8 products with argan oil for healthier skin and hair

For years, ingesting argan oil, from the eponymous tree indigenous to Morocco, has been thought to reduce risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, and while those claims are hotly debated, one thing is for sure: It can work wonders on your hair and skin when applied topically. Argan oil contains several fatty acids—oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic—and antioxidants like vitamin E, all of which help hydrate and moisturize the skin and hair. The oil is extracted from the kernels of the argan fruit (which resembles a slim lime) and can be used on its own or in a mixture of several ingredients, like rosehip and grapeseed oils.

Here are some of the top-rated argan oil products for skin and hair, whether you’re looking to add to your current routine or make some big changes.

1. For moisturizing dry skin: Moroccanoil Pure Argan Oil

Argan oil is the lone ingredient in the Moroccanoil Pure Argan Oil, and you’ll only need a few drops to see results. The product nourishes the skin and helps improve skin texture. For best use, apply the oil after exfoliating your skin for quick absorption and deeper moisturization. While the product is typically just used on the skin, it can also be smoothed through the hair for a conditioning effect.

One Sephora reviewer writes: “Love this oil, I use it on my skin and hair. A little goes a long way. Definitely a must-have for me!”

Get the Moroccanoil Pure Argan Oil on Sephora for $52

2. For full-body moisturization: The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Body Butter

The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Body Butter is a rich, argan oil-packed hydrating and moisturizing cream for the entire body. The butter works best on very dry skin and can even last on your body for a few days, thanks to its thick texture. A little goes a long way, so apply a small amount after you shower and allow a few minutes for it to soak into the skin.

One Amazon reviewer writes: “I have diabetes and need to look after my feet. I have very dry skin and I am prone to the skin on both my feet and my hands splitting and bleeding due to eczema, especially in the cold winter weather. I highly recommend this for very dry feet and hands.”

Get The Body Shop Wild Argan Body Butter on Amazon for $21

3. For shampooing dry hair: OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Hydrating Hair Shampoo

You don’t need to spend much to snag a shampoo that solves your dry hair problems. This OGX shampoo claims to penetrate the shafts of individual hair strands for cleansing and moisturization. It helps strengthen damaged and dry hair with (you guessed it) argan oil and protects against heat and UV damage.

One Amazon reviewer writes: “I've been using this shampoo for several years. My hair is long and fine. The shampoo cleans well, is thick and concentrated so I only need a small amount. Moisturizing. Clean, natural aroma. I use this with the conditioner.”

Get the OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Hydrating Hair Shampoo on Amazon for $9.84

4. For conditioning brittle hair: Redken All Soft Argan Oil Conditioner

The Redken All Soft Argan Oil Conditioner works best on brittle and dried-out hair. The conditioner detangles and moisturizes to help soften hair. In addition to argan oil, it utilizes soy protein to seal in moisture and arginine, an amino acid, to stimulate the scalp. Use a dollop after shampooing to help lock any moisture into your clean hair and preserve the conditioning effects.

One Amazon reviewer exclaims: “My absolute favorite conditioner. Anytime I stray from it, I regret it! The smell is amazing as well, my favorite of any product. This conditioner makes my hair softer than any other brand and I’ve tried them all, from drugstore to high end.”

Get the Redken All Soft Argan Oil Conditioner on Amazon for $17.50

5. For cleaning your skin and removing makeup: Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil

Josie Maran has cornered the market on argan oil skin and hair care products. The cleansing oil is one of her more unique products, as it’s known for its ability to clean the skin in a wash-off treatment rather than absorb into the skin and moisturize it, like other products on this list. Massage a few pumps into your skin with dry hands for a few minutes before adding water and rinsing. The cleanser removes makeup and other buildup on the skin, like dirt and oil, and cleanses pores. It claims to prevent future blemishes while leaving your skin with a smoother texture.

One Sephora reviewer gushes: “This stuff is the holy grail for my 48-year-old sensitive, combination skin. [...] After years of using a drugstore brand, I wanted to switch to a ‘clean’ cleanser without sulfates. I tried several different brands and none came close to this.”

Get the Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil on Sephora for $34

6. For detangling hair: Hask Argan Oil Spray

The Hask Argan Oil Spray is a conditioning and detangling leave-in treatment. The 5-in-1 oil spray claims to tame frizz, add shine, repair damaged hair, and protect against future damage. The spray, which can be sprayed directly onto your head, can be added to wet or dry hair for a finishing touch.

Writes one Ulta reviewer: “This is the best drugstore conditioner! I’ve tried every conditioner at the drugstore (no joke). While every one of the conditioners have weighed my hair down, this one doesn’t! It has no smell which is a plus! Even though it has argan oil in it, it doesn’t make my hair feel oily. It feels super soft. I only use about two sprays and then I comb it through since I have very fine hair.”

Get the Hask Argan Oil Spray on Ulta for $7.99

7. For soothing dehydrated skin: Paula’s Choice Moisture Renewal Oil Booster

Ceramides, lipids that protect the skin barrier, work in tandem with argan oil in Paula’s Choice Moisture Renewal Oil Booster to aid dehydrated skin. The serum contains several other plant oils, including jojoba, safflower, and sunflower seed oils to smooth and rehydrate skin. The booster is best suited for dry and flaky skin in need of rehydration, but you can use it on any skin type for an extra boost of moisture. It can be added to your normal moisturization routine up to two times per day before your normal moisturizer. It’s also fragrance-free, so it’s a solid option for people who find plant oil scents overwhelming.

One Amazon reviewer raves: “This is one of my favorite oils! It is packed full of great ingredients for your skin, and is cheaper than the oil I was previously buying from Sephora. I mix it with my moisturizer both in the morning and at night before bed, and I have definitely noticed a difference, especially in the dry winter months. It doesn't make my face feel as greasy as some of the other oils I have tried previously, and it doesn't have that sticky feeling.”

Get the Paula’s Choice Moisture Renewal Oil Booster on Amazon for $38

8. For healing damaged hair: Pantene Gold Series Intense Hydrating Oil

The Pantene Gold Series Intense Hydrating Oil not only hydrates but also helps heal damaged hair. According to Pantene, the oil was designed by Black Ph.D. scientists and stylists for textured hair. It absorbs into the hair and provides a healthy-looking shine, whether you have wavy-, curly-, or coily-textured hair. It only takes a few pumps and can be used on wet or dry hair—just rub a dime-sized it into your palms and run your hands throughout the body of your locks.

One Amazon reviewer writes: “I have very dry hair naturally, and I use this oil when my hair is still wet after showering and let me tell you, once my hair dries my hair is much softer and a lot less frizzier than without. It also defines my curls a lot more. I love this and recommend to anyone with thick curly hair.”

Get the Pantene Gold Series Intense Hydrating Oil on Amazon for $7.98