Tamanu vs. Argan - Which Oil is Right for You?

Okay, you know you want to add in a facial oil - the question is - which one is right for you?  The short answer is if you're breakout-prone our Tamanu Oil is your best bet and if you're dry you can honestly choose from either our Tamanu or Argan Oil.  But what if you're in between?  Or still have questions?  Read on to find out which of these nut oils is right for you!
TAMANU OIL - IDEAL FOR OILY, BREAKOUT-PRONE, COMBINATION, ROSACEA
Tamanu Oil (aka Calophyllum inophyllum) is green in color and has a distinct scent - earthy/smoky/nutty/maple syrup-y/spicy are all things we've heard!  Ours is organic, cold-pressed, virgin oil with no fillers.
Fatty Acid Breakdown - Tamanu is rich in 
  • STEARIC ACID (has been shown to protect skin's surface against water loss and help shore up skin's protective barrier)
  • OLEIC ACID (omega 9 acid that can enhance penetration of other ingredients naturally present in plant oils)
  • LINOLEIC ACID (significantly calms inflammation and addresses wounds)
Because it has all of those fatty acids it can work for dry skin but we honestly find some dry folks prefer our Argan Oil. Why is it good for oily to normal peeps?
COLLAGEN PRODUCTION - since it literally has been shown to heal wounds and addressing fine lines and wrinkles fall into this camp.  It's also why moms use it on bug bites, burns and more for their kiddos.
ANTIBACTERIAL SITUATIONS - if you're breakout-prone this is music to your ears - something that's hydrating and fighting breakouts - yes please!  This unique component is why so many of our acne-prone clients love this product.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY BFF - "The calophyllolide molecule in Calophyllum inophyllum oil had been reported to possess an anti-inflammatory activity, comparatively to hydrocortisone (10 mg)" per this study.  This is where our eczema and rosacea folks come in.  More studies need to be done but it's a good start.
What makes ours special?  Tamanu Trees mainly grow in Southeast Asia and we went through a tremendous amount of sourcing to find a farm whose oil was the most efficacious of any we tried.  Being organic made a huge difference but so did the farm itself.  
ARGAN OIL - IDEAL FOR COMBINATION, ROSACEA OR DRY SKIN
Argan Oil is golden in color, nutty in scent (if undeodorized - which is what you want) and is also ideal for use on hair.  Ours is organic, cold-pressed, virgin oil with no fillers.
Fatty Acid Breakdown - Argan Oil is rich in
  • OLEIC ACID (omega 9 acid that can enhance penetration of other ingredients naturally present in plant oils)
  • LINOLEIC ACID(significantly calms inflammation and addresses wounds)
  • + large amounts of VITAMIN E which is a strong anti-oxidant and fights free radical damage

While linoleic acid is great for breakout-prone skin we find that our clients prefer the Tamanu Oil if they break out regularly.  If your breakouts are hormonally either oil is a good fit!

So what are the benefits to Argan Oil?

SUPER HYDRATION due to the amounts of oleic and linoleic acid, Argan Oil optimizes hydration so flaky or itchy, dry skin is moisturized to the max.

RESTORES BARRIER FUNCTION this study found Argan Oil to strengthen skin tissue at a cellular level which addresses fine lines, wrinkles and elasticity making it an ideal "anti-ager" in addition to moisturizer.

PROTECTS FROM SUN DAMAGE - deemed an "effective melanin biosynthesis inhibitor" it means all those Berber women who have been using Argan Oil for centuries were right - it helps shield skin from the sun (though we still support wearing a daily sunscreen!).

Speaking of Berber women, that's what makes our Argan Oil special - it's made by hand (and then filtered by machine) by a woman-owned women's co-op.  You can read all about it here.  

Which oil is right for you? 

 

Disclaimer: For informational and educational purposes only.  These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  If you have a health concern, a medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding or are taking any medication please consult your healthcare provider.


2 comments


  • Erin's Faces

    You could absolutely use them together!


  • L

    Can you use both together to get all the benefits? In winter I need moisture, but also collagen stimulation :)


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