Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil Ingredients + Evidence-Based Efficacy Review

Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Trihydroxystearin, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Tin Oxide, Iron Oxides

Review

Does Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil Work?

According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil has to offer:

✅ Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10, impaired by the absence of humectants.

✅ Antioxidant protection

Key Benefits of Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil

These are the key benefits you can expect from using Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil:

🔵🔵🔵 Exceptionally Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely occlusive. It has zero Humectancy (we didn't find any humectant ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, due to the high content of Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (est. ≈56.8%) and Trihydroxystearin (est. ≈26.9%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (est. ≈56.8%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil

CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil to your skincare routine:

⚠️ Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil contains no humectants at all.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding water-binding humectants to their moisturizing routine for effective dual-action moisturizing. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil

Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:

🟩 Pros:

✅ Exceptionally rich moisturizer with the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin

✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage

⭕ Cons:

⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy

Summary: Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil

Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil

, as a moisturizer, provides an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin, delivered in a rich, thick texture.

With its high antioxidant content, Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.

That said, there are some things about Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil worth noting.

With its high occlusivity, Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.

If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it doesn’t contain any humectants. Regardless of your skin type, humectants are vital for optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, pairing Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, can be highly beneficial for your skincare routine.

📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

Est. % The Estimated % is our algorithm-based assumption about an ingredient's concentration in a formula. Learn more The Estimated % is our algorithm-based assumption about an ingredient's concentration in a formula. Learn more	Ingredient	Origin	Functions
56.8	Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil A fatty oil from Moroccan argan tree kernels commonly used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. Its uniqueness comes from its compounds: vitamin E, phospholipids, phenolic compounds, and rare phytosterols with antioxidant and emollient effects. Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil A fatty oil from Moroccan argan tree kernels commonly used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. Its uniqueness comes from its compounds: vitamin E, phospholipids, phenolic compounds, and rare phytosterols with antioxidant and emollient effects.	Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials.	Moisturizing (Occlusive) Occlusives are moisturizing ingredients that seal moisture into the skin, forming a water-resistant barrier. Moisturizing (Occlusive) Occlusives are moisturizing ingredients that seal moisture into the skin, forming a water-resistant barrier. Antioxidant Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. Antioxidant Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. Emollient Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Emollient Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients.
26.9	Trihydroxystearin Trihydroxystearin	Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Animal Ingredients derived from animals (including birds, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and insects) or produced by animals (e.g. dairy- and egg-derived ingredients, bee products, silk, pearls, etc.) Animal Ingredients derived from animals (including birds, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and insects) or produced by animals (e.g. dairy- and egg-derived ingredients, bee products, silk, pearls, etc.)	Moisturizing (Occlusive) Occlusives are moisturizing ingredients that seal moisture into the skin, forming a water-resistant barrier. Moisturizing (Occlusive) Occlusives are moisturizing ingredients that seal moisture into the skin, forming a water-resistant barrier. Emollient Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Emollient Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Formula helper Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product. Formula helper Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.
13.4	Calcium Sodium Borosilicate A mineral that adds body to products without changing other sensorials. It also acts as a mattifying and blurring agent, especially in color cosmetics. Calcium Sodium Borosilicate A mineral that adds body to products without changing other sensorials. It also acts as a mattifying and blurring agent, especially in color cosmetics.	Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Formula helper Bulking – increases the volume of a product. Formula helper Bulking – increases the volume of a product.
1.5	Tin Oxide A multi-functional mineral that increases the physical space a product takes up, increases the viscosity of liquid products, and, when used as an opacifying agent, makes a transparent or translucent product become opaque or solid in color. Tin Oxide A multi-functional mineral that increases the physical space a product takes up, increases the viscosity of liquid products, and, when used as an opacifying agent, makes a transparent or translucent product become opaque or solid in color.	Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Abrasive Abrasives 'physically' exfoliate the skin (i.e., manually remove dead skin cells) by rubbing against its surface. Abrasive Abrasives 'physically' exfoliate the skin (i.e., manually remove dead skin cells) by rubbing against its surface. Formula helper Bulking – increases the volume of a product. Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products. Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product. Formula helper Bulking – increases the volume of a product. Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products. Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.
1.4	Iron Oxides Mineral pigments used to provide color in skincare products. These naturally occurring pigments are available in yellow, red, brown, and black powders. Iron Oxides Mineral pigments used to provide color in skincare products. These naturally occurring pigments are available in yellow, red, brown, and black powders.	Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Colorant Colorants give color to skincare products. Colorant Colorants give color to skincare products.

