What is the Difference Between Argan Oil and Coconut Oil

The main difference between argan oil and coconut oil is that argan oil is more versatile than coconut oil when it comes to haircare and skincare.

When you are shopping for hair oil, you may come across many hair oil products in the market. Argan oil and coconut oil are well-known for their impressive hair hydrating and hair protecting properties. However, if you are to choose between argan oil and coconut oil, you should always consider the unique benefits of the two oil varieties separately and then find the one best suited for your hair type.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Argan Oil  
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Coconut Oil
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Argan Oil and Coconut Oil
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Argan Oil and Coconut Oil
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Argan Oil, Coconut Oil

What is Argan Oil

Argan oil is a quite rare oil product extracted from the argan kernels harvested from the argan trees native to Morocco. Similar to coconut oil, argan oil is also produced in its purest form. Therefore, it is possible to apply argan oil directly on hair or skin, just like coconut oil. You can also take it in as a supplement capsule through the mouth.

Cosmetic manufacturers make use of argan oil in producing a range of products, including shampoos, conditioners, or soaps. Centuries back, Moroccans used to consume argan oil both topically and orally to improve their hair, skin, and nail health. In fact, argan oil gives you many health benefits, such as providing skin protection against sun damage, maintaining the moisture of the skin, healing skin infections, and boosting the recovery of acne-damaged skin.

What is Coconut Oil

Coconut is an edible oil that is extracted from the matured coconut kernels plucked from coconut palms. Coconut palms usually grow in the tropical islands in the world; therefore, unlike the extremely limited market supply of argan oil, we can easily find coconut oil in any local marketplace.

Similar to argan oil, many people apply coconut oil to hair due to its natural hair hydrating and protecting properties. Above all, coconut oil is an extremely popular cooking oil specially used in  Asian cuisine. Many people add coconut oil to their dishes mainly due to its medicinal value. Most importantly, coconut oil comes with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, may act as a quick source of energy, and has the capacity to moisturize the dry skin and repair the damaged hair while strengthening the hair by increasing its flexibility.

Similarities Between Argan Oil and Coconut Oil

• Argan oil and coconut oil are considered two edible and natural oil products.
• Both oils are rich in their vitamin E profiles. Therefore, they both act as skin and hair health boosters.

Difference Between Argan Oil and Coconut Oil

Definition

Argan oil is the oil extracted from argan kernels harvested from argan trees, whereas coconut oil is the oil extracted out of matured coconut kernels plucked from coconut palms.

Supply to International Market

The supply of argan oil to the global market remains extremely limited as argan trees are only found in Morocco. However, there is no such shortage in the supply of coconut oil to the global market.

Market Price

Argan oil is quite an expensive oil since it is rare to find, unlike coconut oil, which is always available at affordable prices.

Impact on Acne

Unlike coconut oil, argan oil is effective in treating acne as it is lighter and helps to prevent excessive oil production on the skin.

Impact on Skin

Argan oil is used in many lotions and creams due to its lighter consistency and quick absorption, while coconut oil is a good makeup remover and is often applied to soften chapped lips.

Impact on Hair

Both argan oil and coconut oil possess hair repairing properties. However, compared to coconut oil, argan oil is more versatile, while coconut oil can be difficult to rinse off from hair.

Conclusion

The main difference between argan oil and coconut oil is their properties. Argan oil is more versatile as it has many uses for your skin and hair care. Unlike coconut oil, argan oil is effective in treating acne on the skin and gives your hair nourishment. However, both these oil products are rich in varying nutrients and give you a pack of health benefits.

Reference:

1. “Coconut Oil.” The Nutrition Source, Harvard T.H.Chan, 6 July 2021.
2. Gotter, Ana. “Argan Oil for Skin: Benefits and Uses for All Skin Types.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 29 Sept. 2018.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Coconut and oil (cropped)” By Phu Thinh Co – Dầu dừa (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Bottles-argan-oil-argan-to-buy” (CC0) via Pixabay