Argan Oil vs Coconut Oil: Which One Should You Actually Buy?
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Both argan oil and coconut oil are celebrated as natural beauty staples — but they are not interchangeable. Each has distinct properties, benefits, and drawbacks that make them suited to different hair types, skin types, and use cases.
This guide gives you an honest, science-based comparison so you can make the right choice for your specific needs.
At a Glance: Key Differences
| Argan Oil | Coconut Oil | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Morocco (argan tree) | Tropical regions (coconut palm) |
| Main fatty acids | Oleic (Omega-9), Linoleic (Omega-6) | Lauric acid (saturated) |
| Comedogenic rating | 0/5 — won't clog pores | 4/5 — high risk of clogging pores |
| Texture | Lightweight, absorbs quickly | Heavy, slow to absorb |
| Scent | Subtle nutty (cold-pressed) | Strong coconut |
| Solid at room temp? | No — always liquid | Yes — solidifies below 24°C |
| Best for skin type | All types, incl. oily & acne-prone | Dry, normal — not oily or acne-prone |
| Best for hair type | Fine to medium, all types | Thick, coarse, very dry |
Argan Oil: Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Non-comedogenic (0/5) — safe for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin
- Lightweight — absorbs quickly without greasiness
- Rich in vitamin E & squalene — powerful antioxidant protection
- Balances sebum production — linoleic acid regulates oily skin
- Versatile — hair, face, body, cuticles, lips in one bottle
- Heat protectant — effective up to ~230°C
- Anti-aging — improves elasticity and reduces fine lines
Weaknesses
- More expensive than coconut oil
- Less moisturising for very thick, coarse hair that needs heavy conditioning
- Subtle results for extremely dry body skin (coconut oil may be more occlusive)
Coconut Oil: Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Deep protein retention — lauric acid penetrates the hair shaft and reduces protein loss
- Excellent for very dry, coarse hair — provides heavy conditioning
- Affordable and widely available
- Antimicrobial properties — lauric acid has antibacterial effects
- Great body moisturiser — highly occlusive, seals moisture effectively
Weaknesses
- Comedogenic rating 4/5 — high risk of clogging pores, causes breakouts for many
- Too heavy for fine hair — causes limpness and buildup
- Can cause protein overload — with excessive use, hair becomes brittle
- Solidifies in cold weather — inconvenient to use
- Strong scent — not suitable for fragrance-sensitive users
- Not suitable for oily or acne-prone skin
Which Is Better for Hair?
Choose Argan Oil if you have:
- Fine to medium hair
- Colour-treated or chemically processed hair
- Hair that gets weighed down easily
- Frizzy hair that needs daily management
- Hair that needs heat protection
Choose Coconut Oil if you have:
- Very thick, coarse, or extremely dry hair
- Hair that needs intensive protein treatment
- Natural/afro-textured hair that tolerates heavy oils
⚠️ Coconut oil and protein overload: if your hair feels stiff, brittle, or snaps easily after using coconut oil, you may have protein overload. Switch to argan oil, which does not cause this issue.
👉 Argan oil benefits for hair: the complete guide →
Which Is Better for Face & Skin?
For face: Argan Oil wins
Coconut oil's comedogenic rating of 4/5 makes it unsuitable for most face applications — it clogs pores and causes breakouts in the majority of users. Argan oil's rating of 0/5 makes it safe for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone.
For body: Depends on skin type
- Oily or combination body skin: argan oil
- Very dry body skin: coconut oil (more occlusive) or argan oil mixed with a body lotion
For anti-aging:
Argan oil is significantly more effective — its vitamin E, squalene, and polyphenol content directly target fine lines, elasticity, and oxidative damage. Coconut oil provides moisture but lacks these specific anti-aging compounds.
👉 Argan oil for face: complete guide →
Can You Use Both Together?
Yes — they complement each other well when used strategically:
- Hair mask: mix coconut oil (protein) + argan oil (moisture) for a balanced treatment
- Body: apply coconut oil first (occlusive base), then argan oil on top (nutrients)
- Never mix for face — coconut oil will clog pores regardless of what it's mixed with
The Verdict
For most people, argan oil is the better all-round choice — it works for all skin types, all hair types, and all use cases without the risk of clogged pores or protein overload.
Coconut oil has its place for very specific use cases: intensive hair masks for thick/coarse hair, and body moisturising for very dry skin.
If you can only choose one: choose argan oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use coconut oil on my face instead of argan oil?
We don't recommend it. Coconut oil has a comedogenic rating of 4/5 and causes breakouts in the majority of users. Argan oil (0/5) is safe for all skin types including acne-prone.
Is argan oil or coconut oil better for hair growth?
Neither directly stimulates hair growth, but argan oil creates a healthier scalp environment by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Coconut oil reduces protein loss from hair strands. For hair growth specifically, consider rosemary oil, which has clinical evidence for stimulating follicles.
Which is better for dry scalp?
Argan oil is better for dry scalp — it soothes inflammation without the risk of clogging follicles. Coconut oil can clog scalp pores with excessive use.
Is argan oil more expensive than coconut oil?
Yes — genuine cold-pressed argan oil is more expensive due to the labour-intensive production process. However, argan oil is more concentrated — you use 2–3 drops per application vs tablespoons of coconut oil, making the cost per use comparable.
👉 Shop PURE BÉNI 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil →