Argan oil can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, primarily by improving skin elasticity. A clinical trial published in Clinical Interventions in Aging found that both applying argan oil to the skin and consuming it daily led to significant improvements in multiple measures of skin elasticity over 60 days. It’s not a miracle cure for deep wrinkles, but it’s a legitimate, well-tolerated option for softening fine lines and keeping skin more supple.
What the Clinical Evidence Shows
The strongest evidence comes from a study on postmenopausal women, a group particularly prone to rapid skin aging due to declining estrogen levels. Over 60 days, participants who used argan oil (either applied to the skin or taken as a dietary supplement) showed statistically significant improvements in three key elasticity measurements: how well the skin stretches, how well it snaps back, and its overall biological elasticity. The skin’s ability to recover after being stretched also improved, which translates to a firmer, more resilient complexion.
Interestingly, argan oil outperformed olive oil in this trial. At the start, both groups had comparable skin elasticity. By day 60, the argan oil group showed significantly better results across all elasticity markers. That’s a meaningful finding because olive oil is itself a decent moisturizer, so argan oil isn’t just being compared to doing nothing.
Why Argan Oil Works on Aging Skin
Argan oil is unusually rich in vitamin E, containing 60 to 90 milligrams of tocopherols per 100 grams. The dominant form is gamma-tocopherol, which makes up 81 to 92 percent of the oil’s tocopherol content. Tocopherols are potent antioxidants that neutralize the free radicals responsible for breaking down collagen and elastin, the two proteins that keep skin firm and bouncy. When those proteins degrade faster than your body replaces them, wrinkles form.
The oil is also about 80 percent unsaturated fatty acids, mostly oleic acid (an omega-9) and linoleic acid (an omega-6). Oleic acid penetrates the outer skin layer effectively, which helps deliver the oil’s antioxidants deeper into the skin rather than just sitting on the surface. Linoleic acid supports the skin’s moisture barrier, reducing the water loss that makes fine lines look more pronounced. Only about 19 percent of argan oil’s fatty acids are saturated, which keeps the texture light enough to absorb without feeling heavy.
Eating It vs. Applying It
One of the more surprising findings from the clinical research is that consuming argan oil improved skin elasticity just as effectively as rubbing it on your face. Both routes produced significant results. This suggests the oil’s antioxidants and fatty acids work from the inside out, reaching the skin through the bloodstream, not just through direct contact.
That said, you don’t have to choose one or the other. Topical application gives your skin immediate moisture and barrier support, while dietary argan oil provides a systemic antioxidant boost. If you’re using it topically, a few drops massaged into clean, slightly damp skin in the evening is a common approach. The clinical trial ran for 60 days before measuring results, so give it at least two months before judging whether it’s working for you.
How It Compares to Other Face Oils
Argan oil tends to outperform rosehip oil for anti-aging purposes. Oleic acid, which argan oil has in higher concentrations, penetrates the skin more effectively than the fatty acids that dominate rosehip oil. This gives argan oil a stronger moisturizing and anti-aging effect, particularly for dry or mature skin. Rosehip oil is lighter and better suited for oily skin types, but if wrinkles are your primary concern, argan oil has the edge.
Compared to olive oil, the clinical data gives argan oil a clear advantage for elasticity. Olive oil is higher in alpha-tocopherol (the most biologically active form of vitamin E), but argan oil’s broader tocopherol profile and higher overall concentration appear to deliver better skin outcomes.
Which Skin Types Benefit Most
Argan oil scores a 0 to 1 on the comedogenic scale, meaning it’s very unlikely to clog pores. That makes it safe for most skin types, but it’s not ideal for everyone. It works best on dry, combination, mature, or sensitive skin. The rich oleic acid content delivers deep hydration that parched or thinning skin absorbs readily.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, argan oil won’t regulate your oil production or unclog pores. It’s not going to cause breakouts for most people, but it’s also not addressing the concerns that oily skin types typically have. A lighter oil like jojoba, which more closely mimics the skin’s own sebum, may be a better daily choice for oily complexions.
Choosing a Quality Product
Not all argan oil is created equal, and the quality directly affects whether you’ll see results. Look for oil that is cold-pressed and 100 percent pure, with no added ingredients. The color should be golden (for cosmetic-grade) with a faint nutty scent. If it smells like nothing at all, it may have been overly refined, stripping out the tocopherols and polyphenols you’re paying for.
Authentic argan oil comes exclusively from southwestern Morocco. Since 2010, a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) label has been available for products that meet specific production standards, similar to how champagne can only come from the Champagne region. Products carrying this label or sourced from verified Moroccan cooperatives are more likely to contain the full nutritional profile that makes argan oil effective. Quality markers that manufacturers test for include peroxide index (a measure of freshness), fatty acid composition, tocopherol levels, and sterol content. You won’t see these on a retail label, but reputable brands will have certificates of analysis available.
Realistic Expectations
Argan oil improves skin elasticity, hydration, and texture. These changes soften fine lines and make skin look plumper and more youthful. What it won’t do is erase deep wrinkles or replicate the effects of retinoids, which actively stimulate new collagen production at a cellular level. Think of argan oil as a strong supporting player in an anti-aging routine rather than a standalone solution for significant sun damage or deep creases.
It layers well with other actives. You can apply it after water-based serums (like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid) to lock in moisture, or use it as a final step over a retinoid on nights when your skin feels dry. The oil creates a barrier that slows moisture loss overnight, giving your other products more time to work. For the best results, pair consistent use with sun protection during the day, since UV exposure is responsible for up to 80 percent of visible facial aging.