Moroccan Oil vs Argan Oil: The Truth About Ingredients, Branding, and Results
Introduction — The Confusion Behind the Labels
If you’ve ever searched online for the best oil for your hair, you’ve probably seen both Moroccan Oil and Argan Oil mentioned everywhere — often as if they were the same thing.
In reality, one is a brand name, while the other is a natural oil that’s been treasured in Morocco for centuries.
In this guide, we break down the Moroccan Oil vs Argan Oil difference, explain what’s really inside each bottle, and help you choose the right one for your hair type and needs.
- Sale!
Targanine Argan Oil – Amber | Pure, Cold-Pressed Moroccan (50 ml)
Original price was: £ 35,00.£ 29,75Current price is: £ 29,75. Add to cart - Sale!
Moroccan Argan Oil with Musk | Targanine Natural Hair & Body Oil 50ml
Original price was: £ 35,00.£ 29,75Current price is: £ 29,75. Add to cart - Sale!
Huile d’Argane à l’Oud – Moroccan Argan Oil with Oud
Original price was: £ 45,00.£ 38,25Current price is: £ 38,25. Add to cart - Sale!
Huile d’Argane à l’Hibiscus – Moroccan Argan Oil with Hibiscus
Original price was: £ 45,00.£ 38,25Current price is: £ 38,25. Add to cart
1. Quick Comparison: Brand vs Natural Oil
| Feature | Moroccan Oil (Brand) | Pure Argan Oil (Natural) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Product line by the brand Moroccanoil® (Israel-based company) | Extracted from kernels of the Argania Spinosa tree in Morocco |
| Main Composition | Blend of silicones, fragrance, preservatives, and small percentage of argan oil | 100% cold-pressed argan oil — no additives |
| Texture & Scent | Smooth, perfumed, synthetic fragrance | Light, nutty scent, natural finish |
| Purpose | Styling aid and instant shine | Deep nourishment, scalp and strand repair |
| Shelf Life | 24–36 months (synthetic stabilisers) | 12–18 months (natural oil) |
| Price Range (100 ml) | £30 – £45 (UK) / $35 – $50 (US) | £15 – £40 (UK) / $20 – $50 (US) |
Verdict:
If you’re seeking a styling oil with fragrance and quick finish, Moroccan Oil products do the job.
But if you want pure nourishment, scalp health, and long-term results, pure Moroccan argan oil wins every time.
- Sale!
Pure Argan Oil Transparent Bottle (Glass) 30ml
Original price was: £ 30,00.£ 25,50Current price is: £ 25,50. Add to cart - Sale!
Huile de Figue de Barbarie – Targanine Prickly Pear Seed Oil
Original price was: £ 88,00.£ 74,80Current price is: £ 74,80. Add to cart - Sale!
Moroccan Argan Oil with Musk | Targanine Natural Hair & Body Oil 50ml
Original price was: £ 35,00.£ 29,75Current price is: £ 29,75. Add to cart - Sale!
Huile d’Argane à l’Oud – Moroccan Argan Oil with Oud
Original price was: £ 45,00.£ 38,25Current price is: £ 38,25. Add to cart
2. Ingredient Breakdown: What’s Really Inside Each
Moroccan Oil (Brand Products)
Most commercial “Moroccan oil” hair products contain:
Cyclopentasiloxane & Dimethicone – silicones that smooth hair instantly but can cause buildup.
Fragrance (Parfum) – gives that signature scent, but may irritate sensitive scalps.
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil – genuine argan oil, but often listed after synthetic ingredients, meaning it’s not the primary component.
Preservatives & Colourants – extend shelf life and enhance presentation.
Pure Argan Oil
100% cold-pressed argan oil contains only one ingredient:
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
This means no fillers, no silicones, and no perfume — just the vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants that make it Morocco’s liquid gold.
| Key Compound | Function for Hair |
|---|---|
| Vitamin E | Repairs damage and adds shine |
| Linoleic & Oleic Acids | Moisturise and strengthen |
| Antioxidants | Protect from UV and pollution |
| Natural Sterols | Restore elasticity and softness |
- Sale!
Targanine Argan Oil – Amber | Pure, Cold-Pressed Moroccan (50 ml)
Original price was: £ 35,00.£ 29,75Current price is: £ 29,75. Add to cart - Sale!
Huile d’Argane à l’Oud – Moroccan Argan Oil with Oud
Original price was: £ 45,00.£ 38,25Current price is: £ 38,25. Add to cart - Sale!
Pure Argan Oil Transparent Bottle (Glass) 50ml
Original price was: £ 55,00.£ 46,75Current price is: £ 46,75. Add to cart - Sale!
Huile de Figue de Barbarie – Targanine Prickly Pear Seed Oil
Original price was: £ 88,00.£ 74,80Current price is: £ 74,80. Add to cart - Sale!
Huile d’Argan Fleur d’Oranger – Moroccan Argan Oil with Orange Blossom
Original price was: £ 54,00.£ 45,90Current price is: £ 45,90. Add to cart
3. Which Works Best for Your Hair Type
Every hair type reacts differently — here’s how the two compare:
| Hair Type | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fine / Thin Hair | Moroccan Oil (light blend) | Silicone coating adds quick volume without weighing strands down |
| Thick / Curly Hair | Pure Argan Oil | Deep hydration helps manage frizz and texture naturally |
| Coloured / Heat-Styled Hair | Pure Argan Oil | Restores proteins lost from dye or heat damage |
| Oily Scalp / Flat Hair | Moroccan Oil (sparingly) | Use only on ends to avoid buildup |
| Dry / Damaged Hair | Pure Argan Oil | Strengthens and revives over time |
You can combine both — use Moroccan Oil for instant shine before styling and pure argan oil as a weekly nourishing treatment.
- Sale!
Pure Argan Oil Transparent Bottle (Glass) 100ml
Original price was: £ 110,00.£ 93,50Current price is: £ 93,50. Add to cart - Sale!
Huile d’Argane à l’Oud – Moroccan Argan Oil with Oud
Original price was: £ 45,00.£ 38,25Current price is: £ 38,25. Add to cart - Sale!
Pure Argan Oil Transparent Bottle (Glass) 50ml
Original price was: £ 55,00.£ 46,75Current price is: £ 46,75. Add to cart - Sale!
Huile d’Argane à l’Hibiscus – Moroccan Argan Oil with Hibiscus
Original price was: £ 45,00.£ 38,25Current price is: £ 38,25. Add to cart
4. Heat Protection & Long-Term Hair Health
| Feature | Moroccan Oil (Brand) | Pure Argan Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Protection | Yes — silicone forms a barrier against heat tools | Moderate — protects naturally but not synthetic-grade |
| Frizz Control | Strong, immediate effect | Gradual improvement with consistent use |
| Long-Term Hair Health | Cosmetic improvement only | Repairs from within with continued application |
| Scalp Care | Minimal — not designed for scalp use | Excellent — balances oil production and soothes dryness |
Conclusion
If you style daily with straighteners or dryers, Moroccan Oil offers short-term protection.
But for sustained shine, strength, and hair-scalp balance, nothing beats authentic argan oil from Morocco.
Looking for something truly Naturel?
At Trésors El Mamoun, we offer pure, cold-pressed argan oil sourced directly from Moroccan cooperatives — no additives, no synthetics, just nature’s finest nourishment.
