Argan oil is a popular oil amongst many, praised for its nourishing properties and is often called “liquid gold” in beauty circles. But, here comes marula oil, gaining momentum for its impressive versatility and varied benefits. So, now we have two powerful oils, each with its strengths, thereby making us wonder: which one is the better choice? Does marula oil have an edge over argan oil or are they both at their unique pedestal.
Let’s take a closer look at how they’re sourced, what each brings to the skin and hair, and when to use each one for the best results.
What is Argan Oil?
Argan oil, often referred to as “liquid gold,” is a plant oil extracted from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), native to Morocco. This oil has been traditionally produced for centuries by Moroccan women and has become popular worldwide due to its beneficial properties for skin, hair, and overall health.
How Is Argan Oil Extracted?
Extraction of argan oil is a labor-intensive process, traditionally involving the cracking of argan nuts, roasting, and grinding them to extract the oil. This process, still done manually in many regions, preserves its high nutritional quality and rich nutrients. In recent years, argan oil’s popularity has surged, especially in beauty and wellness industries, thanks to its frequent mentions in pop culture, endorsements by celebrities, and its prominent use in high-end skincare and haircare products.
Nutrient Profile of Argan Oil
Argan oil is packed with essential fatty acids, primarily oleic and linoleic acid, which make it highly moisturizing and nourishing. It’s also rich in antioxidants, including Vitamin E, polyphenols, and carotenoids, which help protect the skin from environmental damage and premature aging. Additionally, argan oil contains squalene and triterpenoids, compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
What is Marula Oil?
Marula oil is a luxurious, lightweight oil extracted from the seeds of the marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea), which is native to Southern Africa and Madagascar. Traditionally, marula oil has been used by local communities for its skin-soothing and nourishing properties, but it has gained global popularity in recent years as a potent ingredient in skincare and haircare products.
How Is Marula Oil Extracted?
The oil is obtained from the kernels of marula fruits, which are hand-harvested and cracked open. Extracting the oil can be a meticulous process, as it involves separating the seeds from the fruits and pressing them to release the golden oil. The extraction process helps retain its nutrient-dense composition, making marula oil highly sought-after for its purity and effectiveness in beauty products.
Marula Oil’s Rising Popularity
In recent years, marula oil has been celebrated in beauty circles and on social media, touted as a “miracle oil” by many beauty experts and enthusiasts. Its rise in popularity is also due to endorsements from skincare brands and celebrities who appreciate its fast-absorbing, non-greasy nature, which suits a variety of skin types. Marula oil is becoming a favorite for those looking for a natural, gentle ingredient with multiple benefits.
Nutrient Profile of Marula Oil
Marula oil is exceptionally rich in oleic acid and linoleic acid, two fatty acids that help deeply hydrate and maintain skin elasticity. It’s also packed with antioxidants, including Vitamin C and E, which combat environmental damage and support skin regeneration. Marula oil contains flavonoids and amino acids that contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-aging properties, making it a versatile choice for both skin and hair care.
Marula oil’s nutrient profile and gentle nature make it a perfect match for sensitive, dry, or combination skin, and it’s equally beneficial for taming frizzy or dry hair. Its gentle yet powerful effects have made it one of the most promising natural oils in the beauty world today.
Marula Oil vs Argan Oil for Skin
When it comes to skin benefits, both marula and argan oils offer their own unique properties and advantages, making each a popular choice depending on skin type and concerns.
1. Hydration and Absorption
Marula Oil: Marula oil is lighter in texture, absorbs quickly, and provides deep hydration without leaving a greasy residue. It’s ideal for all skin types, especially for those with sensitive or combination skin, as it hydrates without clogging pores.
Argan Oil: Argan oil has a slightly richer texture than marula oil and is known for deeply moisturizing and nourishing the skin. It’s especially beneficial for dry and mature skin types that need an extra layer of moisture and protection.
2. Nutrient Composition
Marula Oil: High in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, marula oil is particularly effective for brightening skin and combating signs of aging. Its oleic and linoleic acids provide excellent hydration while supporting skin barrier function.
Argan Oil: Also rich in vitamin E, argan oil provides antioxidant protection against free radicals. In addition, its high fatty acid content, especially linoleic acid, helps to soothe dry and flaky skin, while improving elasticity and smoothness over time.
