I spent years wondering why the supposedly-awesome coconut oil for skin wasn’t cutting it for the dry skin on my face. It was SO frustrating! This discovery totally rocked my world, and I’m still using it daily, 5+ years later.
Huge thanks to Wilder Supply Co. who asked me to try some of their skin care products and originally sponsored this post. (All sponsored partnerships on this site are 100% my own thoughts, and I only publish work for products/companies I’ve personally tried and love.)
Written by: Beth Ricci
Every winter without fail, I get terribly dry skin on my face. The day after the we turn on the furnace for the first time in the fall, it starts. My face – especially in my T-zone – gets itchy, dry, and flaky. After my shower, it feels tight and awful, like that feeling you get when wearing a face mask that has dried and is ready to wash off. I do not appreciate this facet of my undeniably otherwise-flawless beauty. 😉 Not cool, face, not cool at all.
So what’s a natural living, crunchy mama to do?
[Enter, stage left, hero character]
Does Coconut Oil for Skin Actually Work?
Coconut oil is the darling of the natural living crunchy community. Every real food blogger worth their (unrefined sea) salt will tell you that there are literally hundreds of ways to use the stuff, from making delicious baked goods, homemade toothpaste, or eye makeup remover, to lubricating your you-know-what and using it as a massage oil in the bedroom.
Ever seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding? Remember how Windex is the cure-all? Same idea, less hilarious and more natural.
It’s commonly claimed that using coconut oil for skin is the Awesomest! Moisturizer! Ever! too. For years I kept some in a little sealed container in my bathroom, carried it in my purse, and even packed it for trips, just so I could swipe a little out with my finger to help moisturize my dry skin. It worked… sorta, but not great. I also tried jojoba oil for a while (holy expensive, batman). It was better, but still not awesome.
The Ideal Moisturizer for Your Skin, According to Research
According to this recent study on moisturizing products for dry skin, the ideal moisturizer will have the following attributes:
Reduce and prevent further TEWL (trans-epidermal water loss)
Restore lipid barrier, i.e., duplicating and enhancing the skin’s moisturizing retention mechanisms
Hypoallergenic, non-sensitizing, fragrance free, non-comedogenic
Absorbed immediately, providing immediate hydration
Cosmetically acceptable
Affordable.
How I First Learned About Coconut Oil Alternatives
My life was forever changed when an email landed in my inbox from Hannah at Wilder Supply Co. (Update September 2016: Wilder was formerly called Taproot Farms. Same great company, different name.)
(Seriously though – if any face moisturizer could be called life-changing, it’s this one.)
Wilder Supply Co. is a family-owned business located on an off-grid homestead in Chickaloon, Alaska. They offer a variety of products including lip balm, face/body oils, shea butter, perfume, and goat milk soap (made from fresh goat milk from the family homestead).
[annnd… now cue the dramatic music]
She wanted me to review some skin care products from their shop. I was all like, OK, sure, sounds fun. I was tired of using coconut oil for skin and being disappointed. Little did I know that my face moisturizing routine as I knew it was about to be forever changed.
I tried a few different products: a peach lip balm which works beautifully, and a sandalwood goat milk handcrafted soap – smells incredible, feels totally luxurious in the shower. I LOVE the silky smooth feel of it.
Then… I tried the Moroccan Argan Oil.
Backstory: when Hannah asked me what I’d like to try from their shop, I mentioned that the argan oil looked interesting (I had never heard of it before) because I had suffered from dry, itchy skin on my face for so long, and my current coconut oil for skin routine was not really cutting it.
This was followed by a discussion of the various oils and some brilliant explanations from her which pretty much explained everything as to why the other oils hadn’t worked for me. Here’s what I learned from her, and from my own rabbit hole of research that blew my mind:
What Does the Scientific Research Show About Argan Oil and Coconut Oil?
Well, first of all – the body of research on plant oils for therapeutic skin purposes is fairly small. Unfortunately, the laws in the United States on what skincare and cosmetic companies are allowed to include in their products are extremely loose. The U.S. only bans 11 ingredients, which is in stark contrast to the 1,328 chemicals banned by law in the European Union (28 countries). Canada’s laws are similarly strict to the E.U. with hundreds of ingredients banned.
According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, the E.U. also requires safety assessments on all products prior to being sold, whereas the U.S. does not. They point out that “the hazard-based, precautionary approach of the E.U. acknowledges that chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects simply don’t belong in cosmetics – regardless of the concentration of the chemical being used.”
What does this all mean? It means that the biggest cosmetic brands (the ones who could afford to fund studies) have little need to do so, and wouldn’t want to anyway, because the results on their products wouldn’t be good.
