Argan Oil (Fixed / Carrier Oil): Purpose, Usage Ratio and Method

Argan oil is a fixed (carrier) oil obtained from the kernels of the argan tree, which grows in south-western Morocco. It is non-volatile — meaning it does not evaporate or emit a scent. Its role is to carry: it delivers concentrated essential oils safely to the skin while itself leaving nourishing compounds behind. As we noted, when the top note fades, this layer takes centre stage — and in skincare too, it is this quiet carrier that lays the foundation.

Argan is a medium-to-light-weight oil. Its linoleic and oleic acid content allows it to absorb relatively quickly without leaving a heavy film. Its rich vitamin E content is valuable both for the skin and for the oil's own shelf life. For a broader overview, we recommend consulting the guide to volatile and fixed oils.

Argan oil is a versatile base. Its real strength lies in the fact that it can be used on its own for care purposes while also providing a safe bed for potent essential oils.

1. Skincare

   Used as a moisturiser and nourisher on the face and body. Its light texture absorbs without congesting pores.

2. Hair and beard care

   A few drops on hair ends and the beard for shine and softness. Distributes more evenly on freshly washed, damp hair.

3. Essential oil dilution base

   The ideal carrier for bringing essential oils such as thyme or tea tree — which should never be applied neat to skin — down to a safe concentration.

4. Massage blends

   Used alone or blended with more gliding oils (jojoba, sweet almond) as a massage base.

Because argan is a fixed oil, it can be applied to the skin neat. The truly critical part is achieving the correct dilution when using it as a carrier for essential oils. Essential oils are never applied to the skin undiluted; they must be brought down to a low concentration in argan.

Grams or millilitres? Building your formula by weight (grams) is the safest approach, because drop size varies depending on the bottle tip. Argan oil has a specific gravity of approximately 0.91 g/ml, meaning 10 ml of argan equates to roughly 9.1 g. If you ignore this difference when filling by volume (ml), you will end up with overflow or underfill. We recommend using a precision scale.

Application is straightforward; consistency determines the result. Start with a small amount and add more if needed. Short, deliberate movements.

1. Cleanse

   Cleanse your skin or hair first. Argan spreads more easily on damp (slightly wet) skin.

2. Use a small amount

   2–3 drops is sufficient for the face. Warm between your palms and distribute as a thin, even layer.

3. Press, don't rub

   Instead of rubbing, gently press the oil into the skin; this speeds up absorption.

4. Frequency

   For skincare, 1–2 times daily (morning/evening) is typical. On hair ends, a few times a week is enough.

Absorption and texture: Argan absorbs at a medium pace — it doesn't linger like sweet almond, but it isn't as light as jojoba either. For oily skin types, use smaller amounts and apply less frequently.

Shelf life: Although its vitamin E content provides some protection against oxidation, argan is still affected by light and heat. After opening, a typical usage window of 12–18 months is reasonable. Store in a cool, dark place in a dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting cap. If a bitter or sharp odour develops, the oil has gone rancid — discard it.

Argan is considered to have a low irritation profile among fixed oils; even so, every skin is different. A few basic rules will keep you safe.

1. Perform a patch test

   Apply a small amount of any new blend to the inner forearm and wait 24 hours. If there is no redness or itching, you may proceed.

2. Be mindful of nut/tree nut allergies

   Argan comes from the kernel of a tree fruit; those with tree nut allergies should exercise caution.

3. Never use essential oils undiluted

   Argan is a carrier; always dilute essential oils such as thyme or tea tree to a low concentration within argan before skin application.