2026 update: Data synthesis
This revision distinguishes between traditions, cosmetic or food uses, and results that have been genuinely studied. A study on an isolated extract or ingredient does not automatically demonstrate the efficacy of the finished product.
Precautions: The data primarily supports the emollient use of argan oil. Evidence regarding hair growth or therapeutic effects remains limited.
Argan Oil:
benefits, uses
& complete guide
From the fruit of the Moroccan argan tree to your beauty routine — everything you need to know about the world's most precious oil for skin, hair, and nails.
The Argan tree, world heritage of humanity. Since 1998, the argan forest of Morocco has been classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. In 2014, the centuries-old know-how of producing argan oil was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The liquid gold of Morocco — much more than just an oil
Nicknamed the "gift from God" by the Berber women who have produced it for centuries, argan oil is extracted by cold pressing the kernels of the argan fruit (Argania spinosa) — a tree endemic to southwestern Morocco that grows only in the Souss plain, between Agadir and Essaouira.
Used both in cosmetics and cooking, it has established itself since the 2000s as one of the most precious vegetable oils in the world, recognized for its exceptional virtues for the skin, hair, and nails. Its unique composition of essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and natural antioxidants explains its global success.
From the argan tree to the bottle
Argan fruits — round and yellow when ripe — are collected from the ground, dried for 1 to 2 months, then shelled manually by the women of Berber cooperatives. The kernels are then cold-pressed to extract the precious oil.
To obtain 1 liter of argan oil, one must process about 30 to 50 kg of fruit — which explains its price and preciousness. Production remains a artisanal activity, coordinated by women's cooperatives that preserve this ancestral know-how.
All the benefits of argan oil, zone by zone
Anti-wrinkle & anti-aging
When applied regularly, argan oil reduces the appearance of wrinkles thanks to its antioxidants that protect collagen and improve skin elasticity.
Anti-aging · FirmnessIntense hydration
It repairs the hydrolipidic film and nourishes dry, flaky, or sensitive skin deeply — without greasing or clogging pores.
Dry · SensitiveRadiance & skin tone evening
Its richness in vitamin A regenerates cells and improves dull complexions. It reduces imperfections and gives the skin a smooth and luminous appearance.
Radiance · Even toneSoothing reactive skin
Its natural anti-inflammatory properties calm redness, irritation, and discomfort in reactive or sensitive skin.
Soothing · ReactiveNutrition & shine
Squalene penetrates the hair fiber to nourish it deeply, restore shine, and smooth dull or damaged lengths.
Shine · SmoothingRepairing damaged hair
It restores keratin and protects colored, bleached, or heat-styled hair against breakage and split ends.
Repair · ColoredScalp care
When massaged, it stimulates blood microcirculation, limits dryness and itching, and promotes better growth in the long term.
Scalp · GrowthNatural styling product
A few drops rubbed into the hands are enough to tame frizz, smooth curly hair, and give it a healthy shine without weighing it down.
Styling · CurlyHands, feet & nails
A few drops massaged onto dry hands, rough feet, and brittle nails nourish, hydrate, and tone them lastingly.
Nails · Dry handsPrevention of stretch marks
Thanks to healing vitamin E, it improves skin elasticity. Apply from the first trimester of pregnancy on at-risk areas.
Pregnancy · Stretch marksAfter-shower body care
10 to 15 drops applied to slightly damp skin after showering repair and nourish deeply. Non-greasy texture, rapid absorption.
Body · NutritionNatural lip balm
1 to 2 drops massaged onto chapped lips soften, soothe, and protect them — especially in winter or during cold, dry weather.
Lips · WinterRoasted argan oil
Culinary oil is obtained from roasted kernels. It gives off a delicate nutty aroma, ideal drizzled over salads, tajines, and couscous.
Moroccan cuisine · FlavorCardiovascular benefits
Rich in omega 6 and 9, food-grade argan oil helps maintain a good lipid balance and protects the cardiovascular system.
Health · HeartAmlou — the Berber argan paste
Mixed with roasted almonds and honey, it forms amlou, the traditional Moroccan spread consumed at breakfast.
Tradition · AmlouImportant: cosmetic ≠ culinary
Cosmetic oil (unroasted, cold-pressed) is for external use only. Culinary oil (roasted) is for food use. Do not interchange.
RememberHow to use argan oil — 5 methods
- Cleanse face and pat dry gently
- Place 2 to 4 drops in the palm of your hand
- Warm between both hands and apply in circular massages to the face and neck
- Can be applied alone or before a moisturizer
At night, the oil can be left on all night for optimal regeneration
- Apply 6 to 10 drops to dry hair, from roots to ends
- Massage the scalp for 5 minutes to activate microcirculation
- Cover with a warm towel or shower cap
- Leave on for at least 30 minutes — ideally overnight
- Shampoo in the morning: transformed, shiny, and soft hair
1 to 2 times a week for very damaged hair, once every 15 days for maintenance
- Apply to slightly damp skin, right after showering
- 10 to 15 drops per leg in upward massage motions
- Focus on dry areas (elbows, knees, heels)
- For stretch marks: massage at-risk areas in gentle circles daily
Every 3 or 4 days for maintenance — daily for very dry skin or during pregnancy
- Brittle nails: massage 1 to 2 drops into each nail before sleeping
- Dry hands: a few drops massaged until fully absorbed
- Chapped lips: 1 drop applied and massaged onto lips, as often as needed
For hands, one application before bedtime is enough to see a difference in a few days
- Pour 2 to 3 drops in the palm of your hand
- Rub both hands together to warm the oil
- Run hands through hair like a "comb" from mid-lengths to ends
- Do not apply to the scalp to avoid a greasy look
Ideal for curly or frizzy hair or for finishing touches — also prolongs the vibrancy of hair color
How to choose your argan oil?
Not all argan oils are created equal. Quality directly determines effectiveness. Here are the essential criteria to check before buying.
Precautions & usage tips
Patch testBefore first use, apply 1 to 2 drops to the inside of your wrist. Wait 24 hours before using on the face.
Nut allergyRare, but in case of a known nut allergy, consult a doctor before use.
StorageKeep away from light, heat, and humidity. Ideally in a cool place. Keeps for 12 to 24 months.
Appropriate amountsA few drops are sufficient. Argan oil is concentrated — no need to overapply to achieve optimal results.
Pure Argan Oil — Nilabeauty
100% pure, virgin, cold-pressed. Sourced from Berber women's cooperatives in Souss-Massa, Morocco. No additives, no chemical refining, for cosmetic and hair use.
Discover our argan oils →Why choose Nilabeauty argan oil?
- ✓100% pure, virgin, and unrefined
- ✓First cold press — active ingredients preserved
- ✓Guaranteed traceability, certified Moroccan origin
- ✓No additives, no chemical preservatives
- ✓Hermetically sealed for optimal freshness
- ✓Fast delivery in France and internationally
"Argan oil is not just a treatment — it is an ancient heritage, the generosity of a tree unique in the world, passed down by the hands of Berber women."
Nilabeauty — Liquid Gold of Morocco & Natural Care
Order your argan oil →
