Barb would like to know…What’s the deal with Moroccan oil? I’ve read all the rave reviews on Amazon.com but I’d like the real scoop from the Beauty Brains. 
The Right Brain responds:
Actually, Barb, we’ve already answered this question. Sort of.
Moroccan oil = Argan oil?
Moroccan oil is another name for Argan oil which is made from the kernels of argan tree fruit that grow almost exclusively in Morocco. You can read our previous post on Argan oil for hair and skin but here’s what you need to know in a nut shell: the oil is a rich emollient that can moisturize hair and skin; it can potentially cause zits so be careful if you’re prone to breakouts; and it does NOT come from goat poop. (You’ll have to read the original post and all the comments to get that reference. Whoo boy, did we piss some people off! But I digress…)
The product “Moroccan Oil” is sold by the company Moroccanoil (R) and is made with Argan oil. Let’s take a look at its ingredients.
Moroccan Oil ingredients
Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Butylphenyl, MethylPropional, Argania Spinoza Kernal Oil (Aragan Oil), Linseed (Linum Usitatissimum) Extract, Fragrance Supplement, D&C Yellow-11, D&C Red-17, Coumarin, Benzyl Benzoate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
As you can see, most of the product is made up of various silicones. That’s not a bad thing at all, silicone-based antifrizz products are very effective. Remember John Frieda’s Frizz- Ease? But just be aware that you’re not buying pure Argan oil.
The Beauty Brains bottom line
Moroccan Oil appears to be a well formulated hair tamer – but if you’re looking for pure Argan oil, you should consider other products which you can get at BeautyStopOnline.com.
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I have used both Morroccan oil and plain argan oil. Either will do for hair. However, argan oil is a great multi-tasker, and is great for a body oil or to take off makeup, for a moisturizer on the face, etc. I save the M Oil for my hair, and just put a little on the ends before I wash it – I have past-the-shoulder hair. Keeps my hair nice and moisturized, but a little goes a long way. First time I did it, put too much in and had greasy hair for a week.
My daughter has thick, coarse curls and found Morroccan oil (VERY small amount) worked well. My hair is less dry, more wavy and coarse, and I thought it was too oily. I love Biosilk for the silicone and feel it is the least heavy product. I leave moisturizing to my Pantene conditioner.
the oil is perfect for my gfs hair. thanks for the post she now loves me for it
I just recently purchased because of all the fuss and p.r., honestly I dont think it’s anything special. I have used much better products with great results on my coarse, think hair, skip it. Go for Nigelle TF Conditioner, awesome for thick unruly hair.
I use it and think it’s worth the price. I apply it to my wet hair before any other products. I have fine hair that’s prone to split ends and it also breaks easy. Moroccan Oil makes my hair look and feel healthier and stronger. I have no problem with greasy hair as others have commented about in their posts. I’m very happy with it.
I’m also glad to learn from the Beauty Brains that it’s value is not all in my head!
Wow, not a big fan of silicones. Research shows that over time, it will dry out your hair and cause damage. Good effect in the short run, like applying car wax to your car, to make it shine and look brand new.
Since the signature and active ingredient is argan oil, wouldn’t just pure argan oil be great for hair use??
@Jenny: Can you please indicate which research you’re referring to? We’ve never seen anything that proves silicones are damaging in the way you described. If your source is credible, we’ll be sure to blog about it. Thanks!
I love morracan oil. It works wonderfully for me. I have no problem with it and my hair is very soft and shiny.
I have been using Moroccan oil for the past week since my beautician used it at the salon. I typically have oily hair, however, haven’t noticed it making it any worse at all, if anything the oiliness is better! I apply a small amount after I was my hair and towel dry, because of course dry hair due to highlighting. It has brought my hair back pre-coloring! I LOVE IT AND SWEAR BY IT!
I have been using Moroccan oil for the past 2 weeks, my hair is absolutely amazing. BUT… I have broken out on my face so bad. I have never had so many huge breakouts on my face. My skin is sensitive but this is the first hair product to do this to my skin.
