Before we begin our exploration into the wonders of jojoba oil, let’s get one thing straight - how it’s pronounced. Ditch the ‘J’s and substitute for ‘H’ sounds and you’ll have it right - ‘ho-HO-ba’.
Jojoba is not only my most fun-to-say essential oil it's also a staple in much of my skincare. Extracted from the seeds of the Jojoba plant, this oil has been treasured for centuries for its remarkable properties.
Technically, jojoba is a liquid wax containing monoester wax, which gives it that cushioned quality. This is also one of the key components, alongside a lack of glycerin, that makes jojoba oil shares with sebum (another favourite word of mine), our skin’s natural oil. Its closeness to sebum is one of the many reasons I - as an all-natural, organic skincare formulator - place so much trust in jojoba. In this article, I’ll share some of the other benefits, but first let’s look at what exactly jojoba is, where it comes from and how it’s made -
The Origins of Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is a shrub native to the arid regions of the USA and northern Mexico. The plant thrives in harsh desert climates, where few others can survive. Indigenous peoples of these regions have long known the value of Jojoba, using the seeds and oil for a variety of purposes, from skincare to healing wounds.
The Jojoba plant produces seeds that are rich in the liquid wax ester, which we now know as Jojoba Oil. Once harvested, the Jojoba seeds are carefully cold-pressed to extract the oil. This method preserves the oil’s natural vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds, ensuring that the final product is as close to nature as possible.
Cold-pressing involves pressing the seeds without the use of heat or chemicals, which could degrade the oil’s quality. The result is a golden-hued, lightweight oil that is unrefined and free of additives.
The Boundless Benefits of Jojoba Oil
Jojoba Oil is renowned for its ability to mimic the skin’s natural oils. In truth, there are both similarities and differences but compared with other plant oils, jojoba has far more in common with sebum.
This makes it a natural ally of ours because, as I am constantly preaching, effective skincare means supporting the skin, not taking over.
Rich in vitamins E and B-complex, as well as antioxidants, Jojoba Oil has impressive healing properties. It can soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote faster healing of minor wounds or blemishes. Its anti-inflammatory effects make it a popular choice for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema and rosacea, which is why you’ll find it in my Radiance Skincare Collection for rosacea-prone skin, as well as my Exquisite Skincare Collection for sensitive skin types.
With its protective waxy quality, Jojoba Oil promotes skin elasticity and shields the skin from environmental stressors. Its intense moisturising ability also makes it an ideal ingredient for body creams - it’s in my body cream, the Olive Rose - and as a treatment for dry cuticles.
One of the standout features of Jojoba Oil is that it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. This makes it a perfect choice for those with acne-prone or congested skin. By balancing the skin’s natural oil production, Jojoba Oil helps to prevent breakouts and keeps your complexion clear and healthy.
Oh - and it’s great for the hair too, which is why jojoba oil features in my all-natural hair oil, The Bloom.
Why Is Jojoba Oil An Essential?
Where do you go to find hydration in the desert? To resilient moisture-packed plants like the jojoba, who know how to survive in the heat. So, where better to source qualities that bedew the skin and provide a protective shield from a harsh environment?
These desert plants are powerful and a gift for our skin and hair. Jojoba is in almost everything I produce and, though it may not be as well known as other essential oils, it’s uniquely bonded with our skin and this makes it a most natural accomplice.