Here’s What we DO Know, Based on What’s Available:
- According to this 2013 study on jojoba in dermatology, jojoba oil isn’t actually an oil. It’s a wax ester that is very similar to the skin’s natural sebum. So, while it feels really nice on the skin (and worked better than coconut oil for me), it can’t soak in to the layers of the epidermis and moisturize as effectively as an oil like argan.
- Coconut oil for skin is a very light moisturizer that sinks in quickly, which appeals to a lot of people because it doesn’t leave a greasy feeling on the skin. It works well for some, but not those with very dry skin. This 2019 study found that coconut oil was effective as an emollient (softening skin) but that it was not found to leave an effective barrier to seal in moisture (aka “occlusive” – for the “most occlusive” example, think of petroleum jelly leaving a thick layer on skin). Dry skin needs something more occlusive than coconut oil, but less so than petroleum jelly (not a product I recommend, for the record).
- According to Table 1 in this study, coconut oil is not considered an effective occlusive (protective barrier), emollient (softens rough skin), or humectant (draws moisture). That same study points out that it does have excellent anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, so if you don’t have very dry skin or acne-prone skin (see comedogenic note below), it may be a great choice for you. (It’s also worth noting that other studies do refer to occlusive and emollient effects of coconut oil, and I’m sure there’s truth to that, however other plant-based oils seem to be referenced as more effective in this regard.)
- According to this comedogenic chart, argan oil is non-comedogenic with a rating of 0, so it won’t clog your pores.
- Conversely, coconut oil is listed with a rating of 4 (which means it can easily clog pores). That doesn’t bother many people, but if you have a tendency to get clogged pores (blackheads, acne breakouts, etc), coconut oil may exacerbate that problem.
- It is worth noting that the concept of comedogenicity requires more research before we can draw too many conclusions. Still – anecdotally, many people report that coconut oil just doesn’t leave their skin feeling hydrated (like me), or it leads to acne breakouts (hence the comedogenicity discussion).
- To sum up my own experience – while jojoba oil provided a protective layer without sinking in well, and coconut oil sinks in but doesn’t leave much of a protective layer, argan oil does both (see research below), making it more effective overall.
- In this 2014 study involving 60 women, the researchers concluded that argan oil improved skin hydration by restoring barrier function (keeping irritants, microbes, and allergens out) AND maintaining the water-holding capability (keeping moisture in).
- A follow-up study in 2015 by the some of the same researchers concluded that argan oil has an effective anti-aging effect by significantly improving skin elasticity.
So while coconut oil might work well for people who have skin in the middle of the spectrum (generally non-problematic skin), it doesn’t usually work great for those of us who tend to have dry or oily skin issues.
My Personal Experience with Argan Oil
As soon as I got the package in the mail, I started using the argan oil every morning, especially after a shower (I don’t shower every day – it helps to avoid drying the skin too much)
I dab a few drops on my driest areas (right between my eyebrows, forehead, around the base of my nose) and massage it in. It literally only takes a few drops, and my skin drinks it up thirstily.
It is especially effective if I give my face a quick, gentle exfoliation first. In the shower, I just gently scrub my face with a washcloth and it works great. I don’t feel a need to buy special products, or to be particularly harsh with scrubbing. It’s also most effective when applied to damp skin because your pores are more open.
Since using the argan oil, I have noticed an absolute 100% improvement in the way the skin on my face feels on a daily basis. That tight, dry feeling is gone!
As far as I can tell, the results are long-lasting too, because on the days I don’t shower, I sometimes don’t even use the oil because my skin is still happily moisturized from the day before.
It’s incredibly effective (this is about as close to defining something as a miracle product as I’ve ever gotten) and it’s frugal too, considering how little of it you need at a time. At the risk of overstating my case, to be honest, I am utterly blown away and thrilled with this product. Truly.
Now, not only does it work well and not cost me an arm and a leg (side note: yes, the price seems high at first glance compared to drugstore junk, but my first bottle lasted me almost four years!!), but consider these amazing factors as well:
Interesting Facts About the Origins and Production of Argan Oil:
- Argan oil is one of the rarest, most highly-valued oils in the world (source). It is a plant-based oil that comes from the Argan tree, which is exclusive to Morocco. It is called the “tree of life” there, and it has been used by locals for centuries.
- Every part of the plant is utilized: “Getting oil from the fruit of the argan tree involves drying it, extracting the nuts, cracking them to reveal the kernels, and pressing them to release the oil. The byproduct of pressing is a thick argan paste, which is sold locally for cosmetic products. Nothing else is wasted, as the outer pulp provides food for village animals, while the shells are burned for fuel.” (source)
- The process of extraction and selling this oil is done in a sustainable fashion. Almost all Argan oil is distributed by local co-operatives of women in Morocco (source). To this day, the most efficient method of extraction is hand-pressing the kernels, which provides valuable jobs to women in the country.
