Elma and Sana Moroccan Golden Argan Oil Review

Elma and Sana 100% Pure Argan Oil

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If Oscars were handed to beauty ingredients, Argan Oil would sweep this year’s ceremony. Undoubtedly, Argan oil is the rockstar ingredient of the beauty industry right now. In just a few years it has gone from North Africa’s best kept beauty secret to a buzzword in the beauty industry. Today, it is added to an array of beauty products ranging from lipglosses to shampoos. Every second cosmetic advertisement seems to extol the qualities of Argan Oil and how it completely transforms their product and will transform users’ skin, hair and lives. Somehow over time I became more sold on the Argan Oil than the actual products being advertised and decided to give 100% pure Argan, or Moroccan Oil as it’s popularly known, a shot!

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Product Background and Description:
I use Elma and Sana brand Argan Oil, but this review is applicable to all 100% organic Argan/ Moroccan oils. The oil is derived by squeezing the kernels of the Argan plant. The Argan tree once grew all over North Africa, but now is only found in southwestern Morocco. Goats love to eat Argan leaves and fruits and often climb up the tree for a snack (and exercise, I guess!). In fact, there is a rumor that because the Argan nut is very hard, in the past Moroccans waited for the digested nut to pass through goats and then squeezed it for oil! But don’t worry, any oil you buy most likely didn’t pass through a goat, but was ground up by some hard working Moroccan women or even a machine.

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Argan oil is rich in Vitamin E, an antioxidant, and linoleic acid, an Omega-6 fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory properties. The oil is a beautiful light golden color and has a very faint nutty smell. It has always been a part of the Moroccan diet and beauty regimen and has gained global popularity in the past few years. Now, not only is the oil added to a number of cosmetics, but beauty junkies swear by the oil’s ability to treat a number of hair and skin conditions like acne, wrinkles, dry hair etc.

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Price:
USD 15 for 1 oz./ 30 ml.

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My Experience with Elma and Sana Moroccan Golden Argan Oil:

I first encountered Argan oil in a hair product and decided to do some more research into the oil. After a brief internet search, I found that the oil had many benefits for the skin too. Because the oil is slightly pricey (unlike like Coconut and Olive Oil) I decided to limit its use to my hair, face and nails.

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For my hair, I sometimes use the oil as a pre- wash treatment and at other times as a serum before styling it. For a nourishing pre-wash treatment, I oil my hair and scalp with the oil and leave it on for at least 30 minutes, longer when I have more time. I wash the oil in the shower with a sulphate free shampoo; it comes off pretty easily, and I can skip conditioner without compromising on the softness of my hair. Alternatively, I also use this as a hair serum. I rub about 4-5 drops of the oil into my hair after I’ve shampooed my hair and then style my hair as usual. If I’m straightening my hair, I put on a few drops before I use the flat iron for really smooth and shiny hair. My hair is dry and frizzy and the oil does a good job of making it smoother and softer. However, it hasn’t changed the texture of my hair over time; I’ll have to wait another few months to see if it changes anything. The oil is non-greasy and doesn’t give hair the “chip-chip” look. It’s a great replacement for an in shower conditioner and silicone based hair serums.

As a moisturizer, I’ve used this on my face and my nails. Moroccan oil is one of the least greasy oils I’ve ever tried. I need about two drops for my face and my skin literally drinks this stuff up. After a quick rub into my skin, my face is instantly smooth, hydrated but not oily. Argan oil contains a high percentage of Oleic acid (roughly 40%), a known comedogenic. For this reason, although I find the oil to be moisturizing, I haven’t continued using it on my face. I hope to resume its use once my skin isn’t as prone to acne as the oil is known heal acne scars. I also use Argan oil as a nail and cuticle conditioner. The oil is supposed to harden nails over time, but I haven’t experienced that yet. What I did get is softer cuticles and nails that don’t break as easily. I like to rub some on my nails and then dip them in hot water. I then push the cuticles back and paint my nails for an instant salon-style manicure!

Pros of Elma and Sana Moroccan Golden Argan Oil:

– Natural product with no harmful chemicals.
– Multipurpose and sure to save you counter space.
– Non-greasy yet nourishing on hair and skin.
– No strong smell, it’s practically odorless.
– Supports Moroccan women and their economy.

Cons of Elma and Sana Moroccan Golden Argan Oil:

– Can be comedogenic and thus not the most suitable for acne-prone skin.
– A rare oil that is more expensive than other easily available oils such as Coconut, Olive, Almond and Grapeseed.

Bottom Line:
I recommend it to everyone as a hair treatment and as a facial moisturizer to those with dry skin. It’s not unusual for people with acne-prone skin to see great results, as far as acne and scar reduction is concerned, which makes this oil worth a shot even if you do get breakouts. If you choose to buy Argan oil, confirm that the brand you choose offers 100% Argan oil and not some oil blend that merely contains the oil. Argan oil has found a place in my heart and vanity and I’m sure you’ll love it too!

 

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11 thoughts on “Elma and Sana Moroccan Golden Argan Oil Review

      1. @ Neha: Thanks 🙂
        @ Shilpi, Sweta and Waseeme: Yes, Soulflower sells Argan oil. I checked the price online and it’s actually a lot cheaper than what I paid for it 🙂

  1. I somewhere read Moroccan oil with time damages the hair shaft…although my cousin too swears by it, bad reviews make me worried :/

    1. Are you serious? I’m guessing that would be products that contain the oil in addition to other stuff and not Argan oil by itself. Trust me, this stuff works 🙂 The best oil for hair is coconut oil (it can penetrate the shaft) but since that can’t be used for styling, AO is the way to go.

  2. Lovely review and lovelier pics Devie! I am also in a moroccan/argan oil phase right now. It does take care of the frizz and gives a smoother finish with heat styling…but I haven’t noticed any wonders so far!

  3. @ Aarbee: Thanks! Yup, I figured until I use the hot tools, it really can’t improve my hair’s quality 🙁 But for now, I like the results it gives me when I iron my hair! 🙂

    @ Ife: Thanks 😀

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