INGREDIENT · PLANT OIL
Argan oil for skin: what trials show, and allergy reports
Argan oil has a polished reputation and a thin evidence file: one trial in babies, a small trial in older women and a lot of review articles.
You may see it written as
- Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
What argan oil is
Argan oil comes from the kernels of Argania spinosa. A 2024 review of plant cosmetic oils says it contains tocopherols at between 60 and 90 mg per 100 g, and that only 19 g in every 100 g of its fatty acids are saturated.1 A second 2024 review describes it as rich in unsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols.2
A 2024 review describes argan oil as hydrating the skin and balancing its lipid environment, and as having antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, while saying the mechanisms of action are not completely understood.2
The diaper dermatitis trial
A 2023 study in Jordan enrolled 147 children aged two or under with mild to severe diaper dermatitis. They were assigned randomly to argan oil or 1% hydrocortisone ointment, and healing was scored on a 5-point scale on days 1, 3 and 7. Both groups improved. The authors report that children treated with argan oil were less likely to have severe grades and improved faster, and conclude it might be used as a complementary treatment, adding that more clinical trials are needed.3
The authors call the study quasi-experimental,3 and it compared argan oil with a mild steroid, not with a plain moisturiser or no treatment. It tells you about one skin problem in babies, not about argan oil on adult faces.
A trial in older women
A 2015 randomised trial enrolled 60 postmenopausal women. All of them applied argan oil to the left forearm every day for 60 days, while half also ate argan oil and half ate olive oil. Elasticity was measured on both forearms, and applying argan oil significantly improved several elasticity measures, as did eating it.4
It measured forearm skin, not faces, in one small group of women, so it says little about argan oil in a face product.
Using argan oil with other products
The diaper trial compared argan oil with a steroid ointment, not with other products layered.3 We did not find a source on layering argan oil with other products.
Argan oil in pregnancy and breastfeeding
We found no pregnancy- or lactation-specific evidence for this ingredient.
Evidence on cosmetic products in pregnancy is limited overall, so ask your doctor or midwife about the specific product you use.5
What you will see on the label
On a label, look for Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil. Snifff shows it as Risk-free. For the rest of the formula, see what the score means and how to read the list.
As Snifff shows itArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Pregnancy and nursing
We found no pregnancy- or lactation-specific evidence for this ingredient.
Wording as it appears in the extension, which can change between releases.
A FEW MORE ANSWERS
Common questions about argan oil
Is argan oil good for diaper rash?
In a 2023 quasi-experimental study of 147 children aged two or under, argan oil healed diaper dermatitis faster than 1% hydrocortisone, according to its authors, who say more trials are needed.3
Does argan oil have vitamin E?
A 2024 review says argan oil contains tocopherols at 60 to 90 mg per 100 g.1
Does argan oil help ageing skin?
In a 2015 trial in 60 postmenopausal women, argan oil applied to the forearm daily for 60 days improved skin elasticity measures.4 It did not test faces.
Is argan oil safe in pregnancy?
Snifff found no pregnancy-specific evidence for Argan oil. Ask your doctor or midwife about the product you use.
WHERE THIS COMES FROM
Sources
- A comprehensive review of plant-based cosmetic oils (virgin coconut oil, olive oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil): chemical and biological properties and their cosmeceutical applicationsAbdalla S, Aroua MK, Gew LT · ACS Omega · 2024
- The importance of argan oil in medicine and cosmetologySerrafi A, Chegdani F, Bennis F, Kepinska M · Nutrients · 2024
- Effects of argan spinosa oil in the treatment of diaper dermatitis in infants and toddlers: a quasi-experimental studyAlsatari ES, AlSheyab N, D'Sa JL, Gharaibeh H, Eid S, Al-Nusour EA, Hayajneh AA · Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences · 2023
- The effect of dietary and/or cosmetic argan oil on postmenopausal skin elasticityBoucetta KQ, et al. · Clinical Interventions in Aging · 2015
- Cosmetic dermatology in pregnancy and lactation: a risk-benefit framework for clinical practiceKovacs T, et al. · International Journal of Dermatology · 2026
This page explains an ingredient. It is not medical advice, and it is not an assessment of any product. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a skin condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist.