Argan Oil vs Marula Oil: Which Is Better for Hair and Skin?

Argan oil and marula oil are both popular plant oils used to soften, condition and moisturise the hair and skin. They share some similarities, but their fatty acid profiles and textures are different enough to make each one better suited to certain needs.

In short: argan oil is the more versatile all-rounder, particularly if you want an oil that can work across different hair and skin types. Marula oil is especially rich in oleic acid, making it a good option when deeper moisturisation and emollience are the main priority.

Below, we compare argan oil vs marula oil in more detail, including their composition, benefits for hair and skin and which one may be the better choice for you.

 

Argan Oil vs Marula Oil at a Glance

 

Feature	Argan Oil	Marula Oil
Comes from	Argan tree kernels	Marula fruit kernels
Native region	Morocco	Southern Africa
Main fatty acids	Oleic and linoleic acid	Predominantly oleic acid
Texture	Lightweight to medium	Silky and rich
Best known for	Softness, conditioning and versatility	Moisture and emollience
Best for hair	Most hair types	Dry, thick or coarse hair
Best for skin	Dry, normal and combination skin	Dry or moisture-depleted skin
Contains tocopherols	Yes	Yes
Best overall for	Versatility	Rich moisturisation

What Is Argan Oil?

Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the Argania spinosa tree, which grows predominantly in Morocco. It has a long history of use in both food and personal care and is now widely found in hair oils, serums, conditioners and facial oils.

One of the main characteristics of argan oil is its relatively balanced fatty acid profile. It contains both oleic acid and linoleic acid, alongside tocopherols, sterols and other naturally occurring compounds.

Research into the composition of argan oil has identified oleic and linoleic acids as two of its major components, alongside vitamin E-related tocopherols and other minor constituents.

This combination helps explain why argan oil works particularly well as an emollient. It can help coat and soften the hair while reducing the dry or rough feel of both hair and skin.

If you want to explore the ingredient in more depth, read our guide to argan oil benefits for hair.

 

What Is Marula Oil?

Marula oil is extracted from the kernels of the fruit of the Sclerocarya birrea tree, which is native to parts of southern Africa.

Like argan oil, it contains a mixture of fatty acids and antioxidant compounds. However, marula oil is particularly high in oleic acid, which gives it a rich, emollient character.

A review of plant oils used on the skin reported marula oil as containing around 69% oleic acid, with a much smaller proportion of linoleic acid.

This high-oleic composition makes marula oil particularly appealing for dry hair and skin where softness, smoothness and moisture retention are priorities.

You may sometimes see claims that marula oil is particularly rich in vitamin C. While the marula fruit itself is a source of vitamin C, this should not automatically be assumed to mean that the pressed oil contains similarly high levels. The oil is better known for its fatty acids and naturally occurring antioxidant compounds.

 

Marula Oil vs Argan Oil: What’s the Difference?

The biggest difference between argan oil and marula oil is their fatty acid balance.

Fatty acid profile

Argan oil has a more balanced combination of oleic and linoleic acids. Published reviews commonly report argan oil as containing roughly 43–49% oleic acid and around 29–36% linoleic acid, although exact levels vary between samples and production methods.

Marula oil, by comparison, is much more heavily weighted towards oleic acid.

This does not automatically make one oil better than the other. It simply means they behave slightly differently when used on the hair or skin.

Texture and feel

Both oils can feel silky, but marula oil tends to suit routines where richer emollience is wanted.

Argan oil is also moisturising but is highly versatile and can be used in relatively small quantities on everything from fine hair to dry ends.

The final feel also depends heavily on how much oil you use. Even a lightweight plant oil can make fine hair feel greasy if too much is applied.

Antioxidants and vitamin E

Both argan and marula oils contain naturally occurring antioxidant compounds.

Argan oil is particularly well documented for its tocopherols, sterols and other minor bioactive components. A review of bioactive compounds used for skin health also highlights the presence of oleic acid, linoleic acid and antioxidant compounds in argan oil.

That said, it is best to be cautious with claims that one oil contains a specific percentage more antioxidants than another unless the comparison comes from directly comparable laboratory testing.

 

Argan Oil vs Marula Oil for Hair

Both oils can be useful in haircare, particularly if your goal is softer, smoother and more manageable hair.

Which one is better depends largely on your hair type and how much richness your hair needs.

 

Which is better for dry hair?

Marula oil may have a slight advantage for very dry hair.

Its high oleic acid content gives it a rich, emollient profile, which can help coat the hair and improve the feel of dry or rough strands.

Argan oil can also work very well on dry hair, especially when used as part of a blended hair oil or applied to the ends.

If dryness is something you deal with regularly, our guide to why hair becomes dry looks at the most common causes and how to improve moisture retention.

 

Which is better for frizzy hair?

Both can help with frizz.

Plant oils can help smooth the outside of the hair fibre, making hair feel softer and reducing the roughness that contributes to a frizzy appearance.

Argan oil is particularly easy to use in small amounts, which makes it a versatile choice for smoothing the lengths and ends without using a heavy amount of product.

You can also read our full guide on how to get rid of frizzy hair naturally.

 

Which is better for fine hair?

Argan oil is usually the easier starting point for fine hair.

The key is to use very little. A drop or two spread through the palms before applying to the ends may be enough.

Marula oil can still work on fine hair, but its richer character means it may be easier to overapply.

 

Which is better for thick or coarse hair?

Marula oil may suit thick or coarse hair particularly well.

Hair that is naturally coarse or very dry often tolerates richer oils better than fine hair.

The high oleic acid content of marula oil can make it a useful option where softness and emollience are the main goals.

 

Which is better for damaged hair?

Both oils can help improve the feel of hair that has become dry through colouring, heat styling or general wear and tear.

They do not permanently repair split ends or restore damaged hair fibres to their original condition, but they can coat the hair, improve smoothness and reduce the rough feel associated with damage.

Argan oil is commonly used for this reason and can work particularly well in pre-wash treatments and blended hair oils.

 

Argan Oil vs Marula Oil for Skin

Both oils can also be used as emollients in skincare.

The main difference again comes down to richness, fatty acid balance and your personal preference for how an oil feels on the skin.

For dry skin

Marula oil may have the edge for very dry skin.

Its oleic-rich profile gives it strong emollient qualities, helping soften the skin and reduce the dry or tight feeling that can occur when the skin barrier lacks moisture.

Argan oil is also an excellent option and may suit people who want a slightly more versatile everyday facial oil.

For oily or combination skin

Neither oil should be treated as a cure for oily skin.

Some people with combination skin enjoy using argan oil because a very small amount can be applied where needed without coating the entire face.

However, how a facial oil performs depends on the full formulation, the amount used and your individual skin.

For mature-looking skin

Both oils contain antioxidant compounds and can help improve skin softness and moisturisation.

Keeping skin well moisturised can also temporarily make fine lines caused by dryness appear less prominent.

It is more accurate, however, to think of plant oils as moisturising and conditioning ingredients rather than products that reverse skin ageing.

For more on how facial oils work, read our guide to face oil benefits.

For sensitive skin

Both argan and marula oils can be tolerated well by many people, but no natural oil is automatically suitable for every sensitive skin type.

If you are trying either oil for the first time, patch testing a small amount before using it more widely is a sensible approach.

 

Marula Oil vs Argan Oil: Which Is Better for You?

If you want...	Try
A versatile hair oil	Argan oil
Rich moisture for very dry hair	Marula oil
An oil for frizz and softness	Either
An oil for fine hair	Argan oil, used sparingly
An oil for thick or coarse hair	Marula oil
A facial oil for dry skin	Either, with marula slightly richer
A more balanced fatty acid profile	Argan oil
A particularly oleic-rich oil	Marula oil

 

Our overall winner is argan oil.

Marula oil is an excellent option, particularly for people who want a rich, oleic-dominant oil. However, argan oil's balanced fatty acid profile and versatility make it easier to incorporate into a wider range of hair and skincare routines.

 

How to Use Argan or Marula Oil on Your Hair

There are several ways to use either oil depending on your hair type and routine.

As a pre-wash treatment

One of the easiest ways to use plant oils is before shampooing.

Apply a small amount through the scalp, lengths and ends before washing, leave it on for a short period and then shampoo as normal.

This is the basis of hair oiling, a routine that uses plant oils before washing to condition the hair and improve softness.

Argan oil is also one of the carrier oils we use in our Flux Pre-Wash Hair Oil, alongside a blend of other plant oils selected for their conditioning properties.

On the lengths and ends

You can also apply a very small amount to dry or damp ends.

Start with less than you think you need, particularly if your hair is fine.

Rub the oil between your palms before lightly smoothing it through the ends rather than applying it directly in one spot.

As part of a blended hair oil

You do not have to choose a single carrier oil.

Different oils contain different proportions of fatty acids and other naturally occurring compounds, which is why they are often blended together in haircare formulations.

Our full Pre-Wash Hair Oil collection uses this approach rather than relying on a single headline ingredient.

 

How to Use Argan or Marula Oil on Your Skin

If you are using argan or marula oil on your face, start with just a few drops.

1. Cleanse your skin as normal.
2. Apply any lighter water-based products first.
3. Massage a small amount of oil into the skin.
4. Adjust the amount depending on how dry or oily your skin feels.

If you use both an oil and a moisturiser, the exact order depends partly on the products themselves. Our guide to whether oil or moisturiser should come first explains the difference in more detail.

You can also compare the role of oils and creams in our guide to face oil vs cream.

 

Can You Mix Argan Oil and Marula Oil?

Yes, argan oil and marula oil can be used together.

Carrier oils are commonly blended because each one has a slightly different fatty acid profile, texture and feel.

Combining argan oil's more balanced oleic and linoleic acid content with marula oil's richer oleic profile can create a blend that offers both versatility and emollience.

That does not mean a 50/50 mixture will be ideal for everyone. Fine hair may benefit from a lighter blend, while coarse or very dry hair may tolerate a richer concentration of oils.

 

Are There Any Downsides?

Argan and marula oils are generally used as cosmetic ingredients without issue, but there are still a few things to keep in mind.

• They can weigh hair down: using too much oil can make fine or low-volume hair look greasy.
• Skin reactions are possible: natural ingredients can still cause irritation or sensitivity.
• Patch testing is sensible: especially if you have reactive or sensitive skin.
• Oils are not suitable for every routine: some people simply prefer lighter lotions, serums or creams.
• Quality varies: how an oil is processed, stored and formulated can influence the final product.

 

What Should You Look for When Buying Argan or Marula Oil?

If you are buying either oil on its own, look for clear and transparent ingredient labelling.

Useful things to consider include:

• Whether the botanical ingredient is clearly identified
• Whether other oils or fragrances have been added
• The extraction or processing method, where stated
• Packaging that helps protect the oil from excessive heat and light
• A reputable supplier with clear sourcing information
• A product specifically intended for cosmetic use if you plan to use it on your hair or skin

Price alone is not a reliable indicator of quality, so the ingredient list and sourcing information are usually more useful than marketing claims.

 

Argan Oil vs Marula Oil: The Verdict

Argan oil and marula oil are both useful natural oils, but they are not identical.

Choose argan oil if you want a versatile option for both hair and skin, particularly if you are looking for softness, conditioning and a more balanced fatty acid profile.

Choose marula oil if your main priority is rich moisturisation and you have particularly dry, thick or coarse hair or moisture-depleted skin.

Overall, we would give argan oil the edge because of its versatility. It works well across a wider range of routines and can be used alone or blended with other carrier oils.

That versatility is also why we include argan oil in our Flux Pre-Wash Hair Oil, alongside several other natural plant oils.

If you are comparing more natural hair oils, you may also find these guides useful:

• Argan Oil vs Jojoba Oil
• Argan Oil vs Castor Oil
• Argan Oil vs Coconut Oil

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is marula oil better than argan oil?

Not necessarily. Marula oil is richer in oleic acid and may suit very dry hair or skin particularly well, while argan oil has a more balanced fatty acid profile and tends to be more versatile. The better option depends on what you want the oil to do.

Is argan oil or marula oil better for hair?

Argan oil is the better all-rounder for most hair types, while marula oil may suit thick, coarse or very dry hair particularly well. Fine hair usually benefits from using either oil very sparingly.

Is argan oil or marula oil better for skin?

Both can be useful for moisturising and softening the skin. Marula oil may feel richer and more suitable for very dry skin, while argan oil is a versatile option for dry, normal and combination skin.

Can you use marula oil and argan oil together?

Yes. Argan and marula oils can be blended together. Combining carrier oils is common in both haircare and skincare because each oil contributes a different fatty acid profile and texture.

Is marula oil heavier than argan oil?

Marula oil is more heavily dominated by oleic acid and can feel richer than argan oil depending on the formulation and amount used. However, both oils can feel lightweight when applied in small quantities.