Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Extra Penetrating Oil
Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Extra Penetrating Oil
Product Description
A silicone-based, extra-strength hair oil from OGX Beauty, blended with cold-pressed Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil of Morocco. This rich penetrating treatment coats and smooths medium-to-coarse, dry or damaged strands β taming frizz, sealing in shine and adding heat and UV protection without weighing hair down. The "Extra" version is the heaviest of the three Argan oil strengths, designed for thicker, thirstier hair.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Cold-Pressed Argan Oil
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil from Morocco delivers vitamin E and fatty acids to soften and condition each strand.
Extra-Strength Penetration
The heaviest of the three Argan oil strengths β built for medium, thick and coarse hair that drinks up moisture.
Frizz & Flyaway Control
A silky silicone blend smooths the cuticle, calms frizz and adds mirror-like shine, even in humidity.
Heat & UV Defense
Forms a lightweight protective film that helps shield strands from styling-tool heat and sun damage.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. The silicone-plus-argan formula is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Confirm with your doctor if sensitive to fragrance.
Not fungal-acne safe. Argan oil's fatty acids (oleic, palmitic) and C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (an ester) can feed malassezia if it reaches the skin or scalp.
Low-to-moderate (2/5). Designed for hair lengths, not the face. Argan oil itself rates ~0, but the ester can be mildly pore-clogging if it transfers to acne-prone skin.
No parabens, no sulfated surfactants, no harsh drying alcohols. Reef-safe formulation per ingredient verification.
Contains added fragrance, which may include EU allergens such as linalool or citronellol. Patch test if you have a fragrance-sensitive scalp.
Layers fine over leave-ins and creams as the final sealing step. Apply before heat styling for thermal protection.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ͺ Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) ~40-55% Proven
A lightweight, volatile silicone that forms the bulk of the formula. It spreads the oil evenly, gives that silky slip, then evaporates β leaving a smooth, non-heavy film behind.
- Function: Emollient, skin/hair conditioning, solvent.
- Source: SkinSort notes D5 is volatile, evaporating quickly and leaving a thin moisture-sealing barrier.
- Why it's here: Carries the argan oil into the cuticle and prevents a greasy after-feel.
π§ͺ Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4) ~10-20% Proven
A second volatile silicone that thins the texture and boosts spreadability. Like D5, it evaporates after application to leave hair feeling light rather than coated.
- Function: Emollient, conditioning agent, solvent.
- Source: Classified by SkinSort as a silicone used for smoothing and slip.
- Note: Modern formulas keep D4 levels low; regulators in the EU have tightened limits on rinse-off D4 over environmental concerns.
β¨ Dimethiconol ~5-15% Proven
A heavier, non-volatile silicone that stays on the hair after the volatile silicones flash off. This is the workhorse for long-lasting shine, frizz control and detangling slip.
- Function: Emollient, moisturising film-former.
- Source: SkinSort describes Dimethiconol as a high-molecular-weight relative of dimethicone, often paired with cyclopentasiloxane.
- Benefit: Seals the cuticle to reduce moisture loss and protect against humidity-driven frizz.
πΏ Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (Argan Oil) ~5-10% Proven
The namesake hero. Cold-pressed from the kernels of the Moroccan argan tree, it's rich in vitamin E and fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, palmitic) that condition, soften and add antioxidant support.
- Source: SkinSort reports argan oil has antioxidant, hydrating and soothing properties and helps the skin/hair retain water.
- Antioxidant: Its high vitamin-E content helps fight free-radical damage from the sun.
- Origin: Argan trees are native to Morocco; the oil is traditionally prized for nourishing hair and skin.
π§ C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate ~3-8% Proven
A lightweight ester that softens hair, enhances slip and helps distribute the other ingredients evenly. It also gives a clean, dry-touch finish rather than a heavy oily one.
- Function: Emollient, texture enhancer, mild antimicrobial.
- Source: SkinSort notes it is made from benzoic acid and long-chain alcohols, with a low molecular weight.
πΈ Parfum (Fragrance) <3% Promising
Responsible for the signature citrus-fresh, floral-green and woody scent that reviewers consistently praise. A blend that gives the line its recognisable "salon" smell.
- Function: Masking, perfuming.
- Source: SkinSort explains "parfum" is a catch-all that can contain dozens of aroma chemicals.
6 ingredients
Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Parfum.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply to towel-dried, damp hair before blow-drying for heat protection, or smooth a drop or two onto dry ends to seal and add shine. It is the final moisture-sealing step on damp hair.
π How to Use
Start Small
Dispense a 1-2 drop (10-20 cent coin-sized) amount into your palms. This oil is rich, so a little goes a long way β especially on fine hair.
Warm & Distribute
Rub between your palms, then work through damp, towel-dried hair from mid-lengths to ends. Avoid the scalp to prevent buildup.
Style As Usual
Blow-dry or heat style β the oil adds thermal protection and a smooth finish. Or air-dry for natural softness.
