This is a review of Argan Oil in general and not particularly of the Soulflower Argan Oil.
Argan Oil, this "magical" oil from Morocco, also known as liquid-gold and ,for obvious reasons, Moroccan Oil, took the centerstage of the world of skincare and beauty around 2 years ago. The number of makeup and skincare products on the US market with argan oil as an ingredient increased from just two in 2007 to over a hundred by 2011
I first came across this name while watching a very popular YouTube Vlogger use Josie Maran's Argan Oil Serum while prepping up her skin. Of Course, what followed next was me surfing through websites looking up articles about this magical potion. As usual, everyone was on this bandwagon, crowning Argan Oil as the discovery of the millennia in the world of beauty and skincare. Not a single website stated otherwise. Turns out, its is nothing but a fad. So everyone ready to shell out money on a bottle of Josie Maran's Argan Oil ($48 for 1.7Oz/50ml) or that Moroccan Oil hair Serum (INR 2500), hold on!Argan oil IS amazing, it is! It is a great moisturiser for dry skin, it does make your hair shiney, more manageable, does amazing things to your nails and cuticles, is a great body moisturiser/massage oil...But so are Olive and Sunflower Oil!!
It is as good and no way better than your usual Olive or Sunflower oil. It has the same emollient properties. A great moisturiser for dry skin, it has Vitamin E, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid and Linoleic Acid. The exact same ingredients are constituents of most non-fragrant plant oils like Olive, Sunflower, Flax, Macadamia, Hemp, Grape Seed, Poppy Seed etc.
So basically, my point is, splurging a moolah on this very very hyped up oil is not wise. You can easily reap the same benefits from any other oils mentioned above.
One of my favorite websites to refer with for brand/product knowledge is Paula's Choice.com. This website has incredible amount of information on most of the skin/makeup products. This is where I found the following, written about Argan Oil.
"Argan oil is a good plant oil to consider if skin or hair is dry to very dry, but is not better than many other non-fragrant plant oils used in cosmetics. (Sources: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 113-118; Clinical Nutrition, October 2004, pages 1,159-1,166; European Journal of Cancer Prevention, February 2003, pages 67-75; and Journal of Ethnopharmacology, October 1999, pages 7-14).
What we know to be true at this point is that argan oil isn't the only oil to look for, nor is it the best, just a good option among many! (Source: Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, December 2010, pages 1,669-1,675)."[Paula's Choice.com]
At present Argan Oil is nothing but a money minting marketing strategy by international brands. The only applaudable thing that comes from this is that it has become a source of income for women. Supported by the European Union, the Fair Trade Policy has helped sustain 2.2 million population (mainly women) in the main Argan Oil producing region.
Now a quick review of the Soulflower Argan Oil :)
Soulflower's Argan Oil is 100% pure cold pressed carrier oil. It comes in a 30ml bottle and retails for INR 800 (probably available for much less online is you look for it ;) )
This is a sturdy and slightly heavy for its size glass bottle which comes with a pump. So all you have to do is replace the cap with the pump. Only problem, there is no cap to cover the pump, so stuff might stick to the pump dispenser. The oil is as viscous as olive oil. I have replaced the pump with a dropper, which luckily fit the screw neck of the bottle.
They ways I Use the Oil:
- to calm the frizzy ends of the hair by applying on damp hair (after every hair wash)
- mix it with coconut oil for a leave-in night treatment (weekly)
- one drop in my daily moisturiser/tinted moisturiser/foundation for extra moisturization and glow (I have dry skin)
- as a serum day/night
- mix it with my body butter/lotions.
- mix it with hand creams.
I will absolutely advise you guys to spend the minimum you can and buy Argan Oil from this trusted brand. You can mold the way you want to use the oil. My suggestion is applicable only if you really need to try out this oil, else trust me on the fact that good old Olive Oil is as no less than this one.
I was not able to post for last two weeks :( well, life happened, missed you all!
PS - Anyone saw this trailer of the upcoming YSL biopic?? Well, fashion fanatics...you must!If I have to name my top 3 favorite designers....well he makes the list...so excited for this movie!!Check out the trailer below.... :)
xoxo...