3. Anti-Aging Properties
Marula Oil: Known for its powerful anti-aging properties, marula oil is packed with antioxidants and amino acids that help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It promotes collagen production and skin elasticity, making it a go-to choice for those seeking anti-aging benefits.
Argan Oil: Argan oil also supports anti-aging efforts by moisturizing and protecting the skin barrier. Its natural fatty acids and antioxidants help to soften skin texture and reduce the appearance of aging over time, though its anti-aging effects may be slightly more gradual than marula oil.
4. Skin-Calming Benefits
Marula Oil: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, marula oil is highly effective in calming irritated or inflamed skin. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin types and can help alleviate redness and discomfort caused by environment factors.
Argan Oil: Argan oil is also beneficial for calming and soothing skin, particularly for people dealing with dry patches, eczema, or dermatitis. Its rich, nourishing texture provides relief for irritated skin, making it a trusted option for calming sensitive areas.
5. Best For
Marula Oil: Suitable for sensitive, combination, and oily skin types due to its lightweight texture and fast absorption. It’s ideal for those wanting both hydration and anti-aging benefits without the heavy feel.
Argan Oil: Best for dry, mature, or very sensitive skin types needing deeper hydration. It’s great for those who prefer a richer oil that provides a lasting layer of moisture and protection.
In Summary – Marula Oil Vs Argan Oil for Skin: Both marula and argan oils offer substantial benefits for the skin, but marula oil is often favored for its lightweight feel and quick absorption, making it suitable for more skin types. Argan oil, on the other hand, offers deeper nourishment, making it perfect for drier or more mature skin. The choice depends on individual skin needs and preferences, but both oils are excellent for achieving a natural, radiant glow.
Marula Oil vs Argan Oil for Hair
When it comes to hair care, both marula and argan oils have earned a reputation as nourishing and protective oils. However, each has unique benefits depending on hair type, needs, and texture.
1. Moisturizing and Hydration
Marula Oil: Marula oil is incredibly hydrating without being heavy, making it ideal for fine to medium hair types. It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, providing moisture and reducing frizz without weighing hair down.
Argan Oil: Known for its rich, moisturizing properties, argan oil works especially well for dry, thick, and curly hair. It’s a bit heavier than marula oil, creating a layer of moisture that helps combat dryness and improve hair texture, especially for those with coarser hair.
2. Strength and Repair
Marula Oil: Marula oil is high in oleic acid, which helps to strengthen the hair shaft and protect it from environmental damage. Its antioxidant properties help protect against free radicals, UV damage, and pollution, keeping hair strong and resilient.
Argan Oil: With vitamin E and fatty acids, argan oil is highly beneficial for strengthening hair, reducing breakage, and protecting it from damage caused by styling and heat. Its reparative qualities make it a go-to for people with brittle or damaged hair.
3. Frizz Control and Shine
Marula Oil: Because of its lightweight, fast-absorbing nature, marula oil effectively tames frizz and adds shine without leaving a greasy residue. It’s great for a smooth, polished look, especially on days when hair needs a bit of extra control.
Argan Oil: Argan oil, while slightly heavier, is excellent for giving hair a glossy, smooth finish and is especially effective in humid conditions. It tames frizz and adds a natural sheen, making it perfect for styling thick or curly hair.
4. Scalp Health
Marula Oil: Marula oil’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it an excellent choice for maintaining a healthy scalp. It can help with issues like dryness, itching, and flakiness without clogging pores, which is especially helpful for those with sensitive or combination scalps.
Argan Oil: Argan oil is also beneficial for scalp health, particularly for soothing and hydrating dry or irritated areas. It’s effective for those with scalp issues, providing relief while nourishing and moisturizing, which can also encourage stronger hair growth over time.
5. Best For
Marula Oil: Best for fine, medium, or straight hair types that need lightweight moisture and frizz control. It’s ideal for those seeking a smoother look without weighing hair down.
Argan Oil: Ideal for thicker, curly, or coarser hair types needing deeper hydration, shine, and frizz control. It’s particularly useful for individuals with dry or damaged hair who need additional moisture and protection.
