Does Argan Oil Clog Pores? Everything You Need To Know
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Does Argan Oil Clog Pores
Argan oil has become one of the most popular oils in the beauty industry in recent years. It is said to have many benefits, including reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, all the way to helping to heal acne scars. But does argan oil clog pores? And is argan oil comedogenic? Here, we’ll take a look at the comedogenicity rating of argan oil to determine if it’s likely to clog pores and cause breakouts.
What is Argan Oil?
Argan oil, also known as Argania spinosa, is harvested from Argan trees that normally grow in semi-desert climates. Argan trees grow and thrive in semidesert areas of the Mediterranean, more specifically Morocco.
The argan trees grow fruit, which is where this golden, nutritious oil comes from.
It has been used and beloved for centuries and can be taken orally or put on the skin directly, with both applications resulting in myriad health benefits for the hair, skin, and nails.
Because it takes 88 pounds of argan nuts to produce about a liter of oil, argan oil—pure, undiluted argan oil—is often considered precious. That said, it’s becoming more and more affordable as it reaches mainstream products and grows in popularity, and many find it well worth the money. Unlike other oils, argan oil is a genuinely well-rounded ingredient that can benefit nearly everyone.
Benefits Of Argan Oil
- Moisturizing – While most of it’s moisturizing properties come from its fatty acid makeup, Argan oil has a high content of Vitamin E, which is known to have great moisturizing benefits for the skin
- Anti-inflammatory – Argan oil is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds which means it can treat certain inflammatory skin condition, reduce sensitivity and irritation and may even help treat acne.
- Soothing – Thanks to its high concentration of Vitamin E, Argan Oil is very soothing and is a great choice for sensitive skin types. Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
- Anti-oxidant – In addition to Vitamin E, which also has antioxidant properties, Argan oil has other antioxidants like CoQ10 which help defend and protect the skin against free radical damage. Moroccan women have been using argan oil to protect their skin from sun damage for centuries. Now, no one is saying to skip the sunscreen. Still, it is known that the antioxidant activity in argan oil protects the skin against free radical damage and helps prevent burns and hyperpigmentation.
- Promotes Wound Healing – Argan oil is also known to help treat certain skin conditions. It’s high in anti-oxidants and fatty acids which means it can help heal wounds, reduce inflammation and speed up the time it takes for a cut or even a zit to heal. Some research indicates argan oil can also be applied directly to areas of inflammation on the skin caused by injuries or infections. While it’s not recommended for deep or severe wounds, it can help the skin to heal after they have closed up. It can also help the skin stay resilient and healthy by transforming into prostaglandins (alongside ceramides), which can help tissues heal from injury.
- Can Treat Skin Conditions – Argan oil has been shown to help improve the symptoms of certain skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. The anti-inflammatory properties in argan oil can help reduce redness, swelling, and irritation caused by these conditions. Additionally, its antimicrobial properties can help to reduce acne-causing bacteria on the skin
- Improves Skin Elasticity – a study showed that topical and oral argan oil improved skin elasticity which not only helps with aging and reduces fine lines and wrinkles, but it may even help treat and prevent stretch marks
- Improves Scars & Stretch Marks – In addition to its ability to help dry skin stay moisturized and hold in water, argan oil can be used liberally on stretch marks and existing scars, as its strengthening and therapeutic properties can help diminish their appearance
Nutritional Properties of Argan Oil
To know why argan oil is so effective on the skin and in the body, it’s essential to understand its nutritional properties:
● Argan oil is composed mostly of a variety of fatty acids and phenolic compounds, with a lot of the fat content coming from the ever-important oleic and linoleic acids.
● This essential omega-6 fatty acid is typically found in plant-based oils, including hemp seed, sunflower seed, grapeseed, evening primrose, and, you guessed it: argan oil. Your body transforms linoleic acid partially into ceramides, which help fill in the gaps between your skin cells. (It’s pretty easy to figure out why that’s a big perk!)
