Argan Oil
Also known as: Argania spinosa oil, Moroccan oil, liquid gold, virgin argan oil
Effective Dosage
25-30 mL daily (dietary); topical application varies by product
What the Science Says
Argan oil is a plant-based oil pressed from the kernels of the Moroccan argan tree (Argania spinosa), rich in oleic acid, linoleic acid, vitamin E (tocopherols), and polyphenols. When consumed daily (around 25–30 mL), clinical trials suggest it can improve skin elasticity in postmenopausal women, reduce knee osteoarthritis pain and improve physical function, and favorably shift cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Both dietary consumption and topical application have shown measurable effects on skin in studies lasting 60 days.
What It Doesn't Do
Not a proven treatment for Alzheimer's disease — the research using it as a drug-delivery vehicle has nothing to do with argan oil as a supplement. No solid human evidence it prevents or reverses diabetes. Won't detox your body. The anti-aging skin claims are based on small studies in postmenopausal women only — results may not apply to everyone. No evidence it causes significant weight loss.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Argan oil is a plant-based oil pressed from the kernels of the Moroccan argan tree (Argania spinosa), rich in oleic acid, linoleic acid, vitamin E (tocopherols), and polyphenols. When consumed daily (around 25–30 mL), clinical trials suggest it can improve skin elasticity in postmenopausal women, reduce knee osteoarthritis pain and improve physical function, and favorably shift cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Both dietary consumption and topical application have shown measurable effects on skin in studies lasting 60 days.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 25-30 mL daily (dietary); topical application varies by product
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Good for dietary fat-soluble components (tocopherols, fatty acids); topical absorption of active compounds is plausible but not well characterized in the provided studies
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most studies are small (under 100 participants) and short-term (4–8 weeks), limiting confidence in long-term effects
- The osteoarthritis trial used a no-treatment control group rather than an active comparator, which can inflate apparent benefits
- Refined or 'subquality' argan oil loses up to 94% of its tocopherols during processing — product quality varies enormously and is rarely disclosed on labels
- Caloric density is high (~240 kcal per 30 mL); daily supplemental doses add meaningful calories that are rarely accounted for in marketing
- Most dramatic claims (neuroprotection, addiction treatment, cancer) come from animal studies only — no human clinical evidence in the provided data
Products Containing Argan Oil
See how Argan Oil is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-09