# Argan oil as a carrier for essential oils

> Argan oil is pressed from the kernels of a tree that grows almost only in south-west Morocco. Its balance of oleic and linoleic acid gives it a soft, absorbent feel that suits both face and hair — just make sure you buy cosmetic (untoasted) argan, not the darker culinary kind.

Canonical page: https://essential-oils.club/carrier-oils/argan

## At a glance

- **Botanical name:** Argania spinosa
- **Made from:** Kernels of the Moroccan argan tree
- **Extraction:** Cold-pressed (cosmetic grade is untoasted)
- **Texture:** Medium
- **Absorption:** Absorbs well, soft finish
- **Scent:** Mild, nutty
- **Shelf life:** About 12–18 months
- **Make-up:** Oleic acid ~43–49%, linoleic acid ~29–36%, with natural tocopherols (vitamin E)

## Best for

- Hair ends & frizz
- Facial oils
- Nails & cuticles
- Scalp blends

## How to use it

For hair ends, warm a few drops of a 1% blend between your palms and smooth through lengths.

Dilution help: https://essential-oils.club/tools/dilution-calculator · https://essential-oils.club/tools/dilution-chart

## Cautions

Argan is a tree-nut product — patch-test, and take care with nut allergies. Culinary argan is toasted and smells strongly; use the cosmetic grade on skin.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is argan oil good for hair with essential oils?

It’s a popular base for hair blends — rosemary and cedarwood in argan is a classic scalp-and-lengths combination. Keep the essential oil around 1%.

### What’s the difference between cosmetic and culinary argan oil?

Culinary argan is pressed from toasted kernels (nutty, strong-smelling); cosmetic argan is untoasted and milder — the one to use on skin and hair.

_Educational reference only — not medical advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease._