Jojoba vs Argan Oil for Skin: Which is Better for Skin, Jojoba or Argan Oil?

There are many naturally derived remedies for common skin concerns, from dryness and irritation to acne and signs of aging. We see our customers contemplating adding either Jojoba vs Argan oil for skin to their routines, but they serve different purposes. 

Our Argan skin care products are absolutely perfect for dry or combination skin. This ingredient can be the saving grace for looking to provide support to sensitive or mature skin, too. It seals in moisture and can help deliver nourishment to flaky, parched, aging skin. 

On the other hand, Jojoba oil is a bit more lightweight and better suited for those with oily or breakout-prone skin. It helps balance oil and regulate moisture without heaviness. 

In this sense, choosing between Jojoba oil vs Argan oil for skin comes down to your skin type and your needs. Both have their place. We’ll help you figure out which is better for skin, Jojoba or Argan oil, below!

Overview of Argan Oil for Skin

This oil comes from the Argan tree kernels. This Moroccan plant has been used for centuries, both in traditional medicine and beauty rituals. The kernels are cold-pressed to extract all the nourishing compounds it has to offer, most notably essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E.

Argan oil is called liquid gold because of its high levels of Oleic Acid (a monounsaturated omega-9) and Linoleic Acid (a polyunsaturated omega-6). This dynamic duo helps smooth out rough patches, reinforces the skin’s moisture barrier, and delivers lasting hydration - especially for dry, flaky, or mature skin types.

Argan oil also contains polyphenols and tocopherols (forms of vitamin E) to help keep the oxidative stress caused by environmental exposure at bay, be it the sun or cold temperatures. It hydrates deeply, helps soothe irritation, and beefens up the skin’s protective layer without leaving it feeling overly greasy.

Our formulations with Argan oil are among our most popular products to reduce redness on face, and we also have some great anti wrinkle products with Argan. 

But let’s talk about what Argan oil can’t do. It won’t unclog pores, regulate oil production, or match the skin’s natural sebum. You need to be aware that it’s not necessarily the best choice for acne-prone skin, either. 

That said, let’s look at the other half of our conversation on Jojoba vs Argan oil for skin.

Overview of Jojoba Oil for Skin

Interestingly enough, Jojoba oil isn’t an actual oil. It’s a liquid wax ester extracted from Jojoba shrub seeds, a plant native to the southwestern US and northern Mexico.

What really makes Jojoba unique, though, is how closely its molecular structure mirrors human sebum, the natural oil our skin produces. This lends itself to a variety of skincare uses.

Jojoba oil is packed with Vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, and naturally occurring antioxidants, along with trace minerals like Zinc and Copper. Users love how quickly it absorbs into the skin without leaving any residue behind. It doesn’t have any sort of “smothering” effect on skin.

Part of its appeal is its non-comedogenic nature, so you won’t have to worry about it clogging pores. In fact, it can help balance oil production which is why it’s the go-to for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Jojoba oil is a gentle emollient that softens the skin and creates a breathable barrier that helps lock in hydration. It’s also soothing for sensitive skin and often used to calm inflammation or support healing in compromised skin barriers.

That said, it doesn’t provide nearly the same depth of moisturization for extremely dry or mature skin as Argan oil would, and it doesn’t provide the same level of nutrition either. 

That doesn’t mean it can’t fit nicely into your skincare routine, just that you’ll need to think more carefully about which oil makes the most sense between Jojoba vs Argan oil for skin. Let’s take a closer look at the two options side-by-side below!

Jojoba vs Argan Oil for Skin: Key Differences to Consider

To be clear, one is not inherently better than the other when it comes to Jojoba oil vs Argan oil for skin. Each does certain things really well and suits different skin types/concerns, so only YOU can determine which is best for your skincare ritual.

Let’s start by unpacking the unique nutrient profiles and corresponding benefits each has to offer between Jojoba vs Argan oil for skin. 

Nutrient Profile and Key Benefits

The nutrients each oil contains are responsible for its respective benefits. 

Jojoba oil has Vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, and antioxidants, but its wax esters that closely resemble human sebum are what really make it so powerful. This makes it ideal for mimicking the skin’s natural barrier and gently supporting balance

In contrast, Argan oil delivers a much broader range of nutrients the skin loves. For instance, its high concentration of Oleic Acid and Linoleic Acid both support moisture retention and reinforce the skin barrier.

It’s also loaded with Vitamin E to protect against environmental stressors while softening rough, dry patches. Meanwhile, its polyphenols and plant sterols provide antioxidant protection to support reactive or aging skin.

In this sense, Argan oil does a great job delivering deep moisture and antioxidant defense in one formula. It’s the more well-rounded choice from a benefits perspective, especially when dryness and dullness are concerns.  

