Reviews · Moroccanoil · Haircare
Is Moroccanoil Treatment worth it? Who it suits, and who should skip it
Moroccanoil Treatment is the leave-in hair oil that helped make argan oil a haircare buzzword. This is a research-based guide rather than a hands-on test. It covers what's really in it, how to use it and who it's worth it for, using Moroccanoil's own product information and UK retailers' listings.
Moroccanoil Treatment Original 100ml
What works
- Versatile: use it on damp hair before styling, or on dry hair to smooth flyaways and ends
- Contains argan oil, which Moroccanoil says is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin E, plus linseed extract
- Moroccanoil says one application increases shine by up to 118%, citing an independent study
- Comes in two strengths: Original for medium to thick or curly hair, and Light for fine or light-coloured hair
- Can be mixed into a hair mask for a richer treatment
Worth knowing
- Despite the name, it isn't pure argan oil: on Moroccanoil's ingredient list, two silicones come first and argan oil third
- It has a distinctive signature fragrance, so it's not for anyone who prefers unscented hair products
- The Original can feel heavy on fine hair; Moroccanoil recommends the Light version for that
- It's a styling product: it smooths and adds shine, but it isn't designed to repair damaged hair
Who it's for
It's worth it if you have medium, thick or curly hair that frizzes, and you want one easy product that smooths and adds shine whether you blow-dry or let your hair dry naturally. Skip the Original if your hair is fine (choose Treatment Light), if you want a pure oil, or if you avoid silicones or fragrance.
Moroccanoil Treatment is a leave-in hair oil. Moroccanoil describes it as a styling and finishing product that conditions, smooths frizz, detangles and adds shine. It isn't a repair treatment, which is the main difference between it and something like Olaplex No.3.
The name suggests pure argan oil, but it's a blend. On the ingredient list on Moroccanoil's website, two silicones (cyclomethicone and dimethicone) come first, followed by argan kernel oil, fragrance, linseed extract and colourants. Ingredients are listed in order of quantity, so argan oil is a smaller part of the formula than the silicones. That isn't a bad thing: the silicones are what make it feel light and give the smooth, glossy finish. If you want pure argan oil, Moroccanoil sells that as a separate product. Formulas can differ by country, so check the ingredient list on your bottle.
To use it, Moroccanoil suggests one or two pumps on towel-dried hair, worked through from mid-lengths to ends and kept away from the scalp, before blow-drying or drying naturally. On dry hair, a small amount tames flyaways and smooths split ends, and you can reapply it as needed. The brand also suggests adding a few drops to one of its hair masks.
There are two main versions. The Original is meant for medium to thick or curly hair. Treatment Light is a lighter formula for fine hair or light-coloured hair. The link on this page is for the 100ml Original.
Moroccanoil says one application increases hair's shine by up to 118%, citing an independent study. I haven't seen the study, so treat the number as the brand's claim. My Olaplex vs Moroccanoil guide compares it with Olaplex's No.3 and No.7.
How this page was written: I haven't tested Moroccanoil Treatment myself. Everything here comes from Moroccanoil's product information and ingredient list, and major UK retailers' listings. If I test it, I'll update this page with a hands-on verdict.
The verdict
Moroccanoil Treatment is worth it if you want an easy, all-purpose smoothing oil for medium to thick hair: it works on wet or dry hair and is designed to tame frizz and add shine. Just know you're buying a silicone-based styling oil with argan oil in it, not pure argan oil, and choose the Light version if your hair is fine.
Moroccanoil Treatment Original 100ml