● Argan oil is loaded with vitamin E, which is necessary for healthy skin, hair, and eyes. This vitamin is also a potent antioxidant, and is excellent for all-over use, even on its own.
Argan Oil Composition
- 43-49% oleic acid
- 29-36% linoleic acid
- Not comedogenic (0)
- Best for dry/sensitive skin
Fatty Acids: Linoleic and Oleic
Now you’re probably wondering what all that even means, but just stick with me here because it’s important and can help you pick out the right oil for your skin.
Linoleic acid and Oleic acid are both fatty acids that usually make up most of the fatty acid composition of oils. While both fatty acids are great, their ratio is really important when it comes to choosing the right oil for your skin.
Linoleic acid (also known as Omega-6) is lighter then Oleic acid and tends to absorb better into the skin. It’s been found that oily and acne-prone skin types often have low levels of linoleic acid in their skin, which means that using an oil with high amounts of Linoleic Acid can be very beneficial.
It’s also been shown that Linoleic acid can have barrier-repairing properties, so using an oil with high levels of this fatty acid can help with those with a damaged barrier.
Oleic acid (also known as Omega-9) is thicker, richer and much more nourishing. This makes it more beneficial for drier skin types. Oleic Acid has also been shown to be a permeability enhancer which means it can help other skincare products absorb better.
In general, oily and acne-prone skin types should look for an oil higher in Linoleic Acid and those with drier skin should look for one with more Oleic Acid.
Why Fatty Acids Matter
Fatty acids are an essential component to our body and skin’s health. You may have heard of Omega fatty acids as being good for your heart. Well they’re good for your skin as well!
Fatty acids help to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, provide moisture and prevent dehydration. It’s also been shown that fatty acids can help calm inflammation and reduce acne.
Comedogenic Vs Non-Comedogenic: What Do They Mean?
Now before we get into the comedogenicity rating of argan oil, let’s first discuss what comedogenic vs non-comedogenic actually mean.
Comedogenicity just refers to how likely the product is to clog pores or cause breakouts. Acne is caused when hair follicles become clogged with oil, bacteria ad dead skin cells, making it more difficult for the skin to breathe.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might want to avoid anything with a high comedogenicity rating since this can lead to additional breakouts.
Comedogenic means that it’s likely the product or ingredient will clog pores, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Non-comedogenic, on the other hand, means it’s not likely the product or ingredient will clog pores.
The Comedogenicity Scale
The comedogencity scale is what we refer to when we want to know if a product or ingredient is comedogenic or non-comedogenic (or somewhere in between).
- The comedogenic scale ranges from 0-5.
- 0- Does not clog pores
- 1- Low chance of clogging pores
- 2- Moderately low chance of clogging pores
- 3- Moderate chance of clogging pores
- 4- Fairly high chance of clogging pores
- 5- High chance of clogging pores
The general rule when it comes to using the comedogencicity scale is this: anything ranging from 0 to 2 is usually fine and won’t cause breakouts or clogged pores in most people. Anything 3-5 should be used with caution, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
Does Argan Oil Clog Pores?
Chances are, even if you’ve heard of argan oil, it’s probably only been in the last few years, thanks to Josie Maran for making Argan Oil famous! However, it’s been beloved for hundreds of years and is considered one of the best oils to use all over for many reasons. With it’s recent fame, people want to know: does argan oil clog pores?
The short answer is no, argan oil does not clog pores and argan oil is non-comedogenic.
Whether on the head, face, or elsewhere on the body, all skin types—even oily, acne-prone types—can use an argan oil without worry.
Yes, it may seem counterintuitive that oily skin types can use argan oil without it becoming a disaster, but it’s true: if you have an oily face, you don’t have to avoid argan oil. Often, acne-prone skin is dry from the irritating anti-acne ingredients, so the oil glands of the face overproduce sebum to compensate, thus increasing breakouts.