In Summary – Marula Oil Vs Argan oil for Hair: Marula oil and argan oil both offer fantastic benefits for hair, but are suited to different hair types. Marula oil provides lightweight moisture and frizz control, perfect for fine to medium hair. Argan oil, with its rich texture, is better suited for thicker and curly hair types needing intense hydration and shine.
Marula Oil vs Argan Oil for Cooking
While both marula and argan oils are rich in nutrients, they’re rarely used for cooking in the same way. Argan oil is commonly used in Moroccan cuisine, especially in cold dishes like salads or drizzled over couscous (a traditional North African dish), as it has a nutty flavor and a relatively low smoke point, making it unsuitable for high-heat cooking. However, its health benefits—rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants—are best retained in raw or lightly heated dishes. Marula oil, on the other hand, is less common in culinary uses, though it is rich in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. Its subtle flavor and similar low smoke point mean it’s also better suited to salads or light dressings rather than frying or sautéing.
Marula Oil vs Argan Oil – Side Effects
Both marula and argan oils are generally well-tolerated, but individuals with sensitive skin or specific allergies may experience side effects. Argan oil can sometimes cause mild irritation, especially in people with nut allergies, since it’s derived from the nut of the argan tree. Common reactions, though rare, may include redness, itching, or minor breakouts when applied directly to sensitive or acne-prone skin. Marula oil is typically less allergenic and non-comedogenic, making it a safer option for many, even those with sensitive skin. However, those prone to acne might want to patch test marula oil, as its richness can potentially clog pores in some individuals. Always patch test both oils before full use, especially if you have highly reactive skin or known allergies.
Marula Oil vs Argan Oil
| Aspect | Marula Oil | Argan Oil |
| Origin | Native to Southern Africa, from marula tree seeds | Native to Morocco, from argan tree nuts |
| Extraction | Cold-pressed from marula seeds | Cold-pressed from argan nuts |
| Key Nutrients | Rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, oleic acid, antioxidants, essential fatty acids | High in Vitamin E, linoleic acid, oleic acid, antioxidants, squalene |
| Skin Benefits | Hydrating, non-greasy, rich in antioxidants; gentle for sensitive skin | Deeply moisturizing, reduces fine lines; excellent for dry and aging skin |
| Hair Benefits | Adds shine, lightweight, reduces frizz without weighing down hair | Nourishes dry, frizzy hair; strengthens and smooths hair texture |
| Cooking Use | Rarely used; subtle, mild flavor; best suited for dressings | Common in Moroccan cuisine; nutty flavor; best for salads and low-heat dishes |
| Potential Side Effects | Generally safe; may clog pores for acne-prone skin types | Possible mild irritation in nut allergies; can cause breakouts in sensitive or acne-prone skin |
Is Marula Oil Better Than Argan Oil?
Now the big question – the one that you are here for. When comparing marula oil and argan oil, determining which one is “better” largely depends on individual needs and preferences, as both oils offer unique benefits. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
1. Skin Type and Concerns
Marula Oil: Lightweight and absorbs quickly, making it great for oily or combination skin. Its high antioxidant content helps with skin elasticity and hydration, making it ideal for anti-aging.
Argan Oil: Richer and more moisturizing, argan oil is suitable for dry or mature skin types. It provides deep hydration and helps in reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Hair Care
Marula Oil: Adds shine and reduces frizz without weighing hair down, making it suitable for fine hair types. It helps to maintain moisture balance.
Argan Oil: Nourishes and strengthens hair, making it an excellent choice for dry, damaged, or curly hair types. It helps in smoothing out hair texture and reducing split ends.
3. Culinary Uses
Marula Oil: Less common in cooking, but it can be used in dressings or low-heat dishes. Its flavor is mild.
Argan Oil: Widely used in Moroccan cuisine for its nutty flavor and health benefits. It’s best suited for salads and dips rather than high-heat cooking.
4. Nutrient Profile
Marula Oil: Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, which are beneficial for skin health and protection against environmental stressors.
Argan Oil: High in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, making it great for both skin and hair health.
Conclusion
Neither oil is inherently better; rather, they serve different purposes based on your specific needs. If you’re looking for a lightweight oil for oily skin or fine hair, marula oil might be your best bet. If you require deep hydration for dry skin or damaged hair, argan oil may be the better choice. Ultimately, trying both can also provide a fuller understanding of their individual benefits and how they work for you.