56.8

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil

Function:

Origin:

26.9

Trihydroxystearin

Function:

Origin:

13.4

Calcium Sodium Borosilicate

Function:

Origin:

1.5

Tin Oxide

Function:

Origin:

1.4

Iron Oxides

Function:

Origin:

Ratings

None

Benchmark

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil

56.8

Trihydroxystearin

26.9

Benchmark

Moisturizing rating

5.0

Ingredient		Est. %	Benchmark Sciense based points to which we compare all humectants and all occlusives in a product to calculate its Humectancy and Occlusivity. Sciense based points to which we compare all humectants and all occlusives in a product to calculate its Humectancy and Occlusivity.	Raiting
Humectancy	All humectants	0.0	10	0.0
	None
Occlusivity	All occlusives	83.7	20	10.0
	Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil A fatty oil from Moroccan argan tree kernels commonly used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. Its uniqueness comes from its compounds: vitamin E, phospholipids, phenolic compounds, and rare phytosterols with antioxidant and emollient effects. Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil A fatty oil from Moroccan argan tree kernels commonly used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. Its uniqueness comes from its compounds: vitamin E, phospholipids, phenolic compounds, and rare phytosterols with antioxidant and emollient effects.	56.8
	Trihydroxystearin Trihydroxystearin	26.9
Moisturizing rating				5.0

Ingredient	Est. %	Benchmark According to various studies, a formula made up of 10% humectants will significantly increase skin hydration. Some studies also suggest that any further icrease in the consentration of humectants does not translate inty any more hydration and may even be dehydrating. To achieve maximum Humectancy, the product should have humectants with a total score of 10 and more. According to various studies, a formula made up of 10% humectants will significantly increase skin hydration. Some studies also suggest that any further icrease in the consentration of humectants does not translate inty any more hydration and may even be dehydrating. To achieve maximum Humectancy, the product should have humectants with a total score of 10 and more.	Humectancy
None
All humectants	0.0	10	0.0

None

Benchmark

Ingredient	Est. %	Benchmark The most occlusive product possible is 100% petrolatum (hello Vaseline Jelly). According to studies, hovewer, even 10% petrolatum can achieve almost the same mosturizing effect. The occlusive properties of petrolatum are at least twice as superior as other occlusive ingredients. This is why, in order to match the moisturizing efficacy of 10% petrolatum, a product needs to contain at least 20% of other occlusives. Our benchmark for maximum Occlusivity is 20 (and the petrolatum score is always doubled). The most occlusive product possible is 100% petrolatum (hello Vaseline Jelly). According to studies, hovewer, even 10% petrolatum can achieve almost the same mosturizing effect. The occlusive properties of petrolatum are at least twice as superior as other occlusive ingredients. This is why, in order to match the moisturizing efficacy of 10% petrolatum, a product needs to contain at least 20% of other occlusives. Our benchmark for maximum Occlusivity is 20 (and the petrolatum score is always doubled).	Occlusivity
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil A fatty oil from Moroccan argan tree kernels commonly used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. Its uniqueness comes from its compounds: vitamin E, phospholipids, phenolic compounds, and rare phytosterols with antioxidant and emollient effects. Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil A fatty oil from Moroccan argan tree kernels commonly used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. Its uniqueness comes from its compounds: vitamin E, phospholipids, phenolic compounds, and rare phytosterols with antioxidant and emollient effects.	56.8
Trihydroxystearin Trihydroxystearin	26.9
All occlusives	83.7	20	10.0

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil

56.8

Trihydroxystearin

26.9

Benchmark

Ingredient	Ingredient anti-wrinkle power Shows on a scale of 0-10 how effective an ingredient is at reducing wrinkles. Both the Reported Efficacy of the ingredient and the Strength of Evidence are taken into account. Shows on a scale of 0-10 how effective an ingredient is at reducing wrinkles. Both the Reported Efficacy of the ingredient and the Strength of Evidence are taken into account.	when present at, %	in this formula est. %	Rating
None
Total				0