That is my bad luck because I finally find a product that works so well in my hair, and now I cannot use it
Urk! Why on earth is RAT POISON listed as an ingredient?! What possible purpose does it serve?! I’m feeling faint! The very first commenter talks about how she uses it on her face and hair, and as a moisturizer (making me think she’s rubbing it on her body); is this okay? Why is coumarin in this crap? What benefit does it provide? Is she going to be okay slathering it all over like that?
I’ll never understand cosmetics companies. First it’s all the irritants, and now it’s poisons. (sigh)
Hi,
I lately discovered a new revolutionary product called Argan Oil. I decided to try it because i heard excellent critics when i was in Europe. When i used it, i was pretty amazed with the results. Seconds after using it, i felt a huge difference on my skin. It penetrates instantly and doesn’t feel greasy at all. My skin was glowing and felt deeply nourished.It isn’t dry anymore and use it to prevent wrinkles. I am actually using a new brand called Sweet Marrakesh. I recommend the Ultimate Argan Gold, it is really awesome, trust me, you will love it. And the best part is this brand is 100% organic.
The biggest problem with moroccan oil is the ingredient coumarin which is used as a rodencide and is moderately toxic to all vital organs according to coumarin msds sheets. Not an ingredient you want to absorb into any part of you!
There is a major problem with the formula. The ingredient coumarin is primarily used as a rodentcide (rat poison) and has a moderate toxicity rating according to the msds. It is toxic to all vital organs not only if ingested but can be absorbed into the blood through your skin. Not good
Argan oil in is pure form is the best product in the market for many purposes. Find out more on the web.
MoroccanOil products are poison and a disgrace to their name and misusing argan oil benefits in commercials while selling products with allergenic reactions, cancer possibility and so on.Check the ingredients in skin deep database and U will find the truth of these ingredients from this cheating company… May the truth be published soon enough
To Binky:
Coumarin IS NOT rat poison, COUMADIN otherwise known as Warfarin is what is put in rat poision-and it is not poison per se but an anti-coagulant so that the animal’s blood does not clot and they end up bleeding to death.
I absolutley love the M-Oil, it has helped my hair with just one application, i continue to use it everyday. I also use the shampoo and condtioner and all the products. love, love, love M Oil products.
check out wikipedia, coumarin IS a toxin and it is what is used to make rat poison and warfin!! why would m oil put it in their product? it is toxic to humans!
Here is a link to info on coumarin: http://www.phytochemicals.info/phytochemicals/coumarin.php
Seems to be naturally occuring in many plants.
I just bought the Intense Hydration Mask by Morrocanoil and i love it! I have wavy, course, and frizzy hair. I have been looking for something that will tame it and make it shiny. This product is worth the price. It definitely does the job. Now i have unbelivably shiny, smooth, and soft hair. Worth it!
First of all wikipedia isn’t a credited source, high school kids know that for crying out loud. When it comes down to it anything and everything can potentially cause allergic reactions or cancer. Some people need to learn to research from credited sources. As for the m oil it works fantastically and I’ve tried an incredible amount of hair products for thick, course, curly hair and it leaves your hair soft and manageable requiring less hair product for styling.I previously used bio silk and liked it but it left a heavy residue at the end of the day. M oil does not leave your hair feeling dirty and heavy at the end of the day. A .85 oz bottle can last almost 6 months. So what better than a cost effective product that works!
Moroccan Oil brand is great but you are better of with pure argan oil. It’s a mutli purpose beauty product, it can be used on hair skin and nails.
One of the best on the market right is Jebel Pure Argan Oil, organic, pure and hand-pressed. All the other brands are pressed with machines. And Jebel is socialy conscious.
See for yourself http://www.jebelcorp.com
You can find coupon codes online!!!
My hairdresser sang the praises of this. I admit both the hair mask and oil made my hair shiny and soft. But the next day I had pimples around the crown of my face and my inner arm was itchy like it always is when I am allergic to something.
I decided to do some research on Morrocan Oil, and came here to see the ingredient list.
Did a search on “Skin Deep” to see the toxicity of each ingredient: Cyclopentasiloxane (linked to cancer), Cyclomethicone (skin irritation), MethylPropional (classified as medium human health risk plus causes skin irritation), Linseed (linked to cancer plus causes skin irritation), D&C Yellow-11 (classified as medium human health risk plus causes skin irritation), D&C Red-17 (linked to cancer, lassified as medium human health risk plus causes skin irritation), Coumarin(linked to cancer and known human immune system toxicant), Benzyl Benzoate (possible human immune system toxicant, workplace exposures restricted to low doses, plus causes skin irritation), Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone (causes skin irritation)
Holy toledo, no wonder I broke out in pimples and rashes! Thank goodness I didn’t buy any. I’d rather have a bit of frizzy and not so shiny hair if it means clear skin and no itchy arms.
Subject: Dropshipping Query
Hello,
We are interested in offering your products to our customers and wanted to know if you offer a dropship or wholesale program?
Thank you for your time,
Kris Kelly
Business Development
I just read on a medical website that coumarin is found in plants such as lavender and licorice, and certain food plants such as strawberries, apricots, cherries and cinnamon. So, can we all stop freaking out about this ingredient? Nearly all chemicals, derived from plants ior synthetic can be irritating to certain people but I doubt the dose of coumarin in this product is gonna kill you. Relax!
I just would like to say that I used Argan Oil to prevent stretch marks on my belly during my first pregnancy and it worked. Thus, I would like to share with other pregannat women. But it should be used starting from the 4th month onwards daily.
I am an African american woman. For years I have been having my hair chemically relaxed by a hairdresser. I dreaded going every time as I would inevitably end up with burn marks from the chemicals. I finally decided to stop torturing my self and try and go relaxer free and I was also worried about the long term effects of the chemicals on my hair and body (its very disconcerting when a hairdresser has to wear plastic gloves to apply a relaxer for their own protection!) My hairdresser was in agreement as he stated the chemicals used in relaxers were probably not good in the long run. I tried various products to help tame my hair and was moderately successful. Then my local beauty supply store was selling small samples of Argan Oil. They raved about it! I tried it and I am so thankful. It makes taking care of my hair so much easier. From what I can gather many beauty products have various chemicals in them. (Look at your favorite shampoo) Processed foods, our water, our air have all been affected by the toxins we put into our environment. I am a health conscious person and try my best to eat well and exercise but we will never be able to totally avoid exposure to chemicals in our environment. I’m thankful that after years of chemical relaxers I’m not sick or dead. Thank you ladies for your thoughts and concerns.
I hated my hair…HATED it…frizzy, untamed, no shine….did I mention Frizzy….now using MO…and LOVE it! Not that expensive either..and worth every penny
Pure argan oil is the best. Many products that seem to be pure argan oil are not pure argan oil, but is mostly chemicals. See previous posts. Rose Marie carries 100% pure organic argan oil as well as argan oil with essential oils. The blended oils are 96% to 99% pure organic argan oil. Rose Marie also carries All natural lotions with argan oil, organic scrubs with argan oil, and something called argan butter, which is all natural like the lotions, but has a buttery consistancy for deep moisturizing. The website is http://www.rosemarieshop.com and is a great place for 100% pure organic argan oil and is unique in selling all natural products that contain organic argan oil.
to T:
you are stupid
coumarin is a rat poison coumadin is a rat poison made from coumarin
get your facts right
search both words together and you’ll get Coumadin as a product of coumarin
To those who commented on coumarin, it is indeed used in rat poison. The reasoning for this is not what kills the rat though, it’s what attracts it. Coumarin is a chemical compound that occurs naturally and has a sweet scent to it. Therefore, it is more than likely in this product to make it have its signature scent, NOT to kill us. It’s simply a scent!
seriously, have you people ever read the labels on anything you’ve ever put in your mouth? newsflash—if it hasn’t come directly from your garden (which was probably a victim of pollution-filled raindrops anyway) then you’re probably putting some sort of a chemical into your system. deal with it. even so-called ‘organic’ items are often tainted with chemicals (just because it’s labeled organic doesn’t mean that regulations don’t allow pesticides or preservatives! read up, people!) we can’t escape toxins and chemicals. unfortunately, that’s the price we pay for not being a third world country—and, trust me, they have their own problems with disease and uncleanliness. stop worrying so much about some silly ingredients in your argan oil—the water coming from your kitchen faucet probably has enough chemicals, hormones, and pesticides to give you a nice dose of cancer someday. so RELAX! take a step back, join reality, and realize how silly you all sound. enjoy some smooth hair and put a lid on it!
Pure Argan oil is used in food as well. It is a very healthy for the body. It is also used for tanning, However to be used with moderation, if not it will burn your skin, but you can keep using until it heals the skin.
It is also very good for hear.
It is very unfortunate because now all international cosmetic companies are going after it and it is causing a huge shortage to locals in Morocco. Also, to buy it at its pure form is not very easy. It is also very expensinve in its pure form.
Lets get one thing perfectly clear: The “MoroccanOil” BRAND may have Argan Oil IN their products (and since the Argania Spinosa tree is indigenous to Morocco, hence all Argan Oil is “Moroccan Oil”), but the actual cosmetic benefit of said ingredient is nowhere NEAR the same as if you just used PURE Argan oil. I’m really more peeved at the brand trying to sell a product under the auspices that they are selling Argan Oil when in fact, the amount of actual argan oil is minimal AND with all the other additives and fillers in it AND that the products go through additional chemical processing to make the products, you are not getting any benefits of the ingredient they are making their money off of. This kind of marketing really just assumes the consumer is a total dumbass who believes anything they are told. Shame on them. More people should actually challenge claims and promises that brands make about their products. But the company knows that the majority of consumers do NOT question and this is how they make their money.
So if you like the products from the “Moroccan Oil” BRAND, fine goodie for you. Continue to like them. But I hear clients tell me all the time “oh, my stylist uses MOROCCAN OIL on my hair” when what is really happening is the stylist is TELLING them they are using “Moroccan Oil” when they are just using another dime a dozen silicone based product. So as long as you know that the product you’re putting on your head is no more effective than just putting a silicone lubricant like Astroglide in your hair then go for it. The company is just taking advantage of the naivete of consumers who believe everything that is told to them and duping the legions of “sheep” (aka alot of hair stylists and salon owners) that will believe anything a brand representative tells them. Its not Argan Oil that’s in that product. Its “snake oil”. If you really want the benefits of TRUE Moroccan Oil, just buy 100 percent pure, unadulterated ARGAN OIL.
This is how Argan Oil is made. The Argana Spinosa tree produces a fruit. Inside that fruit is a pit and inside that pit are the seeds. The seeds is what you’re after, as that is what is cold expressed (for cosmetic oil) or roasted (for culinary oil). According to an email exchange I had with the supplier of the Josie Maran Argan Oil (which by the way, is 100 percent Argan Oil–and ahem, priced MUCH LESS than the Josie Maran too), is the health and cosmetic benefits of the culinary and cosmetic oil are indeed the same. The only difference is one is roasted (to give it a nutty flavor for cooking with) and the other is cold pressed expressed. The former will be nutty in smell and slightly darker and latter should be completely odorless and a light golden color.
As to the comment that pure Argan Oil is “expensive”. Well, is it more “expensive” than say a 50 cent tube of Vaseline? Yes. But the “Moroccanoil” brand sells their 3.4 oz bottle of treatment on Amazon for $28.99. The e-tailer I buy my TRUE Argan Oil from sells a 4 oz bottle for just a little under 30 bucks. The cost is about the same on both. So uh, why wouldn’t you just buy the REAL DEAL especially when it doesn’t cost any more? And there is a different seller on Amazon that I saw who sells EcoCert 100 Pure Argan Oil (culinary and cosmetic) in bulk (32oz bottle) for $129.95. That’s $4.06 per ounce, which would be LESS costly (under HALF the price) of the “Moroccanoil” brand fake crap
Now, yes, SOME Argan Oil comes from goat poop! But not ALL Argan Oil has come from goat poop. In short, the Argan field is vast and there are lots of locals who try to make their living selling the oil; some harvesters take more shortcuts than others.
