Buying guide for Best Moroccan oil
Moroccan oil can work wonders for the hair, skin, and nails. Sourced from Morocco, this nourishing oil is rich in vitamin E, carotenes, and phenols. While Moroccan oil can be used for cooking, it’s most commonly found in hair and skincare products. With a bottle in your beauty cabinet, you’ll have all your hydration needs covered.
Before you add a bottle of Moroccan oil to your cart, however, you’ll want to consider a few factors. Will you be using the oil for beauty or cooking? What is your hair type? Moroccan oil is rather heavy and can weigh down finer hair textures. Do you enjoy some fragrance, or would you prefer a scentless oil?
Our buying guide will answer all these questions and more so that you can make an informed purchase when shopping for Moroccan oil.
Key considerations
Moroccan oil vs. argan oil
The main ingredient in Moroccan oil is argan oil, which is extracted from argan trees. Argan trees are found almost exclusively in Morocco, hence the oil’s name. Though some use the terms “Moroccan oil” and “argan oil” interchangeably, the main difference lies in purity. Argan oil is 100% pure. Moroccan oil, on the other hand, tends to include additional hydrating ingredients.
With its rich concentration of antioxidants and vitamin E, argan oil has been used for skincare, haircare, and even medicinal purposes for centuries. While food-grade argan oil is readily available, Moroccan oil is primary used for beauty purposes.
Haircare uses
Moroccan oil is most commonly used as a hair treatment. For example, you can use Moroccan oil as a pre-shampoo treatment. Thirty minutes prior to shampooing, simply apply a few drops of Moroccan oil to your scalp and pull it through your strands. Rinse the oil out in the shower and shampoo and condition as normal.
You can also create a Moroccan oil leave-in conditioner. After washing and conditioning, pour a few drops of Moroccan oil into your hands. Rub your palms together and comb the oil through your hair with your fingers.
Moroccan oil is often used as an overnight hair mask as well. Apply a liberal amount of Moroccan oil throughout your scalp and lengths, paying particular attention to the ends of your hair. Then wrap your hair in a microfiber towel or thick scarf before going to sleep. Come morning, your hair will be effortlessly smooth, soft, and sleek.
Body and skincare uses
Moroccan oil works well for hydrating the skin. Try applying a thin layer of Moroccan oil onto your body after getting out of the shower. You can also use Moroccan oil as a facial moisturizer. Apply a few drops of Moroccan oil onto your face before bedtime. With clean fingers, rub it into your skin gently to deeply hydrate dry skin.
Features
Oil weight
One of the best things about Moroccan oil is that it adds shine and moisture to all hair types. People with thick or curly hair will certainly benefit from this heavy oil. However, those with thinner, finer hair may find Moroccan oil too heavy. Moroccan oil can leave fine hair weighed down and greasy rather than shiny and voluminous. The good news is that some brands sell a lighter Moroccan oil that’s formulated for finer hair types.
Oil color
If you’re buying pure argan oil, it’s important to consider the oil’s color and texture. Argan oil’s color usually indicates if it has been cold-pressed or traditionally filtered. Since Moroccan oil includes more ingredients than argan oil alone, a color distinction is harder to make. Moroccan oils are generally light gold to deep gold in hue. Even if a Moroccan oil incorporates other ingredients, it should still be smooth in texture.
Organic
Moroccan oil that is certified organic is grown in healthy, chemical-free soil. Look for Moroccan oils that are certified organic by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It’s best to take extra caution with any product you use on your body, whether or not you’ll ingest it. As you peruse various Moroccan oils, keep an eye out for organic certification labels.
Scent
Pure argan oil has a faint, slightly nutty scent. With Moroccan oils, you’ll likely detect fragrances from essential oils and other added ingredients. Those sensitive to scent will probably want to find a Moroccan oil that’s largely argan oil-based or one that’s advertised as fragrance-free.
Accessories
Wide-tooth combs: For the best results, make sure the Moroccan oil is evenly distributed throughout your hair with a wide-tooth comb.
Argan oil shampoo: Enhance your Moroccan oil’s results by first cleansing your hair with argan oil shampoo.
Moroccan oil prices
You should expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $45 for Moroccan oils. The price largely depends on the quality of the ingredients, the concentration of argan oil, and the brand.
Inexpensive
There are very few Moroccan oil products that are under $10. Those that are tend to have a higher concentration of other ingredients, such as fragrance and silicone. Like most Moroccan oils, inexpensive bottles are sold in quantities under four ounces.
Mid-range
If you want a quality Moroccan oil, prepare to shell out $10 to $25. Quite a few of these Moroccan oils are from the Moroccanoil brand, which first popularized Moroccan oil worldwide. You can find bottles of pure argan oil in this price range as well. More of these Moroccan oils have USDA organic certification.
Expensive
If you’re looking to splurge, Moroccan oils over $25 are of superior quality. These are the oils used by professional hair stylists. Though they are still usually sold in small amounts, a little goes a long way. A three-ounce bottle can last for months.
Tips
- Moroccan oil works best on damp hair to trap in moisture.
- If you suffer from chronic split ends, try rubbing Moroccan oil on the ends of your hair daily. You should notice smoother ends in a matter of a few weeks.
- It’s pretty easy to infuse Moroccan oil into your existing beauty products. Try adding a few drops to your favorite shampoo, conditioner, and lotion.
FAQ
Q. Will Moroccan oil cause me to break out?
A. Argan oil is quite low on the comedogenic scale, meaning it’s less likely to clog pores than highly comedogenic oils like coconut oil. That said, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, it’s best to consult with your dermatologist before incorporating any oil into your skincare routine.
Q. Are Moroccan oils silicone-free?
A. Many Moroccan oils include silicones, such as dimethicone. Though silicones have a bad rep among some, these synthetic ingredients are found in many popular hair products. If you’re concerned about silicone, look for Moroccan oils that are silicone-free.
Q. Can Moroccan oil help with my dandruff?
A. Yes. Moroccan oil is rich in antioxidants, so it can reduce the inflammation that causes dandruff. For the best results, cleanse your hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo before applying Moroccan oil.
