Packed with nutrients and gentle enough for every skin type, this versatile oil not only nourishes your skin & hair – it also blends effortlessly with essential oils. But before we continue singing Jojoba’s praises, let’s take a step back and explore the remarkable plant it comes from: its environment, its growing habits and how they influence the oil’s benefits for us!
What is jojoba oil?
Jojoba (pronounced ho-HO-ba) is a desert shrub native to the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. The oil is produced in the nuts, leaves, twigs and branches of the plant to help protect it from its extreme growing environment: hot, dry days and chilly evenings.
Jojoba oil is a bit of a misnomer as it is technically a wax. Jojoba oil contains very few triglycerides (a necessary element to make up an oil) but is still liquid at room temperature, rather than solid like other waxes. Its waxy nature will, however, cause it to solidify more easily when temperatures drop below 55 degrees.
The benefits of jojoba oil are born out of a mix of its growing climate and its chemical composition. The jojoba shrub produces oil to prevent water loss during hot days and to protect itself during chilly nights. This explains why jojoba oil is so good for skincare, whether you live in a warm or cold climate. When we understand how a plant uses its own oils, we have a better understanding of how we can benefit, too!
Jojoba oil skin benefits
Jojoba contains vitamins B and E, plus high levels of gadoleic and erucic acids. This phytonutrient combination makes jojoba oil a quality moisturizer and ceramide; a great choice for dry skin where trans-epidermal water loss might be of concern. Additionally, jojoba’s unique composition mimics the composition of the oil that our skin naturally produces (sebum), which means jojoba is noncomedogenic; the perfect option to support acne-prone or irritated skin.
Oil cleansing
Jojoba oil’s nourishing qualities and neutral scent make it a wonderful skin cleanser. Apply 4-8 drops to dry skin and massage until the oil begins to liquify. Then, using a washcloth soaked in warm water and wrung out, wipe away the remaining oil. The jojoba carries with it dirt and excess sebum, leaving the skin thoroughly clean and its protective moisture barrier intact.
Moisturize and restore
Because Jojoba closely mimics your skin’s natural oils, it is an ideal ally for supporting the acid mantle—a vital oil-and-water barrier that protects the skin and maintains a healthy pH. Daily habits like cleansing with soap, using alcohol-based toners, or even exposure to tap water can disrupt this balance.
To restore it, pair hydration with oil: after cleansing, spritz your skin with a hydrosol, then apply jojoba to lock in moisture. The hydrosol helps carry the oil deeper into the skin, while the jojoba seals it in.
Body care with jojoba oil
Body care is another great use for jojoba oil. Its gentle, nourishing qualities keep your skin its healthiest! Apply daily just out of a shower or bath while the skin is still slightly damp for optimal absorption. Jojoba’s rich Omega-9 composition offers great moisturizing benefits, but still allows the skin to breathe. You can also turn to jojoba oil for scars, stretch marks or wherever skin feels extra tight and dry.
Benefits of jojoba oil for hair and scalp
So, what does jojoba oil do for your hair? Due to its rich, emollient quality, Jojoba makes a great scalp & hair mask. Simply massage about a tablespoon of the oil into your scalp and hair, then leave on for 30 minutes before shampooing out. For added benefits, cover your hair and scalp with a warm towel to enhance the oil’s ability to penetrate.
When using Jojoba oil to promote a healthy scalp, we look back to its abilities as a non-comedogenic. Jojoba’s lipid and fatty acid composition is so close to the natural oils in our skin that jojoba can help break up congestion in the pores and follicles of the scalp. For some, congestion can slow or inhibit hair growth, so working to break that up is a huge help.
When massaging jojoba into the scalp, use your fingertips and massage in small consistent circles. The pressure and movement of the fingers promote micro-circulation, also necessary for a healthy scalp – and therefore healthy hair!
Tame the frizz
Warm a drop of Jojoba between your palms and smooth over split ends, flyaways & “frizziness.” Due to the rich nature of jojoba oil, remember that a little goes a long way. We recommend starting at the ends of the hair where it is driest. For those with extra fine hair, be cautious and start sparingly.
Blending jojoba oil and essential oils
Jojoba’s wax-like chemical composition allows even dispersal of essential oils – more so than most other carrier oils. This is why it is such a popular base oil for perfumes. Whether you’re using jojoba for skincare, body care, hair care or a personal scent, it pairs beautifully with essential oils for enhanced benefits and aroma!
As with any essential oil blend for topical use, it’s good to start at a safe 1% dilution rate. Use 9 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce of Jojoba for a wonderfully aromatic and therapeutic blend. If you’re making a personal scent that will only be applied to pulse points, you can go up to a 4% dilution rate (36 drops per ounce). For an all-over body oil or facial serum, stick to 1%-2%.
An all-in-one essential
Just as this oil helps the Jojoba plant to thrive under the arid desert conditions, it offers the same kind of resilient, nourishing support for our hair and skin! With its ability to seal in moisture, protect, and restore, it is a true multitasker. Plus, it’s gentle enough for every skin type. Whether you’re looking to target dryness or bring shine back to your hair, Jojoba’s versatility makes it a natural go-to. In a world full of complicated products, this simple oil of the desert stands out as an all-in-one essential.
Featured Products