To harvest the fruit and processs it is a very laborous process. Because someone would have to A) pick the fruit B) crack the pit (which is among the HARDEST of all fruits) and C) extract the seeds. And all that is involved before you even get to the expression process to get the coveted oil.
SO, some harvesters go the “easy route” and instead of going through steps A and B, they search for any pits or seeds which may be in on the ground that are remaining in the goat poop on the ground in the field. The pits, having gone through the GI tract of the goat, would be softened and easier to crack. However, once it has gone through the goat, the goat smell remains. This animal smell is impossible to remove and one of the ways these suppliers try to mask the smell is by blending it with other oils and roasting the crap out of the seeds to try to burn the smell out of it (unsucessfully). The resulting oil will not only smell incredibly foul/goaty but will ALSO be very dark in color (think cooking oil that you left too long in your skillet and it burns). Therefore, the actual cosmetic benefit is completely null at this point. So if your oil smells like a goat, it came from the seed/pit of the fruit that a goat ate and pooped out. If it doesn’t smell like a goat, then don’t worry about it. A good safeguard to make sure you are getting 100 percent pure Argan oil that was harvested and processed in the proper manner is to try to look for
e-tailers who are selling EcoCert certified products.
Apparently some of you only read what you WANT to read. Yes Coumarin is used IN rat poison it it’self is NOT poison it stops blood from clotting. And Coumadin (aka Warfarin) is GIVEN TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD HEART ATTACKS. OMG you people look like such fools. If you want to get all bent out of shape about something why don’t you get bent out of shape over hair dye?? Now THAT is a topic getting pissy and rude about. Chemicals used in hair dye WILL KILL YOU (directly or indirectly). Have any of you ever heard/seen or used something called “black henna” guess what? You just left black hair dye on your skin for a prolonged period of time which could lead to a life of hardship (if not premature death). Instead of just posting the parts of Wikipedia that upholds your side of the argument try reading a bit further. So do I think the nickel size amount of M oil I put in my hair is going to kill me? I hardly think so if people who have had heart attacks are given Warfarin in pill or patch form. Oh but wait!! They also give some patient nitroglycerin patches too!!! Holy crap we have a world full of people wearing BOMBS!!! Nitro is used for the same reason as Warfarin.
Coumadin is indeed used medicinally. My dad had a heart-valve replacement and has to take coumadin EVERY day. He goes to a coumadin clinic each week to have his levels checked. It is a blood thinner. Alas, too much would kill him but the right amount keeps him alive.
I just bought the M oil cream (pump) then decided to look it up… I’m a little afraid about the breaking out part of it… I’ve never had backacne (sorry it’s a bit gross), but ever since I got a perm and started using all the serums, oils and creams I started to get them >:(
But for those of you who have the same problem (and I KNOW some of you do!!) Try using a night cap- not a shower cap but a cap thats made for sleeping (it makes no plastic noise and is breathable). Other than looking like you belong in an episode of little house on the prairie it’s the best solution i found.
I miss my looong black straight hair… and just waiting for that 3 month mark to get my hair straightened with magic perm again (asian perm to make ur hair pin straight and silky soft!)!
I tried Moroccan Oil over the summer when everyone first started talking about it. I started breaking out immediately — I definitely had what I would best describe as an allergic reaction. I don’t even have that problem with Frizz Ease. I stopped using it and my skin cleared up. I am actually now trying to limit my fair products — I use some leave-in conditioner and either hair gel (the cheap-o kind) or Frizz Ease, depending on how I style my hair that day.
I try to avoid silicones, since my shampoos are not strong enough to remove it. However, pure argan oil sounds like it may be worth a try.
As for the amateur chemists, MSDS are typically written for a very specific audience – chemical plant workers that handle hundreds or thousands of pounds or gallons of the chemical daily.
Check exposure limits, determine the approximate amount of the chemical in the product you are using, and realize that you are well below acceptable exposure limits.
I think pure argan oil is just too pricey for using it on hair..we don’t even know if it really penetrates the hair as coconut oil does..(some insight plz beauty brains ?
)..i think the skin would benefit much more from it (if it doesn’t break you out)
I have tried using pure Argan oil (purchased from a North African shop near Montpellier France) and loved the effect after being in the sun — it really helped with any dryness. Since returning to the US, I just found a site online that has the most wonderful oil blends — made with all organic oils — and scented with essential oils. I bought a blend for the face ( elixir de visage ) and one for the body (elixir de corps ). They both have argan oil in them combined with pomegranate oil, borage oil and loads of other skin & hair helping oils….and no silicone or other suspect ingredients! I love them and now can’t be without them! Thanks for all the good info…I am so glad I didn’t buy Moroccan Oil!
Well lets see a tiny bottle of M oil is almost $17 the next size up is over $40 and I can get a larger bottle of organic argan oil for $36.95 or just regular argan oil for $26.95 (all in Canadian $) so if I thought something was too expensive it would be M oil. And yes there has been enough studies to show that UNLIKE coconut oil argan oil penetrates and restores hair shafts. Another cheap, good for your hair product…henna (helps relax curls too).
I’m amazed at the amount of ignorance in the comment field here. If it exists, it’s chemical, guys! Everything is chemical, and “chemical” does not mean it’s dangerous. Water’s a chemical. Your vegetables are made up of chemicals. And so on.
Heavy silicone products for my hair is lurvely, though, since I get frizziness like crazy. I’ll have to look into it
Wow,
Lots of intersting topics have arisen due to MO, I know that its not real MO, Its a brand…… BUT it still works wonders on my fine long hair, I love it, the only thing I have ever bought from a hairdresser. And lets face it people…. EVERYTHING will give us cancer, if i can have great looking hair in the mean time then all the more reason to use MO.
Tried the MO oil for a week and broke out behind my ears and chin/neck line (which is unfortunate since I think that part of the body is very sexy). so i quit for a few days and then STARTED again and broke out more… And now i have to quit for good
but it really did make my hair less frizzy and very silky looking. So for those of you that don’t have sensitive skin- it’s def worth a try. Try mixing it in water and spray onto damp hair.
Good luck!
I love Moraccan Oil not only for it’s moisturizing characteristics for hair, but I didn’t see anyone comment on the fragrance. That is my favorite thing about the product. I am a huge fan of bergamot aroma therapy scents and I felt this product was in that same family. The scent also dissipates towards the end of the day.
I have been using moroccan oil for about 2 years now. It’s great for when I want a straight look or curly. Use very very little, I have long hair and I use less than a dime size. The best way is to mix with mousse and you’ll have shiny thick hair all day.
I’ve rarely heard so many people exchange so much incorrect information. As a physician and a patient who has been on coumadin (warfarin) for over twenty years, along with many other prescription drugs, I say boo to all those worries. I do my own blood testing several times a week (go, Coagucheck!) and have a more compehensive, weekly blood test done at my hospital. Coumadin use is no big thing; get over yourselves.
I also have my hair done professionally once to twice each week. With a full head of healthy hair, my hair takes close to an hour for my stylist to blow dry. The addition of Moroccan Oil has recently cut that time by one-third to one-half, and leaves my hair straight and frizz-free for up to a week, despite weather conditions. I winter in Florida where this is necessary, and spend spring through fall in the north east, also a hotbed of dangerous hair climates! Even my wiry, gray streaks respond to the oil, so there’s no reason not to use the aforementioned product. Hope that helps!
I love M oil. My favorite product is the intense curl cream. Like many others who have posted, I have thick unruly curls and this product works great. The only problem is the fragrance is so strong it give me and the people around me a head ache even when i use a drop size. Its one thing to have good smelling hair. Its another to over power nail salon. So I do not use it that often.
hi , i this moroccan oil is very good, i’m farmer and we make oil olive any one want oil olive from morocco to sale other countries .
Jalalrouzki@gmail.com
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