What are the Health Benefits of Argan Oil?
- Argan oil has incredible health benefits. According to this study, it’s rich in fatty acids and Vitamin E, which are both traits held in high regard in the beauty industry. The industry often adds synthetic versions of these things to products to be able to market them as anti-aging and healing, but of course, the natural (non-synthetic) version is far superior.
- According to the same study, “daily topical application of argan oil has also been shown to improve skin elasticity and skin hydration by restoring the barrier function and maintaining the water-holding capacity. Additionally, topical applications onto skin provide a softening and relaxing effect on the skin.”
- This study discusses multiple amazing health benefits of argan oil beyond skin moisturizing, including UV protection, and even cancer prevention (yes, really!)
The Bottom Line?
I first wrote this post in 2013, and it has been viewed nearly four million times since. There has been some pushback to criticism of our beloved coconut oil (of which I’m still a huge fan – I use it all the time for cooking, and a few other things!) but overall, I have heard from a ton of others who were relieved to know that they weren’t the only ones struggling with coconut oil for skin as a moisturizer!
I still use and love my argan oil to this day – I get mine from the same company: Wilder Supply Co. (<– get a special R&H discount through that link). I trust their quality.
They’re a small family business that prides itself on offering natural, affordable products of exceptional quality. They also value sustainability and top-notch service, which pretty well makes them my ideal company.
Related:
What do you use to moisturize your skin? Have you tried argan oil?
Sources:
- Sethi, A., Kaur, T., Malhotra, S. K., & Gambhir, M. L. (2016). Moisturizers: The Slippery Road. Indian journal of dermatology, 61(3), 279–287. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.182427
- Pazyar N, Yaghoobi R, Ghassemi M.R, Kazerouni A, Rafeie E, Jamshydian N. (2013). “Jojoba in Dermatology: A Succinct Review”. G Ital Dermatol Venereol , 9(1): 5–14. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.06.012
- Varma, S. R., Sivaprakasam, T. O., Arumugam, I., Dilip, N., Raghuraman, M., Pavan, K. B., Paramesh, R. (2018). In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 9(1), 5–14. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.06.012
- Chularojanamontri, L., Tuchinda, P., Kulthanan, K., & Pongparit, K. (2014). Moisturizers for Acne: What are their Constituents?. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 7(5), 36–44.
- Draelos Z.D, DiNardo J.C. (2006). A Re-Evaluation of the Comedogenicity Concept. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 54(3):507-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2005.11.1058
- Boucetta, K.Q, Charrouf, Z, Derouiche, A, Rahali, Y, and Bensouda, Y. (2014). Skin Hydration in Postmenopausal Women: Argan Oil Benefit with Oral and/or Topical Use. Menopause Review 13(5): 280–288. doi: 10.5114/pm.2014.46470
- Boucetta, K.Q, Charrouf, Z, Aguenaou, H, Derouiche, A, and Bensouda Y. (2015). The Effect of Dietary and/or Cosmetic Argan Oil on Postmenopausal Skin Elasticity. Clinical Interventions in Aging 10:339-49. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S71684
- Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2017). Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International journal of molecular sciences, 19(1), 70. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070
- Villareal, M. O., Kume, S., Bourhim, T., Bakhtaoui, F. Z., Kashiwagi, K., Han, J., … Isoda, H. (2013). Activation of MITF by Argan Oil Leads to the Inhibition of the Tyrosinase and Dopachrome Tautomerase Expressions in B16 Murine Melanoma Cells. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 340107. doi:10.1155/2013/340107
Debra
I started using Argan oil for my hair. I use Marakesh. My hair has not grown this long in 10 years. I will try it next on my skin.
Thank You
angel
“Hi,
I used coconut oil for my face before, but I stoped (not completely, I stop because I’m still using this as moisturizer for my other part of the body) when I feel it doesn’t work well, It feels like it’s burning my face, we all know that our face is more sensitive than other parts of our body. My sister loves this, and it works great for her (so sad for me), so I guess it depends only on the skin type. Here’s another piece that I read recently https://nucific.com/coconut-oil-for-rosacea/ in addition to what I’ve learned from your post. Thank you for sharing”
Beth
Are you saying that argan oil doesn’t work for you? Or that coconut oil doesn’t? I’m not totally clear. Either way – thanks for reading, and I’m glad you liked the article! 🙂
Jalila
My husband is from Morocco and Argan oil comes from Morocco and it works for our skin as a moisturizer and also a massage oil hehehe but it is very good for the skin it does not make your skin greasy or oily and actually helps in the winter . It has a nutty kind of smell and my husband gets it in his country which is expensive but it’s really good and it lasts a very long time
Lina
Hi,I’m mainly replying to this article. I disagree totally. The writer of this article is trying to just push this product. ( probably for a discount or because she is getting paid to) who knows? My point is ,as I scrolled further down,that’s when I realized it was about selling something on a website. Not EVERYONE will have the Sam results. That’s all subjective . in fact,I’ve been using coconut oil for Yeats,and it works GREAT for me. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars on expensive beauty products. So,sorry,I’m not sold on this. Maybe others will be. Good Luck.
