat or greasy.

The challenge is to find genuine  Argan oil products.   You can find 100% Argan oil in health food stores   while other products have only a drop or two of  this unique oil.    Be  cautious of products labeled Moroccan oil which is often a mixture of some  Argan oil and  who knows what else.

Bottom line:  Argan oil has a lot going for it.  It makes  elegant products and is a welcome addition to your healthy foods list.  Just be sure  you’re getting the real thing.

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