What Is Jojoba Oil?
Let's clear up a few common misconceptions about jojoba oil. First, it's pronounced ho-HO-ba. And it isn't actually an oil, either. Jojoba extract is a liquid wax ester from the seeds of a plant native to North America's dry lands. In fact, jojoba oil is nearly 98% pure wax.
An article in the Polymers journal explains that these wax esters are composed of long-chain fatty acids and alcohols that structurally resemble your skin's natural oils (sebum), helping it blend in seamlessly. Jojoba has another advantage over many oils: It doesn't go rancid as quickly. Thanks to its stable nature, jojoba enjoys a longer shelf life, making it a smart choice for your beauty routine.
What Are the Uses of Jojoba Oil?
So, what is jojoba oil used for? The people of North America's southwestern deserts have long treasured jojoba oil to treat skin concerns and condition their skin and hair. Today, jojoba oil is beloved for its versatility and effectiveness. Whether you want to revamp your skincare routine or give your hair some extra love, here's why jojoba oil might be your new best friend.
Jojoba Oil for Skin
Is jojoba oil good for skin? You bet. This oil is a game-changer for skincare thanks to its array of skin benefits and general compatibility with all skin types.
Hydrates Skin
Jojoba oil is a humectant and emollient, meaning it draws water to your skin's surface from the skin's deeper layers or the environment — and helps keep it there.
Regulates Oil Balance
This ingredient may help regulate sebum production by supporting healthy hydration levels, which prevents your skin from overcompensating by producing more oil. This can minimize clogged pores and acne and support a balanced, healthy-looking complexion.
Supports Skin Barrier Health and Healing
Jojoba oil strengthens the skin's natural barrier by keeping it hydrated and reducing transepidermal water loss.
Protects Skin With Antioxidant Effects
Packed with antioxidants like vitamin E, jojoba oil helps prevent and repair free radical damage and fights visible signs of skin aging, like fine lines and wrinkles.
Works Well as a Carrier Oil
Its quick-absorbing texture, skin compatibility and non-comedogenic properties make jojoba oil an excellent carrier oil for massage oil, bath oil and aromatherapy.
Jojoba Oil for Hair
In haircare, jojoba oil can promote lustrous locks. The same long-chain fatty acids that hydrate your skin help hold moisture in your hair. Well-hydrated strands are more resilient, which can mean less brittleness (and less damage!). Copper and zinc, two nutrients found in jojoba oil, are also key to healthy hair synthesis.
Jojoba Oil for Beauty Beyond the Basics
Cleveland Clinic explains that jojoba oil's benefits extend beyond nourishing and protecting skin and hair. Jojoba oil's adaptability and gentle nature make it a versatile component in various beauty applications, including:
Makeup Remover
Try jojoba oil to dissolve makeup effortlessly.
Nail and Cuticle Care
Regularly applying jojoba oil to your cuticles can help hydrate and soften them, promoting strong, healthy nails.
Where Does Jojoba Oil Come From?
Jojoba oil comes from the seeds of the jojoba plant — a small but tough shrub that calls North America's desert regions home. It thrives in places like Southern California, Arizona and Mexico, where some can live more than 200 years. Jojoba plants can handle temperatures up to 114 degrees Fahrenheit and withstand drought due to deep roots that pull moisture from under the Earth's surface.
Jojoba oil is extracted from jojoba seeds through mechanical pressing or leaching. Manufacturers also produce it synthetically, creating an oil that's chemically and physically indistinguishable from natural jojoba oil.
How To Incorporate Jojoba Oil Into Your Beauty Routine
Here's how to weave jojoba oil seamlessly into your daily rituals.
Test First
Jojoba oil is typically gentle, but it's always wise to test for allergies or skin irritation with any new ingredient. Apply a small amount on your inner wrist or elbow to test for a reaction before applying it to large areas of skin.
Get Your Daily Dose
Make jojoba oil a staple in your daily care by picking products that suit your needs. Dealing with body breakouts? Try Neutrogena Body Clear® Body Wash, where jojoba oil buffers exfoliators with its moisturizing benefits.
Since jojoba oil assists in damaged skin repair, which can occur due to sun exposure, it's a perfect ingredient in sunscreen, too. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 and Neutrogena Beach Defense® Water + Sun Protection Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30 contain jojoba wax esters for a hydrating, lightweight, non-greasy feel for even the sweatiest summer days!
Use the Right Amount
If using jojoba oil on its own, warm two to three drops between your palms and gently pat or massage it into your face after cleansing. A little goes a long way. Follow the instructions on the label when using products with jojoba oil.
Mix and Match
Boost jojoba's carrier oil power by pairing it with other ingredients that tackle specific skin concerns. And for those times your skin feels sensitive or inflamed, mixing jojoba with a soothing chamomile essential oil can do the trick.