Using an oil that doesn’t clog pores like argan can signal your skin’s feeling hydrated, making it less likely to overproduce oil.
Related post: Does Sweet Almond Oil Clog Your Pores?
Is Argan Oil Comedogenic?
Alright, now you’re probably wondering what is the comeogenicity rating of argan oil?
When something is comedogenic, it means it will likely contribute to comedones, the clogged (with sebum and dead skin) follicles that can become infected and lead to acne. Argan oil, being the superstar that it is, sits at the bottom of the following comedogenic scale.
- 0 – does not clog pores
- 1 – very low chance
- 2 – moderately low chance
- 3 – moderate chance
- 4 – fairly high chance
- 5 – high chance of clogging pores
Because argan oil is non-comedogenic, it’s excellent for all skin types—including those who struggle with clogged pores, oily skin and acne.
While the myth about more oil being bad for your skin when you suffer from acne or an oily complexion is long-standing, it’s also completely untrue. In fact, using a non-comedogenic oil like argan oil can actually help to regulate the skin’s natural oil production by providing it with the hydration and moisture it needs.
Related post: Is Castor Oil Comedogenic?
Does Argan Oil Clog Pores On Scalp
While argan oil is often praised for its ability to hydrate and nourish the hair, there is always some confusion when it comes to the question “does argan oil cause clogged pores?”. Like other oils, argan oil is composed of a variety of fatty acids. These fatty acids can help to maintain the health of the scalp by providing a barrier against moisture loss, not to mention that comedogenicity rating of argan oil is a 0, meaning it does not clog pores.
Therefore, rgan oil is generally considered to be safe for most people, and its benefits may outweigh any potential risks. If you are concerned about argan oil clogging your pores on scalp, you can always do a simple patch test before trying it out.
Does Argan Oil Cause Breakouts?
Since argan oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, it also means that it won’t cause breakouts or acne. In fact, Argan oil is perfect for those with acne-prone skin as it can actually help to regulate the skin’s natural oil production by providing it with the hydration and moisture it needs. This, in turn, can help to prevent acne.
Not to mention, since argan oil is anti-inflammatory and is high in Vitamin A, it can actually help to exfoliate dead skin cells so they don’t get trapped in pores, as well as reduce inflammation and redness associated with pimples.
Can Argan Oil Help With Acne?
So we already know all of the amazing benefits and the comedogenicity rating of argan oil, does that mean it can help treat acne?
Acne is characterized by red, inflamed pimples and breakouts, which can be painful as well as lead to scarring. Acne is caused when the pores of the skin become clogged with sebum (oil), dead skin cells, and bacteria.
When applied topically, argan oil can help to heal acne by:
- Reducing inflammation: Argan oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which can help to reduce inflammation
- Unclogging pores: The Vitamin A in argan oil can help to exfoliate dead skin cells so they don’t get trapped in pores
- Killing bacteria: Argan oil has antibacterial properties, which can help to kill the bacteria that cause acne
Do keep in mind that although argan oil has natural anti-acne properties, it can only do so much compared to prescription strength and other over the counter products like tretinoin or retinol.
While argan oil probably won’t be a miracle treatment and get rid of your acne overnight, it can be great addition to your acne-fighting skincare routine to help soothe and heal your skin.
So, if you’re looking for an oil that won’t clog pores, is non-comedogenic, and can actually help with acne, argan oil is a great choice!
Related post: Is Olive Oil Comedogenic?
What to Look for in an Argan Oil
Not all argan oils will be the same, and because there are many imitations out there, it’s important to take your time in selecting an argan oil. When shopping for one that you can feel good about using, look for:
- dark, preferably glass packaging, avoiding clear bottles at all costs—they let the light through and can make the oil rancid
- pure, 100% argan oil
- Cold pressed
- a light, nutty smelling argan oil that isn’t too strong or odorless, as both can mean it has been compromised.
