Argan Oil vs Coconut Oil For Skin: Which is Better?

Argan oil and coconut oil are two popular and trendy oils for moisturizing your skin. But which is better for your skin? In this post on argan oil vs coconut oil for skin, I’ll discuss all the benefits of each oil, what makes them unique, and why most of the time, my pick for your face will be argan oil.

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The Benefits of Argan Oil for Skin

Argan oil has been used as a natural remedy for hair and skin in Morocco and the Mediterranean for centuries, as it’s commonly known as “Liquid Gold.”

Argan oil has many benefits that make it a great choice for moisturizing and nourishing your skin.

Extracted from kernels of the argan fruit, argan oil contains 80% unsaturated fatty acids, and 20% saturated fatty acids.

These moisturizing fatty acids include oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid. They hydrate your skin while also deeply nourishing it to bring back its natural glow.

Argan oil is also known for its antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from harmful UV rays that cause wrinkles and other signs of aging over time.

The antioxidants in argan oil, such as ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and Vitamin E, work to protect your skin from damaging environmental stressors.

Argan oil is a favorite of those with aging and mature skin since it has been shown to improve skin elasticity.

Elastin in your skin helps your skin stay bouncy, smooth, and youthful-looking, so improving elasticity can help reduce the look of wrinkles, fine lines, and even stretch marks.

Argan oil is suitable for all skin types.

Normal skin types can use argan oil to hydrate and moisturize their skin. Dehydrated and dry skin can benefit from argan oil’s nourishing nutrients.

Argan oil helps the skin retain water and improves the skin barrier function.

Argan oil is also a good choice for sensitive skin, as it is commonly used to treat skin irritation and inflammation. It’s known to be soothing and moisturizing, making your skin look healthy and bright.

Those with acne prone and oily skin can use argan oil as a natural moisturizer without fear of clogged pores. Argan oil rates 0 on the comedogenic scale.

The comedogenic scale is used to measure the likelihood of oils, creams, and other skincare products clogging your pores. The scale ranges from 0 (does not clog pores) to 5 (clogs pores).

Argan oil can also help with inflammation seen with acne scars caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Argan oil absorbs into the skin quickly, making it an excellent base for makeup.

Once blended with foundation or other products, argan oil leaves behind a soft sheen without being too greasy or feeling too heavy on your skin.

You can also use argan oil on damaged hair for added moisture, to improve elasticity, and reduce hair breakage and hair loss. Its essential fatty acids lock in moisture, resulting in less frizz and healthy hair.

The Benefits of Coconut Oil for Skin

Coconut oil has gained popularity in recent years in skincare due to its moisturizing benefits.

While argan oil is liquid at room temperature, coconut oil is solid at room temperature and melts on contact with the skin (or at 76 degrees).

Coconut oil is rich in saturated fatty acids like lauric acid. Lauric acid has antimicrobial benefits against P acnes, the main acne-causing bacteria.

Even though coconut oil shows potential against acne, it has a comedogenic rating of 4 out of 5, which means that coconut oil will clog pores, which can worsen acne and breakouts.

While coconut oil may be too thick and heavy for those with oily and acne prone skin, those with dry to very dry skin may see benefits from coconut oil’s moisturizing properties.

If you do choose to use coconut oil for the skin on your face, a great way to use it is in the form of a cleansing balm.

Cleansing balms with coconut oil (like this one) can remove makeup and other impurities from the skin without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

For dry skin on your body, coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer as it locks in hydration and creates a protective barrier that prevents your skin from losing too much moisture.

Saturated fatty acids are known to strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier and protect against transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

Like argan oil, you can also use coconut oil on your hair. It can help reduce hair protein loss and penetrates inside the hair shaft and hair follicles for stronger, healthier hair.

Its moisturizing properties also help tame frizzy hair.

Argan Oil vs Coconut Oil For Skin: Which is Better?

If you want to use argan oil and coconut oil as face oils, your best bet is to choose argan oil. Argan oil has a lighter texture and feel on the skin.

Argan oil won’t clog your pores and absorbs into your skin more quickly compared to coconut oil, which can sit on top of your skin and feel heavy if you use too much of it.

However, if you are looking for a body moisturizer that will prevent water loss from your skin on your body, look no further than coconut oil. Coconut oil helps protect the skin barrier and prevents moisture loss.

So, what’s the verdict? Is argan oil or coconut oil better? It comes down to this: Argan oil is non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores, making it a better choice for the skin on your face.

Pure coconut oil is comedogenic and will clog pores which can lead to acne and breakouts, so coconut oil is better suited to preventing water loss from the skin on your body.

Argan Oil Products to Try

Ideal for dehydrated and dry skin on your face, it helps to reduce flakiness and parched skin.

This argan oil feels light but nourishing on your skin. It’s a great choice for dry skin or for use during the colder winter months.

Also, its anti-inflammatory benefits make it an excellent choice for irritated and sensitive skin.

This argan oil from The Ordinary also adds strength and shine to your hair.

The Ordinary notes that since it is unrefined, it has a natural scent that does not indicate rancidity.

Related Post: The Ordinary “B” Oil Review

You can use this affordable argan oil on your face, body, and hair. This oil can also be used as a carrier (base) oil for essential oil.

The oil can even provide moisturizing benefits to your scalp and/or beard. It has a slightly nutty scent and comes in an amber glass bottle with a dropper.

The argan oil is lightweight and absorbs quickly, and is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive skin.

While argan oil is a great choice for dry or dehydrated skin, those with oily and acne-prone skin can also use it since it won’t clog pores.

Coconut Oil Products to Try

It is formulated by the mechanical extraction of the coconut fruit and then deodorized. It has a white color and a light coconut scent.

This oil melts on your skin on contact but takes a minute or two to absorb fully. You can apply it all over your body for intensive hydration and moisture.

It also imparts strength and shine to your hair. Depending on your skin type, you can also use it on your face, or better yet, use it as a makeup remover.

Made from young 100% organic coconuts, this coconut oil is formulated with a silky texture and fast absorption. It has a light coconut scent and is extracted without heat to retain nutrients and fatty acids.

You can use this coconut oil to moisturize your body, face, and hair. It absorbs well into the skin without leaving a greasy residue.

You can also use it as a hair mask, scalp treatment, shave oil, for oil-pulling, or as a baby skin salve. Coco & Co. Organic Pure Extra Virgin Coconut Oil also makes an excellent makeup remover.

Final Thoughts: Argan Oil vs Coconut Oil

Both argan oil and coconut oil benefit dry and dehydrated skin that lacks moisture. For your face, stick with argan oil.

For your body, coconut oil is the way to go. (Argan oil contains more essential fatty acids and nutrients than coconut oil does, so it’s also a better option for hair care.)

Why not use both coconut oil and argan oil for skin by combining their benefits? You can use coconut oil as an intensive body moisturizer and then use a few drops of argan oil to give your face a healthy, moisturized glow.

Thanks for reading, and until next time, here’s to your good skin health!