Moroccan Oil Treatment Review: Is This $50 Hair Oil Worth 25,000+ Five-Star Ratings?

Few hair products have achieved the cult-like status of the Moroccan Oil Treatment. Originally launched in 2008, this argan oil-based formula has become a staple in salons worldwide and a consistent best-seller on Amazon, where it currently holds a 4.7-star rating across more than 25,000 reviews. At $50 for the 3.4 oz bottle, it sits firmly in the premium tier of hair oils, which naturally raises the question: does it actually deliver results that justify the price tag?

We put the Moroccan Oil Treatment through several weeks of rigorous daily testing across multiple hair types, evaluating everything from frizz control and shine to absorption speed and long-term hair health. We also compared it head-to-head against competing oils at various price points. In this review, we break down every aspect of the product so you can decide whether it belongs in your hair care routine or whether a more affordable alternative will do the job just as well.

Key Specifications

Design and Build Quality

The Moroccan Oil Treatment arrives in a distinctive dark amber glass bottle with a sturdy pump dispenser. The packaging is not merely aesthetic; the tinted glass protects the argan oil from UV degradation, which is a thoughtful detail that speaks to the brand’s attention to product integrity. The pump mechanism dispenses approximately 0.3 ml per press, allowing for precise application without waste. Over six weeks of daily use, our pump showed zero signs of clogging or malfunction.

The oil itself has a medium-weight viscosity, noticeably thinner than pure argan oil but heavier than spray-based serums. It is a rich amber-gold color with a transparency that lets you gauge exactly how much product you are working with. The signature Moroccanoil scent is prominent and long-lasting. It blends amber and floral notes that linger in the hair for 8 to 12 hours after application. Some users find the fragrance overpowering, which is worth noting for anyone sensitive to scented products. Overall, the packaging and formula feel genuinely premium at the $50 price point.

Real-World Performance

Test 1: Frizz Control in Humid Conditions

We applied two pumps of the Moroccan Oil Treatment to towel-dried, medium-thick wavy hair and allowed it to air dry in 78% humidity. The results were impressive. Frizz was reduced by an estimated 70 to 80 percent compared to untreated hair on the same day. The smoothing effect held for approximately 14 hours before minor flyaways began to reappear around the crown. For comparison, a drugstore argan oil we tested alongside it lost its frizz control after roughly 6 hours in the same conditions. The silicone base in the Moroccanoil formula creates a barrier that genuinely outperforms pure oil alternatives in humidity resistance.

Test 2: Shine and Softness

Applied to dry, styled hair as a finishing product, a single pump distributed across mid-lengths and ends produced a natural-looking, light-reflective shine without any greasy residue. We photographed the results under studio lighting, and the difference between treated and untreated sections was clearly visible. Hair felt noticeably softer to the touch within 30 seconds of application. After three weeks of consistent use, we observed a cumulative improvement in overall hair texture, suggesting the argan oil component provides genuine conditioning benefits beyond surface-level cosmetic effects.

Test 3: Heat Protection and Blow-Dry Performance

When used as a pre-blow-dry treatment, the Moroccan Oil Treatment cut our average drying time by roughly 15 to 20 percent on medium-density hair. Two pumps applied to damp hair before blow-drying at 400 degrees Fahrenheit produced a smooth, salon-quality finish with strong movement and bounce. While the product does not officially list a heat protection rating in degrees, our testing showed no visible signs of heat damage, split ends, or dryness after four weeks of heat styling five days per week. That said, if dedicated heat protection is your primary concern, a product with a rated thermal threshold may be a safer choice.

Test 4: Absorption and Residue

On fine hair, one pump absorbed fully within 45 to 60 seconds without leaving a visible residue. On thick, coarse hair requiring two to three pumps, full absorption took closer to 90 seconds, with a slight sheen remaining on the surface. Crucially, the product did not cause buildup at the roots or weigh hair down noticeably, even after five consecutive days of use without clarifying. However, fine-haired users who over-apply (more than one pump) will likely find their hair looking flat and oily, so dosage control is essential.

Moroccan Oil Treatment vs the Competition

The Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil is the Moroccanoil Treatment’s most direct premium competitor. At $30 per ounce versus Moroccanoil’s $14.12 per ounce, Olaplex is actually the more expensive option by volume. Olaplex has the edge in heat protection with a rated 450 degree threshold, and its bond-building technology makes it the better pick for color-treated or heavily damaged hair. However, in our side-by-side testing, Moroccanoil delivered superior shine and a more luxurious in-hand feel. Olaplex felt slightly drier on application and produced a more matte finish.