Touch Up When Dry
Smooth a tiny amount over dry ends or flyaways throughout the day to refresh shine and tame frizz.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have medium, thick, coarse or curly hair
- You battle frizz, dryness or dull, damaged ends
- You heat style and want lightweight thermal protection
- You want salon-style shine on a drugstore budget
- You love a warm, citrus-floral-woody scent
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have very fine, easily-weighed-down hair
- You're avoiding silicones / prefer "clean" formulas
- You're fragrance-sensitive or fragrance-free only
- You want a 100% pure argan oil (this is silicone-based)
- You need a fungal-acne-safe product for facial skin
π― Hair Type Compatibility
The "Extra" strength is built for dense, dry hair β it smooths and seals without being overwhelmed.
Reviewers with dry, frizzy ends report a noticeable softness and shine boost.
Helps define and tame frizz; some curly users prefer the lighter Penetrating version for definition.
Sulfate-free, paraben-free and conditioning β a safe finishing oil for dyed hair.
Can weigh fine hair down or look greasy if over-applied. Use a single drop on ends only.
π Results Timeline
Smoother, Shinier Strands
Frizz drops and hair feels silky the moment it absorbs into damp hair. Most users notice the glossy finish right away.
~85% noticed immediatelyEasier Styling & Detangling
Blow-drying becomes faster and less frizzy; hair is more manageable and combs through with less breakage.
~70% noticedSofter, Healthier-Looking Hair
With regular use, dry ends look revived and hair appears healthier overall β though it conditions the surface rather than repairing internally.
~60% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Instantly smooths frizz and adds glossy shine
- Great value β salon-style results at a drugstore price
- Pleasant, long-lasting citrus-floral-woody scent
- Absorbs fast on damp hair; non-greasy for most
- Excellent for thick, coarse and dry hair types
- Paraben-free, sulfate-free, reef-safe
β Criticized
- Silicone-based β not a "pure" argan oil
- Can weigh down or look greasy on fine hair
- Contains added fragrance (allergen risk)
- Surface-conditions rather than truly repairs
- Some reviewers feel reformulation is thinner
- Bottle prone to leaking during shipping
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Very similar silicone-plus-argan finishing oil at a slightly lower price. Comparable shine and frizz control; scent and texture differ a touch.
Pure argan oil with no silicones or fragrance β better for skin and "clean" routines, but lacks the slip and instant gloss of the silicone blend.
Another argan-infused silicone serum for frizz and shine. Slightly lighter feel; popular for heat-styling protection.
Drugstore smoothing oil with argan and camellia. Lighter texture, good for finer hair; less rich than the "Extra" strength.
π Comparison with Competitors
OGX Extra Penetrating Oil (This Product)
~$10.99Moroccanoil Treatment
~$18-52The Ordinary Moroccan Argan Oil
~$8.90Hask Argan Oil Shine Oil
~$6.99π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening (typical for this oil-serum format)
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed.
Flip-top / pour-spout plastic bottle (100ml)
Yes β 100ml meets the carry-on liquids limit, but secure the cap to avoid leaks.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it's generally considered safe. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens β just silicones, argan oil and fragrance. As a leave-on hair oil it has minimal skin contact. If you're sensitive to fragrance during pregnancy, patch test first and check with your doctor.
No. Argan oil contains fatty acids (oleic, palmitic) and the formula includes C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, an ester β both can feed malassezia yeast. It's a hair-length product, but if you're prone to fungal acne keep it off your face, hairline and back.
Yes, there's no conflict. This is a hair oil, not a facial active, so it won't interact with your skincare actives. Just apply it to your hair, not your face, and keep it clear of acne-prone facial zones.
It shines on medium, thick, coarse, dry, frizzy, curly or damaged hair β the "Extra" strength is the richest in the line. Fine or easily-weighed-down hair should use only a single drop on the ends, or choose the lighter Penetrating version.
Immediately. Most users notice smoother, shinier, less frizzy hair the moment it absorbs into damp hair. Easier styling shows within the first week, and dry ends look revived with regular use over 2-4 weeks. It conditions the surface rather than repairing hair internally.
It's a finishing/sealing step. Apply to towel-dried, damp hair after conditioning and any leave-in, before heat styling for thermal protection. You can also smooth a tiny amount over dry ends to refresh shine and tame flyaways.
It's designed for hair, not skin, and rates low-to-moderate (about 2/5) if it transfers to facial skin. Argan oil itself is roughly non-comedogenic (0), but C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate can be mildly pore-clogging for very acne-prone skin. Keep it off the face if you break out easily.
Around 12 months after opening, which is typical for a silicone-based hair oil. Store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and keep the cap closed to preserve the fragrance and formula.
Verdict: OGX's Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Extra Penetrating Oil is a standout drugstore frizz-tamer that punches well above its ~$11 price. The silicone-plus-argan blend delivers instant smoothness, mirror shine and heat protection that reviewers across Ulta, Amazon and Walmart consistently rate around 4.5-4.7 stars. It's at its best on thick, coarse, dry or damaged hair. Just know it's a silicone-based serum (not pure argan oil), it contains fragrance, and fine hair should go light. For the price, it's one of the easiest shine upgrades you can buy.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging Β«promisesΒ» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 |
Cyclopentasiloxane
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Cyclotetrasiloxane
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Dimethiconol
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antifoaming Agent, Moisturising
|
|
|
| 1 |
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antimicrobial
|
|