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The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil for combination skin

Caution

  • AverageCombination Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • WarningSafety

A poor match for combination skin; the products alongside fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Offers excellent moisturizing for your combination skin due to the high concentration of argania spinosa kernel oil, which hydrates and smooths texture.
  • This product does not offer targeted ingredients for oil control, which may worsen existing oily shine concerns on your combination skin.

People Say

★4.1Overall rating based on 700+ reviews

Users frequently praise this oil for its intense hydration, effectively relieving dry, flaky skin and taming frizzy hair by locking in moisture. Many also appreciate its great value and multi-purpose use. A very high number of reviews mention a strong, unpleasant scent, often compared to manure or a farmyard, which some find off-putting. A moderate number of users find the oil greasy or slow to absorb, and a low number report breakouts or issues with the packaging.

Highlights

  • Unpleasant scent Mostly Mentioned
    • “smells like manure”
    • “scent of goat cheese”
    • “smells like a farmyard”
    • “could not get past the smell”
  • Deep hydration Often Mentioned
    • “relieved my dry flaky patches”
    • “skin feels incredibly moisturized”
    • “locks in moisture overnight”
    • “cured my winter dryness”
  • Great value Often Mentioned
    • “unbeatable price for organic oil”
    • “affordable compared to other brands”
    • “huge bottle for the price”
    • “great quality for few dollars”
  • Softens & tames hair Often Mentioned
    • “makes hair soft and shiny”
    • “tames frizz without weighing down”
    • “great for dry ends”
    • “keeps curly hair tamed”
  • Multi-purpose use Sometimes Noted
    • “use it on face and hair”
    • “mixes well with moisturizer”
    • “great for cuticles and body”
    • “added to body lotion”
  • Greasy/Slow absorption Sometimes Noted
    • “sits on top of skin”
    • “too heavy for day use”
    • “left a greasy film”
    • “takes forever to sink in”
  • Caused breakouts Rarely Noted
    • “clogged my pores”
    • “caused cystic acne”
    • “too rich for acne-prone skin”
    • “broke me out immediately”
  • Messy packaging Rarely Noted
    • “bottle leaks easily”
    • “dropper is a bit messy”
    • “oil gets everywhere”
    • “cap doesn't seal perfectly”

Sources: lovi.care, sephora.com, ulta.com, theordinary.com, influenster.com, makeup.co.uk, and more

Questions and answers

Why does Lovi advise caution with The Ordinary Moroccan Argan Oil for combination skin?

Lovi advises caution because this oil does not offer targeted ingredients for oil control, which may worsen existing oily shine on your combination skin. A product for this skin needs effective brightening and moisturizing ingredients, soothing agents, antioxidants, and multiple peptides to reduce shine while providing balanced hydration without irritation.

International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2014

Which ingredients make this oil a poor fit for combination skin?

Argan oil makes this a poor fit because it lacks oil control ingredients, which may worsen existing oily shine on combination skin. A better product for this skin type needs targeted brightening and moisturizing ingredients, soothing agents, antioxidants, and peptides to reduce shine while maintaining hydration.

What does Argan Oil do for combination skin?

Argan oil helps keep combination skin soft and smooth by locking in moisture without feeling too heavy. It maintains water-holding capacity and restores the skin barrier so dry patches feel comfortable while oily areas stay balanced.

Where does this oil go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This oil is a poor match for combination skin because it lacks oil control ingredients and may worsen shiny areas, though it deeply moisturizes dry patches. Combination skin needs lightweight hydrators and oil-balancing ingredients instead of heavy oils to keep both dry and oily zones comfortable.

International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2014

Can I use it with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this oil in your evening routine after your retinol treatment to help seal in moisture and keep your skin soft. Because this product lacks oil control ingredients, combination skin needs a lightweight, balancing lotion that targets excess shine alongside your hydration.

International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2014

How often should I use this oil?

This oil is a poor match for your combination skin because it lacks oil control ingredients and may worsen shiny areas, even though it softens and smooths texture. To care for combination skin safely with a product of this type, you need added oil-balancing ingredients that hydrate without adding extra shine.

International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2014

Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

This oil is unlikely to clog pores, but reviewers note it may sometimes cause breakouts and greasy shine on combination skin. A product of this type needs lightweight hydrators and oil-controlling ingredients to balance oily areas without adding heaviness.

What the research says

Ingredients

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

How does it fit your skin?

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How does it fit your skin?

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