Argan Oil: Uses, Benefits, & More

Argan oil is a natural oil extracted from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), which is native to Morocco.

Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, argan oil is used for cooking, as well as for skin conditions and cosmetic products.

Here's what you need to know about argan oil's potential uses, benefits, and precautions.

Uses of Argan Oil

Argan oil is marketed for many different cosmetic and therapeutic purposes.

It's also a polyunsaturated oil, popular for cooking and considered heart-healthy.

There needs to be more science to support most of argan oil's purported benefits.

However, some evidence exists for its use in skin care, high cholesterol, and knee osteoarthritis.

May Counter Effects of Aging in Skin

The high concentration of antioxidants in argan oil—including oleic acid and linoleic acid—suggests it may be able to fight aging by neutralizing free radicals that damage cells.

According to one study, argan oil taken by mouth or applied to the skin improved skin hydration in 60 postmenopausal people.

Another study showed that argan oil led to a significant increase in skin elasticity of people assigned female at birth who were also postmenopausal after 60 days.

In both trials, argan oil administered as either 25 milliliters (ml) a day by mouth or about ten drops a day on the skin had anti-aging effects.

While promising, note that these trials included only 60 people assigned female at birth, and conclusions were limited by the absence of a placebo control group.

Randomized controlled trials, the gold standard in scientific research, are needed to determine argan oil's effectiveness.

May Lower Cholesterol

A systematic review (a collection of studies) looked at the effects of argan oil given for at least two weeks on cholesterol.

Scientists concluded argan oil lowered total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL, or "bad" cholesterol), and triglycerides.

Supplementation with the oil also increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL, or "good" cholesterol) levels.

Scientists noted that more large clinical trials are needed to determine if argan oil benefits overall heart health and outcomes.

May Improve Knee Osteoarthritis

One study included 100 predominantly people assigned female at birth, with osteoarthritis of the knee (KOA).

Those who consumed 30 milliliters of argan oil every morning for eight weeks improved pain and function as measured by several assessments.

The people who supplemented with argan oil also increased their walking distance.

Again, more research is needed before argan oil can be routinely recommended.

Additional Uses

In addition, argan oil has been studied for conditions including:

• Diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome
• Depression
• Kidney and liver diseases
• Cancer

To date, few scientific studies support these uses. More data is needed before argan oil can be recommended for any of them.

Much of argan oil research is from animal models that may or may not translate into benefits for humans.

What Are the Side Effects of Argan Oil?

Your healthcare provider may recommend you use argan oil for skin health or for another reason.

However, using a natural oil like this one may have potential side effects.

These side effects may be common or severe.

Common Side Effects

Argan oil may cause contact dermatitis, a rash at the application site.

However, taking it by mouth or applying it topically is generally considered safe.

In studies of people assigned female at birth who were postmenopausal, no side effects were noted.

Severe Side Effects

There has been one report of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction associated with argan oil.

However, in general, severe side effects with argan oil are not expected.

Precautions

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that people with oily skin avoid oil-based skin products like argan oil.

Dosage: How Much Argan Oil Should I Use?

There are no guidelines for the appropriate use of argan oil.

The following doses have been used in clinical trials:

• Skin elasticity: 25 milliliters a day by mouth or 10 drops on the skin
• Knee osteoarthritis: 30 milliliters a day by mouth for eight weeks

What Happens If I Use Too Much Argan Oil?

There is no data on argan oil toxicity.

Still, it's always best to follow the manufacturer's instructions after getting the green light from your healthcare provider.

Interactions

Argan oil contains tocopherols, a form of vitamin E, which may slow blood clotting.

This could potentially cause an interaction with blood thinners like Jantoven (warfarin), leading to an increased bleeding risk.

How to Store Argan Oil

Argan oil should be stored in a dark bottle and kept in a cool room to help prevent deterioration of the oil that can occur with exposure to light.

Discard after one year or according to the manufacturer's directions.

Similar Supplements

Some other plant oils that may reverse signs of skin aging are:

• Olive oil
• Sunflower seed oil
• Coconut oil
• Soybean oil
• Peanut oil
• Sesame oil
• Avocado oil
• Jojoba oil
• Almond oil
• Bitter apricot oil
• Rose hip oil
• German chamomile oil
• Shea butter

Other supplements that may improve osteoarthritis symptoms include:

• Fish oil
• Olive oil
• Collagen
• Pomegranate juice
• Glucosamine/chondroitin

Please talk about using any of these supplements with your healthcare provider before taking them.

Just because products are natural does not mean they're safe for everyone or effective.

Sources of Argan Oil & What to Look For

Argan oil is sold as a cooking oil, a cosmetic ingredient, and dietary supplement.

Argan oil products can be found online and in many grocery stores, drugstores, and specialty beauty shops.

Food Sources of Argan Oil

Edible argan oil is a cold-pressed oil typically made from roasted argan kernels.

It has a golden color and sweet, nutty flavor, and is often eaten with bread or drizzled over fish or salads.

Because argan oil is expensive compared to other vegetable oils, it is at risk of being adulterated (contaminated) or mixed with other less expensive oils.

Argan Oil Supplements

Cosmetic-grade argan oil is made from raw argan kernels and sold as a pure oil ingredient in skin creams, lotions, serums, face masks, ointments, and shampoos.

When choosing a supplement, the NIH recommends one quality tested by an independent organization like USP, ConsumerLab, or NSF.org. These agencies verify that the ingredients listed on the label are accurate and that the product is likely not contaminated.

Remember, though, that these quality assurances do not mean that the product has been proven safe or effective.