Argan oil is often marketed as liquid gold for the face, while olive oil is tucked away in the pantry. But when you look at the molecular structure of these two fruit oils, the gap between culinary and cosmetic disappears. In fact, for certain skin types, the bottle in your kitchen may be the superior choice.
At EXAU, we produce extra virgin olive oil in Calabria, Italy. We know what makes an oil chemically effective — not because we are in the beauty industry, but because we understand the raw compounds that make our oil worth using in any context. Here is the argan vs. olive oil for skin comparison.
The Comparison: Argan Oil vs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Skin
| Feature | Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Argan Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Squalene content | Very high — one of richest plant sources | Moderate |
| Vitamin E | High (alpha-tocopherol) | Very high (gamma-tocopherol) |
| Oleic acid (skin absorption) | Very high — deep penetrating | Moderate — surface level |
| Linoleic acid | Low (~10%) | High (~35%) — good for oily skin |
| Best skin type | Dry, mature, or sensitive | All types including oily |
The Squalene Secret: Why Olive Oil Mimics Your Skin
One of the most important reasons olive oil works so well on skin is its exceptionally high squalene content. Squalene is a natural component of human sebum — the oil your skin produces naturally — and high-quality extra virgin olive oil is one of the richest plant-based sources of it. Research published in Nutrients confirms that olive-derived squalene acts as a protective agent against UV-induced oxidative damage and supports skin barrier function.
Because EVOO is so rich in oleic acid and squalene, it is biomimetic — meaning your skin recognizes these fatty acids and allows them to penetrate more deeply than many cosmetic oils that sit on the surface. For dry, mature, or cracked skin, this deep penetration is exactly what is needed.
Argan Oil's Genuine Strengths
Argan oil's high gamma-tocopherol (vitamin E) content makes it a potent antioxidant for topical use. It is lighter than olive oil, absorbs more quickly, and is less comedogenic — meaning it is less likely to clog pores. The Cleveland Clinic notes that the antioxidants in olive oil can help soothe dry and irritated skin conditions like eczema, while argan oil tends to suit a broader range of skin types due to its lighter texture.
Argan oil's higher linoleic acid content (~35%) is also beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin. Linoleic acid is often deficient in the sebum of people prone to breakouts, and topical application can help rebalance the skin's natural oil composition. For this specific use case, argan oil has a clear advantage over olive oil.
Which to Use and When
These oils are not competitors — they serve different purposes and different skin types. Olive oil is the deeper, more restorative treatment: ideal for very dry skin, mature skin, irritated skin, body moisturizing, or as a base for an intensive overnight treatment. Argan oil is the lighter, more versatile option: better for daily facial use, for oily or combination skin, or as a finishing serum. Many Mediterranean beauty traditions use both — olive oil as a base and argan as a finishing layer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can extra virgin olive oil cause breakouts?
Olive oil is moderately comedogenic — it can clog pores for some skin types. People with oily or acne-prone skin should use it on the body rather than the face. For dry, mature, or sensitive skin, it is typically very well tolerated and deeply moisturizing.
Is argan oil better for hair than olive oil?
Argan oil is lighter and less greasy, making it ideal for fine or normal hair as a finishing serum or heat protectant. Olive oil, with its higher oleic acid content, penetrates the hair shaft more deeply, making it better suited as a 20-minute deep conditioning treatment for thick, coarse, curly, or severely damaged hair. Both have a legitimate place in hair care depending on hair type and goal.
Can I use cooking olive oil on my skin?
Yes — high-quality extra virgin olive oil works well topically. The same freshness and purity markers that matter in the kitchen (harvest date, polyphenol content, cold extraction) also matter for skin application. A genuinely fresh, high-quality EVOO will be more beneficial than an old, rancid one regardless of whether it was marketed as "food" or "cosmetic."
Which is better for anti-aging, argan or olive oil?
Both have anti-aging properties but through different mechanisms. Olive oil's squalene and oleic acid deeply hydrate and protect the skin barrier, which reduces the appearance of fine lines through moisture. Argan oil's high vitamin E content provides antioxidant protection against free radical damage. For the most comprehensive approach, using both in a layered routine is more effective than choosing one.
Is olive oil good for eczema or psoriasis?
Research suggests olive oil's anti-inflammatory compounds — including oleocanthal and hydroxytyrosol — can help soothe irritated skin. The Cleveland Clinic specifically cites olive oil as a potential comfort for dry skin conditions. That said, individual responses vary, and anyone with a skin condition should consult a dermatologist before using any oil therapeutically.
Shop our 100% Italian extra virgin olive oil, made in Calabria, single origin, and family farmed since 1927.
We wrote a book called The Olive Oil Enthusiast. Order your copy today.
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