Argan and jojoba are two of the most loved oils in skincare, and they often end up side by side in the same shopping cart. They are both light, versatile and easy to use every day. But they are not the same, and the right choice depends on what your skin needs.
The short answer: choose argan if your skin feels dry, tight or dehydrated. Choose jojoba if your skin is oily, combination, sensitive or acne-prone. If your face has a bit of everything, you may find you want both.
What is the difference between argan oil and jojoba oil?
Argan is a true plant oil, cold-pressed from the kernels of the argan tree. Ours comes from UNESCO-protected biosphere reserves in Morocco, where the trees have been tended for generations. It is rich in fatty acids and naturally occurring vitamin E, which gives it a soft, cushioned feel on the skin.
Jojoba is technically not an oil at all. It is a liquid wax pressed from the seeds of the jojoba plant, and its structure is remarkably similar to the wax esters your own skin makes in its natural sebum. We explain why that matters in the jojoba myth. The result is an oil that feels lighter and sinks in quickly.
Which is better for dry skin, argan or jojoba?
Argan. Its richer texture leaves dry skin feeling softer and more comfortable for longer, which is why it is our first suggestion for tight, flaky or winter-worn skin. Press two to three drops into damp skin after cleansing or rinsing. Our guide to argan oil for dry skin covers it in detail.
Which is better for oily or acne-prone skin?
Jojoba is the more common choice. Because it closely resembles the skin's own sebum, many people with oily or acne-prone skin find it feels lighter and less heavy than other oils. Our post on jojoba for acne-prone skin goes deeper.
Argan is also generally considered a low-clogging oil, so it is not off limits for breakout-prone skin. Comedogenic ratings are only a rough guide, though, and every person's skin responds a little differently. Our explainer on comedogenic ratings explains why. Whichever you choose, start with a patch test and introduce one new product at a time. If breakouts are persistent or painful, a dermatologist is the right person to see.
Which is better for sensitive skin?
Jojoba is usually the gentler starting point for sensitive or reactive skin, thanks to its light texture and its similarity to what your skin already makes. Both of our oils contain just one ingredient, the oil itself, so there is nothing else in the bottle for your skin to react to.
Which is better for hair, argan or jojoba?
They do different jobs. Argan is the pick for the lengths and ends of your hair. A drop or two smooths frizz and leaves dry, coarse hair feeling softer. Jojoba is the pick for the scalp. It is light, spreads easily and rinses out cleanly, which makes it a good match for a dry-feeling or oily scalp. Our winter hair routine and how long to leave oil in your hair have more on both.
Argan vs jojoba at a glance
| Argan oil | Jojoba oil | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A cold-pressed plant oil from argan kernels | A liquid wax from jojoba seeds |
| How it feels | Soft and cushioned | Light and fast-absorbing |
| Best for skin | Dry, tight, dehydrated or mature skin | Oily, combination, sensitive or acne-prone skin |
| Best for hair | Frizz, dry lengths and ends | Scalp care |
| Best season | Fall and winter | Year-round, especially summer |
| Bottle size | 60 mL | 100 mL |
Can you use argan and jojoba together?
Yes, and it is one of the simplest ways to care for combination skin. A few ways to do it:
- By zone: jojoba on your forehead, nose and chin, argan on drier cheeks.
- By season: jojoba through the warmer months, argan when the heating comes on.
- Face and hair: jojoba on your face and scalp, argan on the ends of your hair.
- Blended: mix one drop of each in your palm and press it in together.
How do you use argan or jojoba on your face?
Warm two to three drops between your fingertips and press them into slightly damp skin, morning or night. Damp skin still holds water at its surface, and the oil helps keep it there. If you use a moisturizer, our guide to face oil before or after moisturizer explains the order, and how often to wash your face covers why a gentler routine helps.
Still not sure which oil fits you?
If your skin is very dry or mature, marula vs argan is worth a read too. And for a look at all of our oils side by side, our guide to all nine oils will help you choose.
At Canadian Grace®, every bottle holds one oil, sourced from the place that has grown it for generations and bottled here in Canada. The right one is simply the one your skin feels best in.