Lina
Sorry,misspelled a few words. *same as well as *years. It’s early,and I’m just waking up.
Beth
Hello Lina, (R&H owner/writer here). I never said that everyone has the same results, for the record. I wrote this to share what honestly worked for me when coconut oil didn’t, and what I learned when I started digging into it. I link to the argan oil on the Wilder website (a small family-run business out of Alaska) because that’s the actual oil I first used and loved. I’ve been using it and loving it for 7 years now, and while the post was originally sponsored as a review, I now buy my own argan oil from them with my own money. And it’s actually cheaper than almost any other beauty product – I only go through about one bottle a year (I don’t need it in the summer), and it’s way cheaper than the premium fancy skincare products that are marketed to women (and it works just as well).
Not everyone on the internet is dishonest (as you’re implying I am).
Airis Anderson
Hi Lina. Listen. Those people talking negatively about coconut oil, they should take a tour to those countries where coconut oil is used in every thing you can imagine. There they can see with their own eyes. The thing is that in this big industrialize countries, every thing is a business. I am from the Caribbean, I grew up drinking, cooking with coconut oil all my life, in big countries since they have power, they can control any thing by advertising, what they want to sell in a way the consumer will believe.
I will give you one example, did you know the coconut has the chemical that kills the covid 19, it is called, LAURIC ACID. THEY DONT TELL YOU THIS THING, BECAUSE IT IS NOT CONVENIENT, BUT YES, THAT MIRACLE FRUIT HAS A LOT OF NUTRIENTS. LIKE WITH ANY OTHER PRODUCT, IT WILL NOT WORK THE SAME FOR EVERY BODY. I WILL NEVER QUIT MY COCONUT. I DRINK 1 TSP. EVERY MORNING WITH COFEE! TRY IT!
Portia
I have been using coconut all my life.. I discovered it ws not working yrs ago but ppl said I ws crazy or imagining things, and I also have dry sensitive skin but I was so loyal to coconut oil but since I relocated to a dryer region my face felt. Like sand paper.. Thank you for this article.. I am definitely trying tht Argan. Oil
Marie
Love coconut, argan and olive oil but nothing stays all day. Even eating more oils doesn’t fix it. Dan’s Valvoline 10w30 looking pretty good. Works for my car, works for me! ?❤️
HK
Coconut oil has been used for century by various indigenous people for various reason (moisturizing,massaging baby,etc…)
Jacqueline
I agree that coconut oil is fantastic But you can’t use it straight out of the jar! It needs a “carrier” for your skin to get the true benefits! So buy a coconut oil based product not what you cook with!!!
Kimberly Berghauer
Use plain water as a carrier with plain coconut oil …Works get for me 🙂
Dave
But water and oil don’t mix, how does this work
Stacy K Schulte
Wait…WHAT? My mother has been using coconut and olive oil straight from the jar for 40+ years. I’ve have been using it for several years straight from the container too. Straight out of the shower while skin is wet or after washing fash is best time to apply. While skin is damp and warm. You do not need a carrier oil.
Virgin cold pressed is your best bet. Mom is 83 looks 65-70, I’m 59 and pass for 45.
Moisturizer , add it to coffee, hot tea, cook with it, give it to your dogs (mine are crazy for it). Just make sure its food grade. Don’t waste your money on cosmetic coconut oil.
Cynthia
I use coconut oil straight out of the jar right after I shower, and it has made my skin mych softer and smoother. And fixed those ugly red bumps on the back of my arms.
Lisa Hill
Nice article! I really like the info shared by you. It can be helpful to choose best skin care regimen according your skin nature. Thanks a lot for sharing such a great article.
Rice Bran Oil User
It’s unexpected information mentioned in this article. It is nice information and mentioned excellent another site of the Coconut oil about why not to use for skin moisturizer. Thanks Beth.
Tiffany
I agree with you that there are more moisturizing oils than coconut. Argan is great. Olive works. Aloe Vera and apricot kernel oil are nice too. Carrot seed is just ok. Jojoba is pretty fine. I’ll stop now. I’m also really happy to see your post do so well even though it’s not super glowing positive review. I’ve written a few « why I don’t love… » posts lately too, and they’re not doing all that well.
Rod
….you guys need to try valvoline 10w30 , I’ve used it successfully for years….
Dan
HAHAHA for your skin not your car silly! Unless……
DJ
Why would you put a toxic oil substance on your skin which penetrates into your blood stream and organs?
