Pure argan oil is non-comedogenic. It scores a 0 on the comedogenic scale, the lowest possible rating, meaning it will not clog pores. This makes it one of the few facial oils that even people with oily or acne-prone skin can consider using without worrying about breakouts.
What the Comedogenic Scale Tells You
The comedogenic scale rates oils and butters from 0 to 5 based on their likelihood of blocking pores. A rating of 0 means the substance won’t clog pores at all, while a 5 means it almost certainly will. Argan oil sits at the very bottom of that scale. For comparison, coconut oil rates a 4, wheat germ oil rates a 5, and jojoba oil scores a 2. A rating of 0 doesn’t guarantee you’ll never have a reaction to an oil, but it does mean the oil itself isn’t forming a film that traps sebum and dead skin cells inside your pores.
One important caveat: these ratings apply to pure, unrefined argan oil. Products that blend argan oil with other ingredients, fragrances, or carrier oils may have a completely different comedogenic profile depending on what else is in the bottle.
Why Argan Oil Doesn’t Clog Pores
The reason comes down to its fatty acid makeup. Argan oil contains roughly 36% linoleic acid and 41% oleic acid. That balance matters because linoleic acid is a lighter fatty acid that absorbs into skin without leaving a heavy residue. Oils that are very high in oleic acid relative to linoleic acid, like olive oil, tend to sit on top of the skin and are more likely to contribute to clogged pores. Argan oil’s near-equal ratio of the two gives it a texture that sinks in relatively quickly without creating an occlusive layer.
People with acne-prone skin often have naturally low levels of linoleic acid in their sebum, which can make their skin’s own oil thicker and stickier. Applying an oil rich in linoleic acid can help thin out that sebum, making it less likely to get trapped in pores. This is one reason argan oil is tolerated well by skin types that react poorly to heavier oils.
Effects on Oily Skin and Sebum
Beyond not clogging pores, argan oil may actually help reduce oiliness. A clinical trial testing a cream containing polyphenol-rich extracts from argan oil (along with saw palmetto and sesame seeds) on people with oily facial skin found a 20% reduction in sebum levels after four weeks. The area covered by oily spots dropped by 42%, and 95% of participants reported visible improvement. While this was a combination product rather than pure argan oil alone, the polyphenols in argan oil are believed to play a role in regulating how much oil your skin produces.
This sebum-regulating effect is part of why argan oil feels counterintuitive but works on oily skin. Rather than adding grease to an already greasy face, the oil signals to your skin that it has enough moisture, which can slow down excess sebum production over time.
What Argan Oil Actually Does for Skin
Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, with a total tocopherol content between 60 and 90 mg per 100 grams. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from damage caused by UV exposure and pollution. The oil also contains polyphenols, coenzyme Q10, and squalene, all of which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.
For dry or sensitive skin, it works as a straightforward moisturizer. The fatty acids reinforce your skin’s natural barrier, reducing water loss and keeping skin hydrated without the heaviness of a traditional cream. Cleveland Clinic dermatologists note that it’s particularly useful for people with dry, sensitive skin looking for more natural moisturizing options.
What argan oil won’t do is treat acne scars, hyperpigmentation, or stretch marks. It’s a hydrating and protective oil, not a treatment product. If you’re dealing with active breakouts, argan oil is unlikely to make them worse (given its 0 comedogenic rating), but it’s also not going to clear them up on its own. Think of it as a safe moisturizing step rather than an acne treatment.
How to Use It Without Issues
If you want to test argan oil on your face, start with two to three drops applied to clean, slightly damp skin. Damp skin absorbs oil more efficiently, reducing the chance of any residue sitting on the surface. You can use it alone as a nighttime moisturizer, mix it into your existing moisturizer, or apply it as the last step in your skincare routine to seal in hydration.
For oily skin, use it sparingly. One to two drops patted gently across the face is usually enough. Using too much of any oil, even a non-comedogenic one, can leave a film that traps bacteria against your skin. If you notice any new breakouts in the first week or two, it’s worth checking whether the product is truly pure argan oil or a blend with added ingredients that could be the actual culprit.
Store argan oil in a cool, dark place. It oxidizes when exposed to heat and light, and oxidized oils can become irritating to skin. Pure argan oil has a faintly nutty smell. If it smells rancid or has no scent at all, it’s either gone bad or has been heavily processed, and neither version belongs on your face.