Jojoba Oil is a gem within the cosmetic industry – it is deeply conditioning, promotes healing and is a must-have for any skincare regime. Interestingly, Jojoba Oil is technically classified as a liquid wax ester, despite it being one of the most well-known carrier oils.
Derived from the Simmondsia Chinesis botanical species, Jojoba Oil originates from Israel and North America and is extracted from the nuts produced from the jojoba plant. For centuries, Jojoba Oil has been utilised for its many healing properties that have been seen to treat minor burns, wounds and sores. Sources even suggest that indigenous tribes used softened jojoba seeds to create a conditioning paste for the skin and hair.
Jojoba Oil is also known to be a humectant agent, meaning that it helps bring water to the top layers of the skin. In other words, it may work to retain moisture levels and help fight against bacterial infections and acne breakouts. Jojoba Oil is also prized for its anti-ageing, emollient, and balancing properties for healthy, radiant skin and hair.
What is Jojoba Oil?
As a perennial, the jojoba plant can survive in harsh, desert-like climates like Australia, Israel, Mexico and the United States. It is a small shrub or tree with green, waxy, oval-shaped leaves and dark brown hard oval nuts; its oil is made by cold-pressing the nuts. Jojoba Oil closely mimics the structure of human sebum, making it great to help balance oil production on acne-prone skin.
Jojoba Oil has a clear colour with a slightly nutty aroma. Because it is wax, Jojoba Oil has a medium viscosity so that it can absorb well and its consistency can leave your skin feeling like silk. As a highly stable carrier oil, Jojoba Oil has a 2-year shelf-life if stored correctly in a dark, cool place at room temperature.
It’s non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and carries a rich source of antioxidants that may work to balance and promote healthy skin and hair.
Benefits of Jojoba Oil
The chemical profile of Jojoba Oil has it all: vitamins E and B, essential fatty acids, stearic acid, palmitic and palmitoleic acid, behenic acid and oleic acid. It also includes gadoleic acid and erucic acid. As a result, Jojoba Oil is a pillar for anti-inflammatory, emollient, antibacterial, healing and balancing properties.
Jojoba Oil is highly valued in the cosmetic industry. It makes a great base to dilute with any of your favourite essential oils. Here are some other ways in which Jojoba Oil may assist with everyday life:
- Balancing oil production within the skin
- Promoting soft, supple skin
- Working to reduce the signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles
- Evening skin tone and enhances complexion
- Cleansing the skin without clogging pores
- Soothing the skin from inflammation
- Building moisture retention
- Regulating skin pigment production
- Encouraging wound healing
- Conditioning hair follicles
- Working to strengthen hair while promoting hair growth
Common Uses of Jojoba Oil
Because of its rich fatty acid content, vitamins and hydrating qualities, Jojoba Oil is one of the most nourishing carrier oils for the skin and hair. Here are some common ways to use Jojoba Oil:
Jojoba Oil For Hair
Jojoba Oil for Hair
Jojoba Oil is filled with behenic acid, emollient and moisturising qualities that may help strengthen and promote healthy, shiny hair.
- Because Jojoba Oil closely mimics human sebum, it may work to regulate oil production on the scalp while reducing oiliness.
- With rich conditioning properties, Jojoba Oil may help to manage dry, frizzy hair by sealing in moisture - especially when coating onto damp hair.
- Its antibacterial and antifungal properties have been seen to get rid of dandruff and soothe the scalp.
Jojoba Oil For The Skin
Jojoba Oil for Skin
Jojoba Oil contains vitamin B, E and palmitoleic acid that works to condition, smooth and protect the skin.
Jojoba Oil for Skin Tone
- The nourishing properties of Jojoba Oil may work to brighten the complexion and promote soft, supple skin while evening skin tone.
- With oleic acid and vitamin E, Jojoba Oil is a powerful source of antioxidants. These antioxidants work to protect the skin against damage while encouraging healing.
- With vitamin B, Jojoba Oil may reduce signs of ageing, boost circulation, and balance skin pigment production.
Jojoba Oil For The Face
Jojoba Oil for Face
The cleansing and balancing properties in Jojoba Oil may work to regulate oil production within the skin and is suitable for sensitive, oily and acne-prone skin types.
Jojoba Oil for Acne
- Jojoba Oil is known to cleanse the pores, restore the skin's natural oils and remove excess dirt with vitamin E, behenic acid and stearic acid.
- Because it closely resembles human sebum, Jojoba Oil may reduce acne breakouts by removing excess oils from the skin.
Jojoba Oil For Essential Oils
Jojoba Oil for Essential Oils
Jojoba Oil makes a great base to dilute your favourite essential oils. Here’s why:
- Jojoba Oil creates a soothing barrier on the skin’s surface because it is a wax. Despite this, it easily absorbs into the skin and is non-irritating. Better yet, because it is hypoallergenic, allergic reactions are rare.
- It’s non-comedogenic with a similar chemical make-up to human sebum, so it won’t clog pores and is kind to acne-prone and oily skin.
How To Apply Jojoba Oil
Massage: Dilute a few drops of your favourite essential oil in Jojoba Oil to create a soothing and hydrating massage oil.
Directly on the Skin: Apply directly onto the skin to receive the many skin benefits of Jojoba Oil.
Diluting with Essential Oils: Jojoba Carrier Oil makes a great base for diluting essential oils. You can also add it to your favourite skincare products, such as skin serums and moisturisers.
Hair Mask: Apply this carrier oil to the scalp to create a nourishing hair mask.
Is Jojoba Oil Safe?
Jojoba Oil is hypoallergenic, so it is generally considered safe for topical application on most skin types. However, with this being said, there are some rare cases in which Jojoba Oil may cause allergies.
Before using Jojoba Oil, we recommend performing a skin patch test on a small area of the skin to check for a reaction. Those with sensitive skin types should perform the test over at least 48 hours.
We do not recommend ingesting or using Jojoba Oil for culinary purposes. Our products are for therapeutic and aromatherapy purposes and are not food grade.
When storing Jojoba Oil, ensure it is kept away from direct sunlight in a cool space at room temperature to optimise its shelf life. Also, keep out of reach of children.
Jojoba Oil and Pregnancy
When used topically, Jojoba Oil can be used at any stage of pregnancy to enhance skin health and reduce the signs of blemishes and stretch marks.
If you are pregnant, we recommend reaching out to your GP or healthcare professional to discuss your concerns about implementing Jojoba Oil into your skincare routine. Do not ingest Jojoba Oil at any stage of your pregnancy.
Where To Buy Carrier Oils?
While carrier oils are generally available to purchase at health, wellness and retail stores, it is important to keep in mind that the quality and purity of these carrier oils will vary. This is why we recommend finding a reputable supplier.
Here at AWO we have a wide selection of carrier oils and organic carrier oils that are sold at reasonable prices. Because our stock is purchased in bulk quantities our costs are significantly less, which allows us to offer high-quality products at affordable prices. We are also based right here in Australia!