Paulen
Do you really think Maybeline is non-toxic? Been around for 1000 years and is always a top performer. Perhaps there is a valvolinial segment of our bodies much like there is a cannabidiol processor. One can always hope!!
Michelle
Coconut oil started working for my winter skin on my face when I got my hands at with hot water and used the way hands to warm up and moisten my have, then put a thick cost of coconut oil on my face with my wet hands using my whole palm. My incredibly horrible looking atomic dermatitis that was turning my entire face white with scaly flaky skin is cleared up except the jawline is just much better not gone, and stubborn areas by my nostrils and under my chin towards my neck are still getting better as well. I did this every time I used the bathroom and washed my hands and kept some coconut oil in every bathroom in the house (and my face off the pillows and cushions, resting and sleeping on my back, and it seems to be a natural moisture infusion just completely hydrating my face and bringing back smoothness and glow. The scaly flaky look like I was some kind of snake crossbreed about to molt is gone and I realize sometimes that little bit of coconut oil isn’t what a dry skin sufferer needs, it’s actually a ton of it more than normal to drench your skin. Using at hands heated with hot water to dampen your face to that fresh out the shower wetness then immediately choosing the face with oil is pretty much an instant express hydrofacial.
Mustapha
This is one of the few and amazing articles I have read about coconut oil. Thank you.
organic skin care
Thanks for finally writing about >Why I Stopped Using Coconut Oil as a Skin Moisturizer – Red
and Honey <Liked it!
robinp5
My skin is a serious issue for me, it can be patchy, red, and get intensely dry. The Somaluxe Redness Repair cream works impressively well. I’ve been using it twice a day after washing my face both morning and evening. It has a pleasant scent and hydrates my skin. It has improved quite a bit of my patchiness, and my cheeks especially have smoothed out.
Sarah
So I know this post is a couple of years old, but I just read it now because I was interested (as I’m sure many were), why you stopped using coconut oil. When I read the post I had to laugh though, I love Argan oil. I actually use both coconut and argan in my routine: coconut oil (with EO add ins) as my night cleanser/moisturizer (so I grease it on strongly then rinse the excess off with warm water), and argan oil (also with EO add ins) as my day moisturizer. I stumbled upon both at the same time about 2 years ago when I had reached despair and desperation with the drug-store skin things I’d been using my whole life. No matter what I bought, I constantly struggled with a mixture of adult acne and dry skin. I had tried briefly olive oil as a cleanser (too greasy), and coconut oil as a moisturizer (also too greasy, in the summer anyway), but had read up on argan oil and said, “okay, I’ll give this a last shot before I go to the doctor.” And I haven’t looked back. Acne? Gone. Dry skin? Gone. Compliments on my skin? Get them a lot now. Money? Even though both cost a little money, they are both super efficient and I’m saving money on my skin routine. Yes, yes, yes, lots of props to argan oil.
Karla
how sustainable is Argan oil if it comes from such a small country? do the trees/nuts replenish quickly? Worried about environmental aspects.
I’m trying to buy more local products and make my own products but coconuts aren’t local to PNW either 😉
Heather
No need to worry about the argan forest. It’s a UNESCO biosphere and since the advent of the international trade in argan oil the forest have grown and thrived, because it’s protected from locals chopping down the trees to use as charcoal and to make room for grazing. You can read about argan oil here: https://beautytastesgreat.com/how-argan-oil-made-the-skin-of-60-women-young-again/
Tammy
Sarah, sorry to ask but what is “EO” when you mention that it is added to your coconut and argan oil? Thank you!
R&H Assistant
Essential oil! 🙂
Becky
That is great information and your skin sounds exactly like mine! So my question is what EOs are you adding in for your results? Thank you!
Celeste
I use Argan Oil on my face as well, but I don’t find it moisturizing enough. My skin absolutely loves Olive Oil, but I can’t put it on my face, chest or shoulders because it does clog my pores. It causes blackheads on the tops of my arms, but I persist anyway since it’s the only oil that actually moisturizes my dry skin. Does anybody know of an ultra moisturizing oil for my face that is non-comedogenic? I use Jojoba too so I already have experience with that one.
Shaswati Dutta
sesame oil
Pamm Doyle
Celeste, try rosehip oil! I’ve used it for years. I always have argan in hand too. But rosehip is my go to. Every night and then every morning before my make up.
Autumn
I notice a lot of comments about Argon oil for hair…and I must say…I sampled some Moroccan argon oil shampoo and conditioner from Dermorganic and the results were awesome. Of course everyone has different hair and may not work for others but it was a great product for me. I have averagely thick hair and I have bleached it three times and the leave in treatment really helped also. im glad you’ve found what works for you! I need to find more quality companies to sample from before I buy products.