How To Use Argan Oil
If you’re wanting to introduce argan oil into your skincare routine, there are a couple different ways you can do so:
- Use as a cleansing oil – You can use argan oil as a cleansing oil by massaging it into your face to dissolve makeup and dirt. Follow up with a gentle cleanser to remove any residue.
- Use as a moisturizer – You can use argan oil as a moisturizer by applying it to your skin after your moisturizer. You can also mix a few drop of argan oil in with your moisturizer before applying
Argan Oil Disadvantages
One of the biggest disadvantages of argan oil is that it can be irritating to those with nut allergies, so if you have any allergies to nuts, be sure to do a thorough patch test before using.
Additionally, as with any skincare products and ingredients, there is always a chance of reaction, whether an allergic reaction or irritation.
Although argan oil is generally tolerated very well by most people, if you have sensitive or reactive skin, it’s a good idea to do a patch test.
Does Argan Oil Clog Pores FAQ’s
Does argan oil make you break out?
No, argan oil does not make you break out. In fact, it can actually help to heal and soothe acne-prone skin. Argan oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, as well as being anti-inflammatory and high in Vitamin A, which can both help treat and prevent acne.
Related post: Does Jojoba Oil Cause Acne?
Is it good to put argan oil on your face?
Yes, argan oil is good for your skin on your face and body. Argan oil can help to hydrate and nourish the skin, improve skin elasticity, protect against environmental damage and even help with acne.
Can I use argan oil on my face everyday?
Yes, you can use argan oil every day on your face. In fact, many people find that their skin does best when they use argan oil daily. Many people prefer to use argan oil at night but it can safely be used during the day as well.
Is argan oil good for dry and acne prone skin?
Yes, argan oil can be beneficial for both dry and acne prone skin. In fact, argan oil is probably one of the best oils for dry, acne-prone skin. Argan oil is non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores, as well as being anti-inflammatory and high in Vitamin A, which can help to heal acne. Additionally, the moisturizing properties of argan oil can help to hydrate dry skin, reduce dry, rough patches and flaky skin.
Does Josie Maran argan oil clog pores?
No, Josie Maran argan oil does not clog pores. Josie Maran’s Argan Oil is 100% pure, cold-pressed argan oil. Argan oil is naturally non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Josie Maran’s Argan Oil is also lightweight and easily absorbed into the skin, making it a great choice for those with acne-prone skin. She even has a wonderful light version that’s even more lightweight and non-greasy than the traditional oil (meaning it’s perfect for those with oily skin!).
Does Moroccan argan oil clog pores?
No, Moroccan argan oil does not clog pores. No matter the type of argan oil, as long as it’s 100% pure, it will not clog your pores. Moroccan argan oil is just another name for argan oil, so there’s no worry about it causing clogged pores or breakouts.
Is argan oil good for acne prone skin?
Yes, argan oil is good for acne prone skin! When used along with other acne-fighting products, argan oil can keep your skin from drying out. Argan oil is non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores, as well as being anti-inflammatory and high in Vitamin A, which can help to heal acne.
Additionally, the moisturizing properties of argan oil can help to hydrate dry skin, reduce dry patches and soothe skin.
Does Argan Oil Clog Your Pores: Wrap Up
Argan oil is an incredible facial oil that has so many amazing benefits for the skin. It’s high in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which are beneficial for the skin. Argan oil can be used as a moisturizer, hair treatment, or makeup remover. It is gentle and safe for all skin types. Since it’s become such a popular oil, many people wonder does argan oil cause clogged pores? Argan oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores. In fact, it’s rated as 0 on the comedogenicity scale meaning you can rest easy and slather on that argan oil without any worry! It can actually help to clear up acne by unclogging pores and balancing oil production. If you are concerned about argan oil causing breakouts, try a patch test and use a small amount on a small area of your skin to see how your skin reacts.
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