Overview

Rating: 5/5 stars ★★★★★
Price: $15.99 USD
Weight: 2 oz
Where to Buy: Drugstore.com

All I ever hear about nowadays is argan oil, the supposed miraculous beauty product that will solve all of your hair and skin woes. Unfortunately (or maybe, fortunately?), I am highly skeptical when it comes to such beauty claims—especially those not verified by the FDA, which basically means a company can make any claim without having to prove it. I’m not the only one with these thoughts as Paula’s Choice expresses a similar sentiment regarding argan oil.

Still, due to my dry skin issues, I decided to give the oil a try. I didn’t expect much going in, considering no product can live up to that much hype. Also note that so far no studies have been conducted on argan oil specifically when used topically.

I’m fairly certain that all of the hype allows companies to raise the price of argan oil and it’s derivative products. Companies like to keep their products mysterious so they can demand higher prices. Just look at La Mer (see these articles at Mail Online and Paula’s Choice). I’m going to be blunt and say that you’ll have to do a lot of convincing for me to believe any beauty oil is worth $70 or $90 for 1 oz.

The good thing about the hype surrounding argan oil is that the endangered argan tree, once subjected to deforestation, now receives more protection as an economical resource. Also, since argan oil is traditionally produced by women, they are now able to form co-ops that create a stable form of income for their families.

I was at Drugstore.com some weeks back and decided I should look for some argan oil. I was intrigued when I found this product from NOW Foods. They’re mostly known for their supplements, many of which are vegan. In fact, I also ordered a vegan children’s multi from NOW on the same Drugstore.com order.

NOW products have lower prices than other brands mostly due to selling in large quantities and their no nonsense packaging. You can usually find their products at your local natural foods store.

Normally, the NOW Solutions Argan Oil retails for $15.99 at Drugstore.com, but I had a discount code and paid $10.87.

Packaging

The argan oil is packaged in an amber colored glass bottle with an eyedropper applicator.

The label is as nondescript as you would expect for a sixteen dollar product.

My Drugstore.com haul

Most argan oil is available only at 1 oz, but this is a full 2 oz bottle. I like having the larger amount because I don’t feel like I have to hoard it. Besides my face, I’ve used it on my hands, cuticles, and also elbows. With winter coming, I sense I’ll be using the argan oil more.

Formulation

This 100% Moroccan argan oil is alos USDA certified organic.

There’s not really a formulation since this is just pure, pressed oil.

It is a slightly thick oil, like olive oil, with a pale yellow hue. The argan oil absorbs easily into the skin on my hands and body, though the absorption is slower on my face, likely hampered by the other moisturizers I typically use.

There is a slight scent, not one that’s added, but how it naturally smells. I’m really not sure how to describe it. The best I can come up with is a lightly nutty with a slight astringent scent. Some reviewers on Drugstore.com noted a terrible odor, but it sounds like those may have been rancid bottles.

I wouldn’t say that my bottle smells great, but I don’t notice it too much, and the scent disappears shortly after application.

For more information on argan oil, please scroll to end of review.

Application

Typically it’s recommended to use 3-4 drops for your entire face. Since I have uber dry skin, I use 2-3 drops for the lower part of my face and 2-3 drops for the upper part. I cannot find the article, but I read recently in either Vogue or InStyle to pat on beauty oils after moisturizing, instead of rubbing them in.

I typically use the argan oil at night, over my moisturizer to keep my skin hydrated. On mild weather days, I sometimes use it as my only moisturizer before applying a base or BB cream.

Argan oil was originally introduced to Americans as a hair product. I’m not exactly sure how to apply it to your hair, but I’m sure Google can answer that question. I did read that you can dab argan oil on your scalp at night if you have dry scalp issues.

There has been some research conducted on toasted argan oil showing it has similar effects on the heart as olive oil. This argan oil by NOW, however, clearly states not to ingest it, so…don’t eat it.

Images

Final Thoughts

Pros: 100% Moroccan argan oil, USDA certified organic, economically priced, good absorption, moisturizing
Cons: Some may find the scent off-putting, doesn’t quite live up to the hype

While I don’t buy into the argan oil hype, I still find it to be a useful part of my skincare regime. I can use one product for all of my dry skin needs.

I’m also pleased that NOW offers an affordable, yet quality argan oil product, for those of us on modest budgets.

Additional Information
Argan Oil on Wikipedia
Argan Oil on Paula’s Choice
Hard Nut to Crack: Beauty and Antioxidant Oil by The Wall Street Journal