Jojoba seeds and leaves beside FAYNAN Pure Jojoba Oil

Argan Oil vs Jojoba Oil: Which Is Right for Your Face and Hair?

Argan and jojoba are two of the most popular single oils in beauty, and they are often recommended for the same things. They are not the same, though. One is a rich, golden kernel oil; the other is technically a liquid wax. Here is how they differ, and how to choose.

At a glance

Argan Oil Jojoba Oil
Botanical name Argania spinosa Simmondsia chinensis
From The kernels of the argan tree, southwestern Morocco The seeds of the jojoba shrub, native to the deserts of North America
Texture Golden, silky, a little richer Very light, silky, non-greasy
Feel on skin Soft and supple Comfortable, absorbs quickly
On hair Glossy-looking ends Smooth-feeling ends with a natural-looking shine
When to use Evening face, hair ends, nails Morning or evening face, ends, the body after a shower
Argan nuts and kernels beside FAYNAN Pure Argan Oil

Why jojoba feels so light

Jojoba is not a true oil but a liquid wax. That is why it spreads so easily, sinks in quickly and leaves a non-greasy finish. It can also turn cloudy or thicken in the cold, which is natural; it clears again at room temperature.

For the face

Both are pressed onto clean skin, two or three drops at a time, avoiding the eye area.

  • Choose jojoba if you want an oil you can wear in the morning under your usual routine, or if you prefer a very light feel.
  • Choose argan for the evening, when a slightly richer oil has time to settle.

Neither is a sunscreen, so keep using sun protection during the day. For more face oils, read Prickly Pear Seed Oil for the Face and An Evening Face Oil Ritual.

For the hair

  • Fine hair: jojoba, one drop through dry ends.
  • Medium to thick hair: argan, one to two drops, for glossy-looking ends.
  • Before the wash: either works. Apply to dry lengths, leave 20 to 30 minutes, then shampoo.

See How to Use Argan Oil on Hair for the step-by-step method.

Smoothing FAYNAN Pure Jojoba Oil through dry hair ends

For the body

Jojoba is the easier everyday body oil: a few drops on damp skin after the shower absorb quickly. Argan is better kept for smaller areas, such as hands, elbows and nails. Read How to Use Body Oil After a Shower.

Can you use both?

Yes, and many people do: jojoba in the morning and on the body, argan in the evening and on hair ends. They also blend well. A few drops of each, mixed in your palm, give a texture somewhere in between.

Other oils to consider

A few things to keep in mind

  • Test any new oil on a small area of skin first.
  • Keep away from the eyes.
  • Stop using any product if irritation occurs.

Browse every single oil in the Pure Botanicals collection.

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