None

Anti-wrinkle rating

Ingredient	Est. %	Benchmark It differs from one antioxidant ingredient to another, but, on average, the research suggests that topically applied antioxidants are effective in consentrations of 3% or above. Any product with a total antioxidant score of 3 or more is considered to be reach in antioxidants. It differs from one antioxidant ingredient to another, but, on average, the research suggests that topically applied antioxidants are effective in consentrations of 3% or above. Any product with a total antioxidant score of 3 or more is considered to be reach in antioxidants.	Rich in Antioxidants
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil A fatty oil from Moroccan argan tree kernels commonly used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. Its uniqueness comes from its compounds: vitamin E, phospholipids, phenolic compounds, and rare phytosterols with antioxidant and emollient effects. Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil A fatty oil from Moroccan argan tree kernels commonly used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. Its uniqueness comes from its compounds: vitamin E, phospholipids, phenolic compounds, and rare phytosterols with antioxidant and emollient effects.	56.8
All antioxidants	56.8	3

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil

56.8

Benchmark

Ingredient	Est. %	Benchmark The effective concentration of soothing ingredients varies, but we consider a product rich in soothing ingredients if their estimated concentration is equal to or higher than 5%. The effective concentration of soothing ingredients varies, but we consider a product rich in soothing ingredients if their estimated concentration is equal to or higher than 5%.	Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing	0	5	No

None

Benchmark

Ingredients explained

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Est. %	56.8
Function	Moisturizing (Occlusive), Occlusives are moisturizing ingredients that seal moisture into the skin, forming a water-resistant barrier. Moisturizing (Occlusive), Occlusives are moisturizing ingredients that seal moisture into the skin, forming a water-resistant barrier. Antioxidant, Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. Antioxidant, Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. Emollient Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Emollient Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients.
Origin	Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials.

A fatty oil from Moroccan argan tree kernels commonly used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. Its uniqueness comes from its compounds: vitamin E, phospholipids, phenolic compounds, and rare phytosterols with antioxidant and emollient effects.

Trihydroxystearin
Est. %	26.9
Function	Moisturizing (Occlusive), Occlusives are moisturizing ingredients that seal moisture into the skin, forming a water-resistant barrier. Moisturizing (Occlusive), Occlusives are moisturizing ingredients that seal moisture into the skin, forming a water-resistant barrier. Emollient, Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Emollient, Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Viscosity Controlling Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product. Viscosity Controlling Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.
Origin	Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic, All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic, All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Animal Ingredients derived from animals (including birds, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and insects) or produced by animals (e.g. dairy- and egg-derived ingredients, bee products, silk, pearls, etc.) Animal Ingredients derived from animals (including birds, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and insects) or produced by animals (e.g. dairy- and egg-derived ingredients, bee products, silk, pearls, etc.)

Calcium Sodium Borosilicate
Est. %	13.4
Function	Bulking Bulking – increases the volume of a product. Bulking Bulking – increases the volume of a product.
Origin	Naturally occurring, These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring, These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

A mineral that adds body to products without changing other sensorials. It also acts as a mattifying and blurring agent, especially in color cosmetics.

Tin Oxide
Est. %	1.5
Function	Abrasive, Abrasives 'physically' exfoliate the skin (i.e., manually remove dead skin cells) by rubbing against its surface. Abrasive, Abrasives 'physically' exfoliate the skin (i.e., manually remove dead skin cells) by rubbing against its surface. Bulking, Bulking – increases the volume of a product. Bulking, Bulking – increases the volume of a product. Opacifying, Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products. Opacifying, Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products. Viscosity Controlling Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product. Viscosity Controlling Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.
Origin	Naturally occurring, These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring, These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

A multi-functional mineral that increases the physical space a product takes up, increases the viscosity of liquid products, and, when used as an opacifying agent, makes a transparent or translucent product become opaque or solid in color.

Iron Oxides
Est. %	1.4
Function	Colorant Colorants give color to skincare products. Colorant Colorants give color to skincare products.
Origin	Naturally occurring, These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring, These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

Mineral pigments used to provide color in skincare products. These naturally occurring pigments are available in yellow, red, brown, and black powders.