I’ve used jojoba oil in my DIY lotion recipes and other personal care products for years, so I know firsthand how great it is for moisturizing. But there’s more to jojoba oil than just its moisturizing power.
Jojoba oil, pronounced ho-ho-bah, is actually a liquid wax that closely mimics the skin’s natural oils, known as sebum. This amazing substance is derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant, which grows in the hot, dry regions of the U.S., like southern California and Arizona, and parts of Northern Mexico.
The primary reason jojoba oil is so popular is because of its moisturizing effects. It attracts moisture to the skin, hydrates without leaving a greasy feel, and supports the acid mantle, which balances pH levels to protect the skin from harmful bacteria.
Unlike other vegetable oils, jojoba oil is incredibly stable and resistant to rancidity. It’s also odorless, making it a smart choice for cosmetics and personal care products. While Native Americans used it for treating skin sores and wounds, modern use of jojoba oil began in the 1970s.
For about a century, sperm whales were hunted for the semi-waxy oil in their heads, which was used in cosmetics, oil lamps, and industrial lubricants. But when these whales became endangered in the 1970s, whaling was banned, and jojoba oil rose in popularity as an ethical alternative.
Today, around 40,000 acres of desert land in the southwestern U.S. are dedicated to growing jojoba plants for their oil. Jojoba cultivation is beneficial for the land and local communities, provided it’s done sustainably since few other crops thrive in this climate.
Besides being a stellar moisturizer, jojoba oil has various other benefits. It’s absorbed by the skin in a way that’s similar to natural sebum, making it great for all skin types—whether oily, dry, or a combination. You can add it to homemade cosmetics or apply it directly to dry patches, cuticles, wrinkles, and stretch marks.
Jojoba oil is also fantastic for removing makeup without drying out the skin. Simply put a few drops on a cotton ball and use it to clean your face. This method supports cleansing by clearing away existing oils.
You might think it’s odd to use oil on oily skin, but jojoba oil is effective in regulating oil production. By hydrating the skin, it prevents the sebaceous glands from producing excess oil, which often happens when the skin is overwashed.
Jojoba oil also works wonderfully as a lip moisturizer. It’s a common ingredient in homemade lip balms but can be used alone. For a quick DIY, melt some cocoa or shea butter with jojoba oil and pour it into lip balm containers.
For skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, which often include dryness and inflammation, jojoba oil hydrates the skin, reduces inflammation, and helps fight fungal infections.
Jojoba oil is versatile and has healing properties. It can smooth frizzy hair, alleviate dandruff when massaged into the scalp, and even help as a beard oil for men. Though it’s not typical to use oil on sunburns, jojoba oil, being a wax, is safe and can protect the skin while healing. Its vitamin E content helps with recovery and reducing peeling.
As an anti-fungal agent, jojoba oil can treat and prevent problems like athlete’s foot, warts, and toenail fungus. It’s gentle on the skin, making it ideal for acne prevention and scar healing.
Jojoba oil is also perfect for infants and young children. It helps with issues like cradle cap and can hydrate their skin when added to bath water. It can even be used for massages when mixed with essential oils, provided they’re safe for kids.
Given its growing popularity, you can often find jojoba oil in health food stores, supermarkets, or pharmacies. I have a favorite brand that ticks all my boxes.
How do you like to use jojoba oil? Feel free to share your thoughts!
