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Argan Oil
At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about argan oil. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Argan oil is cold-pressed from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), native to Morocco. In ORY® products, it helps skin feel soft and supple and helps hair look smooth and shiny with less frizz. |
Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel found plant-derived fatty acid oils, including argan kernel oil, safe as used in cosmetics.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
- What it shows: CIR safety assessment of plant oils.
- Guillaume, D., & Charrouf, Z. (2011). Argan oil. Alternative Medicine Review, 16(3), 275–279. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Guillaume%20Charrouf%20Argan%20oil%20Alternative%20Medicine%20Review%202011
- What it shows: Review of argan oil.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Cosmetic argan oil is pressed from unroasted kernels. It contains oleic and linoleic acids, vitamin E (mostly gamma-tocopherol), and plant sterols such as schottenol and spinasterol. |
Verification: Supported. Its fatty-acid profile is well documented.
Citations:
- Guillaume, D., & Charrouf, Z. (2011). Argan oil. Alternative Medicine Review, 16(3), 275–279. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Guillaume%20Charrouf%20Argan%20oil%20Alternative%20Medicine%20Review%202011
- What it shows: Describes composition.
- Guillaume, D., & Charrouf, Z. (2011). Argan oil. Alternative Medicine Review, 16(3), 275–279. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Guillaume%20Charrouf%20Argan%20oil%20Alternative%20Medicine%20Review%202011
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Argan oil suits most skin types, especially dry, normal, and mature skin. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Argan oil is generally well tolerated. Argan is a seed kernel, not a true tree nut, but people with nut allergies should patch test.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
- What it shows: Safety data.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, argan oil helps hair feel soft and look smooth and shiny. |
Verification: Limited evidence. Oils are commonly used to soften hair and reduce the look of frizz; we found no controlled clinical studies of this oil on hair. ORY® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff, scalp conditions, or hair loss.
Citations:
- Guillaume, D., & Charrouf, Z. (2011). Argan oil. Alternative Medicine Review, 16(3), 275–279. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Guillaume%20Charrouf%20Argan%20oil%20Alternative%20Medicine%20Review%202011
- What it shows: General review.
- Guillaume, D., & Charrouf, Z. (2011). Argan oil. Alternative Medicine Review, 16(3), 275–279. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Guillaume%20Charrouf%20Argan%20oil%20Alternative%20Medicine%20Review%202011
5. Benefits
Claim: Argan oil helps skin feel soft, supple, and moisturized. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. In a 60-day study of 60 postmenopausal women, all participants applied argan oil to one forearm, and half also consumed argan oil. Skin elasticity and hydration improved at the treated site. Because oral and topical use were combined in the design, results cannot be fully attributed to topical use alone, and both reports likely describe the same group of women.
Citations:
- Boucetta, K. Q., Charrouf, Z., Aguenaou, H., Derouiche, A., & Bensouda, Y. (2015). The effect of dietary and/or cosmetic argan oil on postmenopausal skin elasticity. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 10, 339–349. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S71684
- What it shows: Elasticity results.
- Boucetta, K. Q., Charrouf, Z., Derouiche, A., Rahali, Y., & Bensouda, Y. (2014). Skin hydration in postmenopausal women: Argan oil benefit with oral and/or topical use. Przegląd Menopauzalny, 13(5), 280–288. https://doi.org/10.5114/pm.2014.46470
- What it shows: Hydration results (likely same participants).
- Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2018). Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070
- What it shows: Review of plant oils and the skin barrier.
- Boucetta, K. Q., Charrouf, Z., Aguenaou, H., Derouiche, A., & Bensouda, Y. (2015). The effect of dietary and/or cosmetic argan oil on postmenopausal skin elasticity. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 10, 339–349. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S71684
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Argan Oil is used in all four ORY® product lines. |
Verification: Supported. Argan oil is often adulterated, so ORY® requires certificates of origin and fatty-acid analysis.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 5–100% | Facial oils, night serums, body oils, creams, and cuticle oils. |
| Haircare | 2–100% | Hair serums, oils, masks, leave-ins, and conditioners. |
| Handmade Soap | 5–10% of oils | Luxury bars or superfat. |
| Cosmetics | 5–20% | Lip oils, foundations, highlighters, and cream blush. |
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
- What it shows: Reported uses.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
7. Pros
Claim: A light, nourishing oil with some clinical support and a CIR safety conclusion. |
Verification: Supported. Well documented composition and long cosmetic use.
Citations:
- Boucetta, K. Q., Charrouf, Z., Aguenaou, H., Derouiche, A., & Bensouda, Y. (2015). The effect of dietary and/or cosmetic argan oil on postmenopausal skin elasticity. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 10, 339–349. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S71684
- What it shows: Clinical study.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Boucetta, K. Q., Charrouf, Z., Aguenaou, H., Derouiche, A., & Bensouda, Y. (2015). The effect of dietary and/or cosmetic argan oil on postmenopausal skin elasticity. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 10, 339–349. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S71684
8. Cons
Claim: Argan oil is costly, often adulterated, and its clinical evidence combined oral and topical use. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Cost and adulteration. Verify origin.
- Mixed evidence. The main study combined oral and topical use.
- Shelf life. About 12–18 months.
- Soap. Adds conditioning but little lather.
Citations:
- Boucetta, K. Q., Charrouf, Z., Aguenaou, H., Derouiche, A., & Bensouda, Y. (2015). The effect of dietary and/or cosmetic argan oil on postmenopausal skin elasticity. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 10, 339–349. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S71684
- What it shows: Study design.
- Boucetta, K. Q., Charrouf, Z., Aguenaou, H., Derouiche, A., & Bensouda, Y. (2015). The effect of dietary and/or cosmetic argan oil on postmenopausal skin elasticity. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 10, 339–349. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S71684
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- If you have a nut allergy, patch test carefully.
- Store away from heat and light, and discard if it smells rancid.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
- What it shows: Safety assessment.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Boucetta, K. Q., Charrouf, Z., Aguenaou, H., Derouiche, A., & Bensouda, Y. (2015). The effect of dietary and/or cosmetic argan oil on postmenopausal skin elasticity. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 10, 339–349. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S71684
- Boucetta, K. Q., Charrouf, Z., Derouiche, A., Rahali, Y., & Bensouda, Y. (2014). Skin hydration in postmenopausal women: Argan oil benefit with oral and/or topical use. Przegląd Menopauzalny, 13(5), 280–288. https://doi.org/10.5114/pm.2014.46470
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
- Guillaume, D., & Charrouf, Z. (2011). Argan oil. Alternative Medicine Review, 16(3), 275–279. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Guillaume%20Charrouf%20Argan%20oil%20Alternative%20Medicine%20Review%202011
- Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2018). Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap