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.
What do YOU think? Have you tried Argan oil? Leave a comment and help Barb out.
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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