Jim Taravella
Coconut oil does not clog pores. You should have the facts before trying to sell another product
Jess
Coconut oil has a Comedogenic rating of 4(0 means it won’t clog pores and 4 to 5 will)
Argan oil is a 0. get your facts straight.
Sheetal Ayyatan
I’ve read virgin coconut oil is non-comedogenic, so Jim Taravella is not entirely wrong.
Fruity
I have to say I agree not only that it doesn’t clog pores but it actually may UN-clog them. The recent “HOLD-UP-EVERBODY! COCONUT-OIL-IS-BAD-FOR-YOUR-ARTERIES!!” FDA warning horse pucky (I think it was FDA?) was the exact opposite of what we learned about how coconut oil actually acts in the body, that is, keeps your platelets slickery preventing blood clots etc because it’s liquid at room temperature, JUST LIKE VITAMIN E!!
Therefore, I agree with the thinking that it unclogs hair follicles (think scalp hair, eyebrows, eyelashes), allowing them to grow better and dissolves pores clogged with sebum/dirt/makeup, so it can be washed away. Using it with a Clairsonic type tool would probably be amazing (do we really need a special product to use the sonic skin cleaners?), I’m going to try that!
To be clear, I will definitely be looking into the Wilder Argan Oil discussed here. I’m a Ole Lady who still has oily skin (combination) and will try it on my dryer areas. If that doesn’t work out, my hair will appreciate it.
Meanwhile, everyone please don’t be afraid to use coconut oil– straight or in one of the many DIY recipes found in the Blogosphere.
Happy moisturizing! And thanks for the helpful article Ü
Shubhra
I have been using coconut oil for the past 2 years on my face and body, and since the time i have started using it i haven’t got a single pimple on my face. It absolutely nourishes my skin from dusk to dawn. I absolutely love it.
Luann
I am 65 and lap swim 5+ days a week, in a public pool. I am hoping for some straight answers! All posts mention argon oil for your face. Does anyone have a suggestion for a completely natural oil for your whole body? I have very dry skin and have developed eczema . Stop swimming….is not an option. I live with extreme stress and the water is calming. Since skin is a major factor here, does anyone know what to use for your entire body that; doesn’t cause cancer, clog pores, that’s safe and natural. Very confused about locks in moisture and your skin needs to breath. I need a solution, before protection from chlorine and after shower to deep moisturize my entire body….that doesn’t clog pores and helps with dry skin. “I know about all the swimmers produces.” They were of no help to me.
Pary
Try Vanicream, or even a combo of coconut oil and Vanicream.
I have psoriasis and its my go to.
Also backed by the Excema Association.
Best of Luck
Ugh
“keeps your platelets slickery preventing blood clots etc because it’s liquid at room temperature”
Wow, what a totally scientific rebuttal to claims by the World Health Organization, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, United States Food and Drug Administration, American Heart Association, American Dietetic Association, British National Health Service, British Nutrition Foundation, and Dietitians of Canada.
What do all those highfalutin scientists know!?
Joanne
Big Pharma!!!
Gigi
According to the “Truth About Cancer” series called “I Thrive” and about 12 well known doctors, these organizations are in the pockets of Big Pharma… We are literally on our own in this regard and have to do our own research.
Debbie
I agree coconut oil has unclogged my pores on my nose and chin. Also helpful after cleansing is to use miscellar water and then witch hazel. I have been doing this for about a week and have noticed cleaner pores.
Trying coconut oil as my moisturiser tonight. Hope it works.?
Jill Peacock
I found a Dr on YouTube. Uses combination of Organic coconut oil and Organic cocoa butter…. It melts right into your skin. You just melt equal amounts. Pour into a clean jar , leave the lid off. When solid can put lid on. I’m 70, I really liked this oil combination. Just make it in small batches. Very good. Works great on my dry hands, and I’ve used it on my face. Leaves skin nice and soft and smooth.
Antonio
hahaha true
Sharon Couch
I use coconut oil on my face and have read all the comments about your product and I would like to try some samples is there any way that you can mail me some samples to try before I buy thank you
Jean
Clogged mine! I love coconut oil but it clogs my pores where i have to squeeze the black heads and pimples. Also olive oil does the same
I am a woman of color..
Lisa
I tried Beecher’s Botanicals organic skin butter based on an earlier comment. It is made with only mango butter and avocado butter. Makes my skin SO SOFT… and it’s 100% non-comedogenic, unlike coconut oil which can clog pores. Now I am telling everyone about Beecher’s Botanicals!
Sylvia York
Josie Maran Argan Oil is the best I’ve used for my skin. I tried Coconut Oil, but find my skin is dry and itchy after a few hours, so I went back to 100% natural Argan Oil.
Just sayNO
JM is filled with toxchems synthetics. U r meant to use what your country of origin grows! I’m not an a rab. Argan oil sales go too finance terror groups! I will NEVER try argon oil. It looks like it feels disgustingly greasy!
Anne
Racist much?
Fruity
Wow. Just Wow.
# SAD
Jason
Hey Anne, please point to the “racist” part of Just sayNO’s comment. For a refresher, in order to be racist it must specifically either put down one race (in an inherent way) or say that another is superior. To say you are not from a country is not racist, and to say that sales of a product finance terror groups also does not put down a race. This is a skin care blog, not an SJW blog. There are plenty of sites to get your outrage fix at.
More on topic Beth: I hope this oil can help me. The area around my eyes has gotten wrinkly and “old” in the past 2 years since I started using coconut oil. I’ll try this oil and if it doesn’t work, then I guess it’s back to the drugstore stuff *sigh*
Abby
Hi Jason! I think Anne was referring to “U r meant to use what your country of origin grows!” or perhaps “Argan oil sales go too finance terror groups!” I understand your claim that Just sayNO is not being inherently racist, but I have to disagree and say that racism is present! The definition of racist is “a person who shows or feels discrimination or prejudice against people of other races, or who believes that a particular race is superior to another” and one could argue that Just sayNO is being racist by implying that he or she is too good to use Argan Oil because it comes from a different country. This is silly, because it would also imply that Just sayNO doesn’t eat pizza or tacos or gyros (all very delicious foods) because they are not from America. (I assume that Just sayNO is an American. If he or she is Italian or Hispanic or Greek, then I amend my statement to remove the appropriate food from my example.)
We live in a global economy and are continually interacting with people and products from different cultures. I believe that Anne’s “racist much?” comments stems from the hope that people will someday be able to look past cultural differences and embrace one another’s unique outlooks as an opportunity to learn more instead of being disgusted by the foods, traditions, and oils that come from other countries.
AOK
Just SayNo’s comment causes a negative reaction because it speaks of another race saying that it helps fund terrorism. I would like to see the facts that back that up. They also make it clear they are not “a rab”, not sure if that is a way to poke at that race? I believe it should also be capitalized-“Arab”. I have to think the author can’t be all that intelligent because the use of the word “too” is incorrect and since most kids born & raised in the U.S.A are taught the correct use of that word by 2nd grade at the latest, they still misuse the word years & years later. The bottom line is that I believe they knew they would get a reaction to their post but I can’t take any of it seriously due to the misuse of such simple words.
sandra hasan
Yep. Uncomfortably so
Daniel
Wow i didn’t think i’d find this level of ignorance on a natural living website.
Fruity
In the current “Climate” I strongly suggest you Make Your Own Koolaid.
Also, this probably isn’t the place for such comments, it’s a healthy-living blog!
FWIW, Morocco is the sole place on Earth that Argan Oil nuts are cultivated. Check a map; Morocco is closer to Spain than the Middle East, in both climate and its European attitudes.
You’re Welcome!
Hannah
I while back, I stopped using coconut oil because I discovered it was probably causing acne issues, and I started using jojoba oil. But, I still struggle a bit with dryer skin, so I’m totally going to start using argan oil. Thanks for sharing this info!
Tara
one comment I can relate to. thankyou for posting.
Sharon
When your doctor calls your skin fragile and specifically states you are to shower every day at most and must use lukewarm water, not hot you don’t shower every day. You are fortunate to be able to shower every day – there are those of us who can’t and have to be happy with every other day!
Sharon
Sorry, misspoke – every other day not every day.
Celeste
I’m sorry that you took offense to her choice not to shower every day, which may be the craziest thing I’ve ever seen trigger somebody, but did you ever consider HER skin is “fragile” or just too flipping dry to handle a shower every day??? I do not shower every day, and it’s because I have horribly dry skin that just will not tolerate it. Her description of her skin after a shower is exactly how mine feels. My skin, on my entire body not just my face, is so dry and tight that it feels like it might crack open at any second. I haven’t decided to not shower every day just because I’m lazy and I want to see how bad I can stink. I actually rarely sweat at all, and I wonder if that’s linked to how dry my skin is. Anyway, it’s terribly uncomfortable for me to take a shower and I feel it’s much healthier for my skin to skip days in between unless of course, I miraculously get really sweaty for some reason.
june
Do any of you even know why people think they need to bathe every day?
Bathing is not required daily (for most people)
Bathing daily was marketed. The less you bathe (Once a week is what I think the recommendation is: to keep bad bacteria, fungus and other negative effects from a healthy body)
The more you use products, the more your natural chemical set up will break down. (despite the fact most products on the market ESPECIALLY the readily accessible overloaded shelves at the local ‘stores’, are chock full of garbage, chemicals and ….? a plethora of other harmful (probably deadly) things. The more we use the more we need.
