How to Use Argan Oil for Skin: 4 Easy Methods for All Skin Types

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Published November 8, 2021

Drops of bright yellow essential oil with air bubbles are dripping from glass bottle and pipette on ultimate gray surface. Trendy colors of the year 2021. Extreme close-up and front view — Anna Efetova / Getty Images

Pure argan oil can be applied directly to your face as a moisturizer, but if you want to boost its hydrating power and target other skin issues, try one of the following DIY argan oil applications for skin.

Benefits of Argan Oil

Argan oil is high in fat-soluble vitamin E—a property that can help skin retain water. That means argan oil is great for moisturizing skin. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, so it can calm and soothe skin. In addition, argan oil has anti-sebum effects which may help keep skin clear.

Argan oil is made from the fruits that are harvested from the argan tree, native to Morocco. Inside the nut of the fruit are up to three kernels, which are usually removed by hand (this work provides income to the mostly women's cooperatives that do this work). Then, the kernels are pressed in order to extract the oil.

In Morocco, argan kernels that have been roasted produce a nutty-tasting oil that's used as a dip for bread and drizzled on top of couscous. For beauty product uses, the oil isn't roasted, so there's a difference between culinary argan oil and cosmetic argan oil.

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Post-Shave Moisturizer

Pipette with argan oil and argan seeds — honey_and_milk / Getty Images

Argan oil is one of the few oils that you can use directly on your skin, no intermediaries needed. It's well-balanced for most skin types, so even those with oilier complexions can use it.

Rub a bit of argan oil on dry-skin patches, or use it as a replacement for moisturizer post-shave, for a shimmery, glowy look to whatever areas you have shaved. Use a little extra on often-dry knees and elbows.

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Facial Massage Oil

Woman in white bathrobe holds bottle with natural organic serum and Rose Quartz Facial Jade Roller. — Iryna Veklich / Getty Images

Argan oil is an ideal choice for use for a facial massage, whether using fingers, a jade roller, or Gua Sha tool.

There are specific instructions for various types of facial massage—whether you are looking to reduce fine lines, accentuate your cheekbones, or reduce puffiness. Argan oil is great as a facial massage oil because it is suitable for so many skin types.

You can use plain argan oil with your beauty tool, or you can mix it with a drop or two of an essential oil like rose, which is beneficial to aging skin, or tea tree if you are looking to fight breakouts.

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Sugar Scrub

You can use this scrub for your body or your face (just be gentle with facial skin since it is more delicate and sensitive than other skin on your body).

Sugar and salt scrubs are great way to naturally exfoliate, and they simply dissolve in water so they won't stress water systems or create polluted sewage.

To make a sugar scrub that will be enough for three or four applications, fill a pint-sized mason jar (or another container—just look for one with a wide-enough top so you can get your hand or fingers in easily) with a cup of brown or white granulated sugar.

Add 1/3 cup of argan oil to the sugar and gently mix with a fork. You can add more oil if you want it to be less "dry" or add more sugar if you want it less oily.

Add seven or eight drops of geranium or orange oil (for a scrub that's energizing and awakening) or lavender or ylang-ylang for a more relaxing vibe.

Make sure you cover your scrub so it doesn't get water inside—which will dissolve the sugar and let bacteria and mold proliferate. As long as you keep it closed, this scrub should last for several weeks, since the high quantity of sugar will deter pathogen growth. If you only want it for occasional use, keep it in the fridge to preserve it.

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Facial Serum

Autumn Nature Concept with Skin Care Beauty Products, natural cosmetic. — Iryna Veklich / Getty Images

Ingredients

1 tablespoon argan oil
1 tablespoon castor oil
1 teaspoon rosehip seed oil
Geranium essential oil

Directions

To make your own version of a highly moisturizing facial serum, mix equal amounts of argan oil, and castor oil, plus a teaspoon of rosehip seed oil in a small container and shake well.

If you'd like a gentle, fresh scent, add a couple of drops of geranium essential oil and mix again. Or you can leave your mixture fragrance-free.

Use this serum after cleansing and toning your face, ideally before bed. This is a deeply moisturizing serum so it's best for nighttime use when it will have time to soak into the skin.