Texture and Absorption

You’ll notice very different skin feels when comparing Jojoba vs Argan oil for skin. Jojoba has a lightweight, almost silky texture that absorbs quickly into the skin. It spreads easily and leaves very little residue behind, which is why it’s so commonly used as a carrier oil in DIY skincare.

On the other hand, Argan oil feels a lot richer. That doesn’t mean it won’t absorb well, though. It leaves a soft, supple finish that doesn’t feel greasy. Think of it as a more cushiony, nourishing layer compared to Jojoba - especially when applied on damp skin.

Both oils absorb efficiently compared to other options you have at your disposal, but Argan oil tends to feel more indulgent on the skin - like that hydrated-after-a-facial feeling. You’ll have a natural glow without the weight of heavier plant butters or synthetic moisturizers.

Which One Is More Suitable for Acne-Prone Skin?

Jojoba is often the go-to recommendation for acne-prone skin since it has a lower comedogenic rating (usually around 2 or less). Plus, it mimics sebum, which may help balance overactive oil glands.

Argan oil has a comedogenic rating of about 0-1, so it’s also fairly non-comedogenic. While Jojoba has the edge there, Argan oil does have Linoleic Acid content. 

This compound has been shown to be beneficial for acne-prone individuals as antioxidants can help prevent acne in the first place. You know what they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

So you could make the case for using Argan oil in an acne-prone skincare regimen - but, some still prefer Jojoba for its ultra-light feel.

Hydration vs Moisture Retention

A common misconception is that hydration and moisturization are the same thing - this is not true. Hydration refers to water content in the skin, while moisture retention is about keeping that water in. In other words, you need both! 

Jojoba and Argan oil fall on opposite sides of the fence here. Jojoba helps seal in hydration and prevent water loss because of its wax-like composition, but it won’t draw moisture into the skin.

Argan oil not only reinforces the skin’s lipid barrier but also provides a more emollient experience because it contains fatty acids. It helps soften skin and trap moisture in, especially when applied over damp skin or layered with a hydrating serum.

This is to say Argan oil is a great way to lock in moisture and leave your skin feeling supple and smooth, particularly if it feels tight after cleansing.

Use in Layered Skincare Routine

Chances are you’re not just trying to choose between Jojoba oil vs Argan oil for skin - you have other ingredients in your ritual, be it calendula vs chamomile for skin or cactus vs aloe vera for skin.

Whatever the case, you need to think about which of these oils will play nicely with the rest of your regimen. Jojoba’s lighter texture makes it ideal for daytime routines or as a carrier for actives that need minimal interference.

Argan oil, by contrast, performs best when used as the final step in a skincare routine, especially at night. It pairs wonderfully with serums and moisturizers to seal in hydration like we just said above, but it also nourishes the skin overnight. We see Argan oil work best with other actives like Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and even peptides.

Stability and Shelf Life

Jojoba oil lasts a long time in storage, thanks to its wax ester structure. This makes it easy to store and a common base in natural formulations.

Argan oil, on the other hand, is a bit more delicate. You need to be more careful about how you store it - in amber bottles, away from light and heat, is your best bet. 

Which is Better for Skin, Jojoba or Argan Oil?

You should be feeling a bit more confident about the role each of these oils plays in skincare at this point - so which is better for skin, Jojoba or Argan oil? The short answer is we can’t declare one “superior” to the other unless we know exactly what type of skin you have and the issues you face. 

That said, Argan oil offers more versatility and performance across a wider range of needs for nourishing the skin, softening texture, and visibly improving signs of aging. It’s one of our favorite ingredients for dry, mature, or fatigued skin because of its fatty acids, antioxidants, and Vitamin E content.

Here at Naturopathica we make it easy to tap into all that Argan oil has to offer with luxury skincare solutions grounded in herbal science and clean, proven ingredients.

Our retinol wrinkle cream combines rejuvenating Argan oil with gentle retinol to help firm, smooth, and visibly lift the skin. It’s a must-try for softening fine lines and restoring radiance overnight.

Or, consider our Argan eye cream with peptides and Edelweiss to help reduce puffiness, smooth crow’s feet, and brighten dark circles with daily use. There’s something for everyone here in our catalog, all backed by our Clean Beauty Guarantee.

Shop now to help support skin renewal and maintain a healthy, youthful glow, powered by the restorative strength of Argan and complementary ingredients! 

Wrapping Up Our Comparison of Jojoba Oil vs Argan Oil for Skin

Both Jojoba and Argan oil offer real benefits, but they serve distinct purposes and you need to choose accordingly. Jojoba is lightweight, balancing, and ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.

On the other hand, Argan oil is richer, more nutrient-dense, and really powerful for dry, mature, or texture-prone skin. Stick with this oil for deep hydration, visible softness, and support for aging skin.

We’ve harnessed this ingredient in high-performance formulas designed to nourish and renew at Naturopathica. Try our Argan-rich skincare formulas crafted with clean, proven ingredients, and see firsthand how this skincare savior can support your ritual!