The “Liquid Gold” in Moroccanoil
March 6, 2009I’d like to introduce you to Moroccanoil (yes, one word) which is a brand and not actually a type of oil.
The line consists of four products used to style and treat all types of hair, but mainly dehydrated and lack-luster locks.
Moroccanoil’s signature ingredient is actually argan oil–not to be confused with another line called Argan Oils.
The buzz with Moroccanoil is that it is weightless and silky in texture compared to traditional shine enhancers loaded with silicones or petrochemicals. The results equal shine without the residue. What’s even better, are the outstanding benefits of argan oil for skin and hair.
Way before Jimi Hendrix frequented the town of Essaouira, Morocco in the 1960′s and cultivated a hippie hot spot, Essaouira was home to the Argania spinosa tree (or Argan tree). These trees produce a fruit a little bigger and rounder than an olive. Inside the fruit is a large nut that contains up to three almond-shaped kernels. From these kernels (or the fruit’s polyphenols) are where the oil is derived.
In addition to the anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, and anti-aging properties of the polyphenols, the skin obtains various other benefits from the fruit. Essential fatty acids are present to manufacture and repair skin cells. Vitamin E (tocopherol) protects the essential fatty acids, and ferulic acid uses its antioxidant power to fight off UV damage.
I’d say the idea and history behind the discovery of the argan fruit is similar to the Ojon brand, and it’s connection to the Ojon palm trees in Honduras. At least the process to distill the oil is comparable to the ojon nut: the shell of the nut is cracked with a sharp stone, kernels are grounded into a thick paste, the paste is kneaded by hand, and then formed into a solid. 
Depending on how one wants to use the benefits of the argan, that solid compound can then be manipulated to create soap, shampoo, cream, or oil–such as the case in Moroccanoil’s product line. It’s no wonder argan oil is nicknamed, “liquid gold”–it’s magical.
Moroccanoil is sold exclusively in salons across the U.S., Canada, and South America. The price points range between $25 – $35, and the line includes the oil, a Hydrating Cream, a Masque, and an Intense Curl Cream.
I would also check out the Argan Oils brand as well. As a reader most recently pointed out to me, Moroccanoil is not a completely natural formula nor does it contain over 50% argan oil to provide full efficacy. Check labels, and go for a product with the least amount of silicones and the most argan oil.
I am a big fan of argan oil and the use of it for skin and hair care is legendary in that it has been used for thousands of years. I use the pure argan oil on my hair and skin and have had amazing results. Unfortunately, Morrocanoil has more in common with Turtle Wax than it does with Argan Oil. Despite the clever name and marketing, Moroccanoil’s the signature ingredient is actually silicone in the form of cyclopentasiloxane. (Also one of the major ingredients in car wax.) Sadly for those who believe it is one of mother nature’s wonderful creations, the primary ingredients are all chemicals. Here’s the label: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Butyphenyl Methylpropional, Argania Spinoza Kernel Oil (Argan Oil), Linseed (Linum Usitatissimum) Extract, Fragrance Supplement, D&C Yellow 11, D&C Red 17, Coumarin, Benzel Benzoate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Argan Oil’s percentage in the formula is basically a touch above fragrance and artificial coloring in the list of ingredients which means its functional properties in this so-called miracle oil is about nil. Typically there needs to be a concentration of greater than 50% of argan oil for any true benefits. Also, since it is a botanically derived ingredient, as you pointed out, mixing it with silicones which are essentially a non porous coating, negates any benefit one would derive from the small amount this line contains. I have no axe to grind with the company at all. My issue is that it really misleads people into thinking that it is somehow natural. Ojon has taken the same tactic with palm oil. Nothing magical about it – the palm trees in their ‘special island’ are the same ones that grow in tropical climates all over the world. The main ingredients in Ojon shampoos are silocone and chemicals.
You have some very good facts about argan oil and its benefits. I love your blogs! Sorry for this post as I feel like the “Grinch” but I just don’t like it when companies mislead consumers.
Thanks for the info–especially ingredients list! It’s always hard for me to fully detail information when I can’t find certain resources, so thanks for stepping in and helping out.
I will admit certain companies to a better job with marketing an ingredient; others simply get to the finish line first–so to speak. I, in no way, meant to compare the brand Argan Oil to Moroccanoil. I just noticed confusion at work with people asking for moroccan oil, and not understanding that it was a brand and that the real oil being used in the product was argan oil. I will have to clarify that in my post–I see how it can be misleading.
Although Ojon is not completely natural, I do have their mask and Shine & Protect Shampoo and Conditioner and the top/central part of ingredients include the palm oil, lime peel extract, orange fruit extract, jojoba, wheat protein, and various nut oils.
I totally agree with you on the silicone front and understand how they are counterproductive in many senses.
Thanks again for the info, and initiating a conversation. My main goal with posts like this one is to establish clarification, and it’s a big help someone can speak from experience.
Thanks for this post Michelle, and the follow up comment as well. My stylist has been using Morracanoil on my hair for a long time now, and up until now I had never seen anything about it. Even if the main ingredients are dimethicone etc., my hair still feels a whole lot better using that, rather than Fekkai glossing cream or something similar. Good read!