One of the biggest marketing scams of all time.
Some people DO need to bathe more than other people.
I did some research and my own ‘tests’. (lucky for me, I don’t sweat or emit odor unless I have had an over the top workout ~and at times even then it’s iffy) I found that I don’t need to spend more than $100 a year on all combined things I use to keep my skin healthy, clear and glowing.
“Less is more” 😉
Toni
Yes, because otherwise you…stink? Bacteria only takes a few hours to proliferate in a humid and oily environment, not a whole week. Just buy a gentle body wash, but please, do shower often. Especially in the summer / warmer climates.
Westcoastlady
Toni,
That simply isn’t true. Not for everyone anyway. I shower once or twice a week, and I use only water and textured gloves. No soap or shampoo. I also don’t use deodorant. If I need something for underarm odour, I use a lemon slice. On top of that, clothing traps more odour than bodies. Keep your clothing clean (without scented soap) and it’ll help diminish the ‘stink’.
Jamie
Be careful – many people with tree nut allergies are finding they are sensitive to Argan Oil – it is a popular ingredient being added Willy-bully to everything these days…so just something to think about- exsposure for tree but allergy kudos and adults alike. Proceed with caution! ?? and be aware of what you touch!
Jamie Vonessen
Hi Jamie! I was reading the comments hoping to find someone speaking out about potential reactions too! My daughter is highly allergic to Argan and I couldnt figure out why…but we tested it and now are absolutely certain, bc she breaks out in hives almost instantly and it even scabs over, just awful. So I researched and found that it is derived from a nut! She has no confirmed allergies to nuts but hasnt been tested and doesnt eat them to be cautious but dang it that Argan is in everything “beauty”.
Meha
Argan oil is still on my list from like ages. I have not purchased it yet. I checked few online & on drug store but it’s so costly.
About coconut oil. I have been using it as a moisturizer & under eye cream from last 15 days and the results are amazing!!! But my skin is normal. Not too dry. Not too oily. So I get it why women with dry skin can’t use coconut oil. But for normal skin people, it’s amazing oil & might I say, easy on pocket too! 🙂
And my next trial will be for Argan oil, not only for face but for hairs too, only if I will manage to buy one! 😉
Marion Dutcher
Argan oil may be costly but it last a long time! Check prices on EBay! They may have a price that will work for you!
Jenny
I have used coconut oil on my face for years (over 12). When I lived in a hot climate, I had no problems and it performed just how I wanted it to on my face. However, we moved to a cooler climate. Now, when I look closely at my skin, I see tiny gobs of fat/wax coming out of each pore! I did several things to try to remedy this: exfoliation, masks, etc. None solved the problem. I couldn’t figure out what was causing it either. Now understand, I wasn’t getting acne at all but my skin felt rough and on close inspection, I could see those clogged pores.
Then, just last week, I had an episode of terrible sweats for 3 hours (blood sugar issues). When I looked in the mirror, I saw extruded waxy cores poking out of many of my pores! Then it hit me, when we lived in the hot climate, I would perspire more regularly and profusely (at the beach, on walks, washing the car). In the cool northwest, I rarely break a sweat under any conditions. Explanation: the comedogenic coconut oil was building up in my pores.
All this is to say, coconut oil might work for a while but keep an eye on those pores 🙂
I am buying some argan oil today.
zayn
Most people do not understand that to get the best from natural oils and organic butters such as Shea and cocoa,you nerd to goal the way. What do I mean? Your soapmust be black soap.!Trust me on this ,lay your hands on Ghanian African black soap and try it for at least a week….
Black soap is ph balanced cleansers your skin thoroughly and you do not need a cleanser .A simple black soap and oils,is all you need
In the era where cancer is fast claiming lives,one needs to be careful what we consume and our skin pores do absorb .
IN MY THE PAST I USED PRODUCTS SUCH AS OLAY,CLINIQUE,ELIZABETH ARDEN,CLARINS ETC BUT NOTHNG BEATS GOING ORGANIC
Carmella
I’m sure that’s keritan. (And I’m sure I’m spelling it wrong) Google it and YouTube it. It’s nasty like you described. I doubt it was the oil tho.
Dina
The very reason I don’t want to shower everyday is to keep off my skin from chlorine. Second, my skin is dry and don’t want to aggravate it. I am okay doing this bec I don’t sweat a lot and no body odor. Some people need to have daily shower though to follow their “routine” like my 13 yrs old younger than me client whose skin looks worse than mine now after 2 yrs that I observe him. Others need to take shower daily because of strong body odor and extreme sweating. Coconut oil is still my favourite after shower lotion as it keeps me from getting sick even though people around me are sick. VCO is my shield all over.