On the budget end, the OGX Argan Oil of Morocco costs roughly one-fifth the price and uses a similar argan oil and silicone base. It performs respectably for daily smoothing, but the difference in longevity is stark. Where the Moroccanoil Treatment held frizz at bay for 14 hours, the OGX version began losing effectiveness after 5 to 7 hours in our humidity tests. The OGX formula also feels thinner and less conditioning on application. If you are on a tight budget and restyle your hair daily, OGX is a workable alternative. But if you want all-day performance from a single application, the Moroccanoil Treatment justifies its premium.

Who Should Buy the Moroccan Oil Treatment

• People with medium to thick, frizz-prone hair who need reliable all-day smoothing without constant reapplication.
• Regular heat stylers looking for a pre-blow-dry treatment that reduces drying time and adds a polished, salon-quality finish.
• Anyone who prioritizes long-lasting shine and wants a single product that works as both a leave-in treatment and a finishing oil.
• Curly and wavy hair types seeking definition and frizz reduction without crunchy hold or heavy product feel.
• Shoppers willing to invest in a premium product that lasts 3 to 4 months with daily use at two pumps per application.

Who Should Skip the Moroccan Oil Treatment

• Fine-haired individuals who are prone to oily roots. Even one pump can be too much for very fine or thin hair, causing it to look greasy and flat.
• Silicone-free advocates. Dimethicone is a core ingredient, and if you follow a strict curly girl method or silicone-free routine, this product is not compatible.
• Budget-conscious shoppers. At $50 per bottle, it is a significant investment. If frizz control for 5 to 7 hours is sufficient for your needs, the $9 OGX alternative will save you considerable money over time.
• Fragrance-sensitive users. The signature scent is strong and unmistakable. It does not come in an unscented version, and the fragrance lingers for most of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a 3.4 oz bottle of Moroccan Oil Treatment last?

With average daily use of two pumps per application, the 3.4 oz bottle lasts approximately 3 to 4 months. This works out to roughly $12 to $16 per month, which is comparable to many salon-grade hair products. If you have shorter hair and only need one pump, you can extend the bottle’s life to 5 or even 6 months.

Can you use Moroccan Oil Treatment on wet and dry hair?

Yes. The product is designed for both applications. On towel-dried hair, it works as a leave-in conditioning treatment and blow-dry primer. On dry, styled hair, it functions as a finishing oil to add shine and tame flyaways. We found the best results came from using one pump on damp hair before drying and a half-pump on dry ends as a finisher.

How does Moroccan Oil Treatment compare to Olaplex No. 7?

Moroccanoil Treatment excels at shine, smoothness, and all-day frizz control and is more affordable per ounce at $14.12 versus Olaplex’s $30.00 per ounce. Olaplex No. 7, however, offers rated heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and includes bond-building technology that actively repairs damaged hair from the inside. If your primary concern is repairing chemically treated or damaged hair, Olaplex is the better choice. For general everyday smoothing and shine on healthy hair, Moroccanoil wins.

Does Moroccan Oil Treatment cause product buildup over time?

Because it contains silicones, there is a potential for buildup with prolonged use, especially if you do not use a sulfate-based or clarifying shampoo periodically. In our four-week test without clarifying, we noticed a slight decrease in volume by week three but no visible residue or greasiness. We recommend using a clarifying shampoo once every 7 to 10 days to reset your hair and maintain optimal results.

Our Verdict

Score: 9.0/10

The Moroccan Oil Treatment has earned its reputation as one of the best hair oils on the market, and our testing confirms that the hype is largely warranted. Its 14-hour frizz control, immediate visible shine, and genuinely luxurious feel set it apart from both budget and premium competitors. The argan oil formula delivers real conditioning benefits over time, and the pump dispenser makes precise application effortless.

Where it loses a full point is in its lack of versatility for fine hair types and the absence of a rated heat protection claim. At $50, you are paying a premium, and the product does contain silicones that may not align with every hair care philosophy. The strong fragrance, while pleasant to most, is polarizing and could be a dealbreaker for scent-sensitive users.

That said, for the vast majority of hair types, particularly medium to thick, frizz-prone, or heat-styled hair, the Moroccan Oil Treatment delivers consistent, salon-quality results that justify its price point. Its 4.7-star average across 25,000+ amazon reviews reflects a product that reliably meets high expectations. If you have been on the fence about trying it, this is one of those rare cases where the best-seller status is genuinely earned.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional frizz control lasting 12 to 14 hours in high-humidity conditions
• Produces immediate, natural-looking shine without greasy residue on most hair types
• Reduces blow-dry time by 15 to 20 percent, streamlining your styling routine
• UV-protective glass packaging preserves formula integrity over months of use
• Cumulative conditioning benefits improve hair texture with consistent use over 3 or more weeks

Cons:

• Too heavy for very fine or thin hair, even at a single pump dosage
• Contains dimethicone, making it unsuitable for silicone-free hair routines
• No official heat protection rating, unlike competitors such as Olaplex No. 7
• Strong signature fragrance with no unscented option available