Everyone wants smooth shining and frizz-free hair for themselves. For achieving these hair oils are a good option. In this category Moroccan oil and argan oil are the popular options. Both of these oils originated from Morocco and have many similarities. These two oils are often used as alternatives, but it is not true. There are some significant differences between Moroccan oil and argan oil.
Moroccan Oil vs Argan Oil
The main difference between Moroccan oil and argan oil is that Moroccan oil refers to a modified version of argan oil which has argan oil and some other additives and oils in it. On the other hand, argan oil refers to the purest form of argan oil which is native to Morocco.
Moroccan oil, also known as Liquid Gold in some Western countries for its cosmetic properties, is a very popular product not just among influencers and celebrities, but also among the general population all over the world. Moroccan oil is argan oil with some additives. It is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E which is good for the nails and skin of women.
Argan oil originated from the southern part of Morocco. Argan oil is extracted from the berries of the Argan tree of this region. The Argan tree has been considered to be the very essential tree in this region for its health benefits. This oil is very popular in the cosmetics and food industry. In foods, argan oil reduces triglycerides and cholesterol which is harmful to health.
Comparison Table Between Moroccan Oil and Argan Oil
| Parameters of Comparison | Moroccan Oil | Argan Oil |
| Purity | It is a mixed oil. | It is pure argan oil extracted from the Argan tree. |
| Components | It has Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, and so on along with argan oil. | It is the unadulterated form of argan oil. |
| Density | Low, as it has many other ingredients along with pure argan oil. | High, as it is pure argan oil. |
| Usage | Mainly in beauty and hair care. | Medicinal and culinary uses along with hair care and beauty products. |
| Repairing damaged hair | It does not contain specialized elastomers which help in repairing damaged hair. | It has specialized elastomers that help to fight against damaged hair. |
| Benefits to hair | It is best for getting frizz-free hair. | It is not good for frizz-free hair as it lacks Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone which helps in fighting frizz. |
| Company | There is a haircare company named after Moroccanoil. | There is no company after its name. The Moroccanoil company sells pure argan oil. |
What is Moroccan Oil?
Moroccan oil is argan oil mixed with other oils and additives. The combination of these elements in Moroccan oil made it perfect for every hair. The ingredients that make Moroccan oil different from argan oil are- seed extract of Linum Usitatissimum, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Kernel Oil, Dimethicone, Parfume, Alpha- Isomethyl Ionone, Cyclomethicone, Benzyl Benzoate.
The seed extract from Linum Usitatissimum has essential fatty acids that help in strengthening and growth of the hair. Butylphenyl Methylpropional is a synthetic fragrance that adds fragrance to cosmetic products. Dimethicone is a silicone that helps to keep hair detangled. Alpha- Isomethyl Ionone is a fragrance element and Cyclomethicone is another silicone that makes skin and hair smooth.
Moroccan oil is rich in omega fatty acids. It adds shines to damaged hair and heals dry skin. The oil boasts linoleum acids and vitamin E softens dry patches in skins, reduces scars of acne, and moisturizes the skin. Moroccan oil is an anti-aging oil that helps in reducing wrinkles and fine lines and protects skin from sun damage.
The supply of this oil is very limited in the world market as the main ingredient of this oil argan extract is native only to Morocco. Moroccan oil is one of the rarest oils and is a very popular and expensive oil.
What is Argan Oil?
Argan oil is extracted from the berries of the Moroccan tree named Argan tree. This tree is native only to the southern part of Morocco. The tree is declared as endangered by UNESCO and as a result, argan oil is a very rare and expensive oil. The oil has several usages including in healthcare, hair and skincare, and culinary.
Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, squalene, carotenes, phenols, and so on. The major natural phenols presented in argan oil are vanillic acid, caffeic acid, tyrosol, oleuropein, resorcinol, catechol. Argan oil may be more resistant to oxidation compared to olive oil depending on the method of extraction.
Argan oil has a high demand in the market for many purposes like skin treatment, hair care, culinary, and medicinal use. It can treat a wide range of skin issues like skin infections, eczema, burns, acne, and psoriasis. The highly concentrated antioxidants presented in argan oil helps in fighting the aging issue by neutralizing free radicals that cause damage to cells.
This oil improves the quality of hair by preventing damage to the exterior cuticle while protecting the natural pigments named melanin. Melanin helps in maintaining the natural color of the hair. Argan oil also has some health benefits if added to food dishes. It has a spicy, mild flavor.
Main Differences Between Moroccan Oil and Argan Oil
- Moroccan oil is a mixed oil that has other additives, oils along with the argan oil, on the other hand, argan oil refers to a pure and unadulterated form of argan oil.
- Moroccan oil is best for getting frizz-free hair, whereas, argan oil is not good for frizz-free hair as it lacks Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone which help in fighting frizz.
- Moroccan oil is used mainly in beauty and hair care, but argan oil is used for culinary and medicinal purposes along with skin and hair care purposes.
- Moroccan oil does not contain specialized elastomers which help in repairing damaged hair, but argan oil has specialized elastomers that help to fight against damaged hair.
- The density of Moroccan oil is low compared to the pure unadulterated argan oil.
Conclusion
Moroccan and argan oil is a very similar type of oil as the base material of these two oils is the same, the extraction of the seeds of the argan tree. These oils originated from Morocco and have become very popular for their skin and hair benefits. Morocco oil and argan oil have some clear differences in their components, usage, and many more.
The Morocco oil and argan oil has made oils from Morocco very popular and as a result, it has improved the socio-economic structure of southern Morocco, as these two oils are only native to this region. The Moroccan government has initiated the harvest of more argan trees to fulfil the global demand for Morocco and argan oils.
References
- https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=Moroccan+oil+&btnG=#d=gs_qabs&u=%23p%3D7J2gu1wTOYcJ
- https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=argan+oil+&btnG=#d=gs_qabs&u=%23p%3D3N4jWDW33K4J