Herbs and plantsArgan oil — liquid gold for skin and hair, or an expensive myth?
- Henryk Różański — Olej arganowy–Argan Oil w terapii i kosmetyce.
- The Importance of Argan Oil in Medicine and Cosmetology. · Nutrients 2024
- The effect of dietary and/or cosmetic argan oil on postmenopausal skin elasticity. · Clin Interv Aging 2015
- Activation of MITF by Argan Oil Leads to the Inhibition of the Tyrosinase and Dopachrome Tautomerase Expressions in B16 Murine Melanoma Cells. · Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2013
- Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. · Int J Mol Sci 2017
- Clinical and instrumental study of the efficacy of a new sebum control cream. · J Cosmet Dermatol 2007
Argan oil is taken orally and used for skin care and treatment, as well as an ingredient in cosmetics.
- In cosmetics, it moisturizes the skin, helps prevent it from drying out, and is used to make soaps and emulsions.
- Oral use has been attributed with effects including stimulating bile flow, preventing ulcers, and lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
What the authors write
Argan oil is used as a base and solvent in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, as a nourishing and moisturizing skin additive, and as an ingredient in soaps and emulsions.
Argan oil is also described as edible and medicinal.
Oral use has been attributed with effects including stimulating bile flow, preventing ulcers, and lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
On the skin, it has effects including moisturizing, reducing inflammation, and supporting the healing of wounds, ulcers, and burns.
Argan oil has been described as helpful for redness, acne, psoriasis, and several other skin problems, as well as for caring for dry and sagging skin.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 5 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 13.
The review indicates that argan oil is used on the skin to moisturize it and help soothe conditions such as eczema and acne.
Aim of the study: Argan oil, rich in unsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols, exerts beneficial effects on both the intestinal and skin microbiotas. In the gut, it promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as lactobacilli, while reducing pathogenic bacteria, due to its anti-inflammatory properties that help maintain microbial balance.
Results: An exhaustive search of the literature was carried out using targeted keywords. A set of 83 articles were selected and analyzed. As the mechanisms of action of argan oil are not completely understood, this work highlighted the benefits of this oil by analyzing its nutritional properties and its beneficial effects on the intestinal and skin microbiotas. Indeed, argan oil is valuable for overall health.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In postmenopausal women, consuming argan oil and using it as a cosmetic were associated with increased skin elasticity.
Aim of the study: During menopause, the decrease of estrogenic secretion induces the disruption of skin functioning, thus causing the decline in skin elasticity characteristic of skin aging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in postmenopausal women the effect of daily consumption and/or application of argan oil on skin elasticity.
Results: The consumption of argan oil led to a significant increase of gross-elasticity of the skin (R2) (P<0.001), net elasticity of the skin (R5) (P<0.001), biological elasticity (R7) (P<0.001), and a significant decrease of RRT (P=0.002). The application of argan oil led to a significant increase of gross-elasticity of the skin (R2) (P<0.001), net elasticity of the skin (R5) (P<0.001), biological elasticity (R7) (P=0.001), and a significant decrease of RRT (P<0.001). Our findings suggest that the daily consumption and/or topical application of argan oil have an anti-aging effect on the skin demonstrated by the improvement of skin elasticity, characterized by an increase of R-parameters (R2, R5, and R7) and a decrease of RRT.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a cell study, argan oil reduced melanin production, suggesting a possible use for pigmentation.
Aim of the study: Argan (Argania spinosa L.) oil has been used for centuries in Morocco as cosmetic oil to maintain a fair complexion and to cure skin pimples and chicken pox pustules scars. Although it is popular, the scientific basis for its effect on the skin has not yet been established.
Results: Real-time PCR results revealed a downregulation of Tyr, Trp1, Dct, and Mitf mRNA expressions. Argan oil treatment causes MITF phosphorylation which subsequently inhibited the transcription of melanogenic enzymes, TYR and DCT. The inhibitory effect of argan oil on melanin biosynthesis may be attributed to tocopherols as well as the synergistic effect of its components. The results of this study provide the scientific basis for the traditionally established benefits of argan oil and present its therapeutic potential against hyperpigmentation disorders.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The review discusses possible uses of argan oil on the skin in connection with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and its potential to support healing and restore the skin barrier.
Aim of the study: Plant oils have been utilized for a variety of purposes throughout history, with their integration into foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. They are now being increasingly recognized for their effects on both skin diseases and the restoration of cutaneous homeostasis.
Results: Plant oils have been utilized for a variety of purposes throughout history, with their integration into foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. They are now being increasingly recognized for their effects on both skin diseases and the restoration of cutaneous homeostasis. This article briefly reviews the available data on biological influences of topical skin applications of some plant oils (olive oil, olive pomace oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, safflower seed oil, argan oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, avocado oil, borage oil, jojoba oil, oat oil, pomegranate seed oil, almond oil, bitter apricot oil, rose hip oil, German chamomile oil, and shea butter). Thus, it focuses on the therapeutic benefits of these plant oils according to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the skin, promotion of wound healing and repair of skin barrier.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
A cream containing argan oil among other ingredients reduced skin oiliness, although the study cannot attribute the effect to the oil alone.
Aim of the study: Some botanical compounds are considered useful to reduce sebum production. Aim To evaluate the efficacy of a sebum control cream containing polyphenol-rich extract from saw palmetto, sesame seeds, and argan oil in subjects with oily facial skin.
Results: The product was very well accepted by all the volunteers. A visible sebum-regulating efficacy was reported in 95% of them. After 4 weeks of treatment, the clinical assessment scores decreased by 33%. There was a significant reduction in the casual sebum level by 20% and area covered with oily spots by 42%. The number of active sebaceous glands remained unaltered. These results objectively and quantitatively show the efficacy of the sebum control cream tested to reduce the greasiness and improve the appearance of oily facial skin.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
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