The Science of Beauty: Why is Jojoba oil so good for the skin?

Wednesday, 3 August 2011

Why is Jojoba oil so good for the skin?

What is Jojoba oil? Jojoba oil is not actually an oil but is a liquid wax. The wax is extracted from the hard seeds of the Jojoba plant. Jojoba plants are native to the desert areas of Arizona, California and Mexico but are now also grown in the desert of Australia. Once ripe, the hard seeds drop from the plants and the oil is then cold pressed from the seeds.

Jojoba seeds. Image courtesy of Lanni.

Similarities between Jojoba oil and sebum Jojoba oil is regarded as the oil that most closely resembles human sebum - the skin's natural oil. Analysis of the molecular structure of Jojoba oil by Associate Professor Michael Wootton found that the oil was 'remarkably similar' to sebum. Jojoba oil is comprised of a mixture of wax esters and fatty acids whereas sebum is composed of triglycerides, wax esters and fatty acids. The similarities between the two mean that it is highly unlikely for a reaction to Jojoba to occur. In fact, the oil is deemed so safe that it is recommended by the Victorian Department of Health as a treatment for nappy rash or cradle cap on newborns.

Benefits of Jojoba oil Since Jojoba oil is so similar to sebum, when applied to the skin it can help to reduce sebum production. Sebum is produced to waterproof and moisturise the skin. When Jojoba oil is applied, the skin registers that sufficient oil is present therefore less sebum is released making skin less oily.

In addition, Jojoba oil is both antibacterial and anti fungal. Therefore, by reducing sebum production and prohibiting bacteria growth, Jojoba oil can really assist in the reduction of pimples and acne.

Jojoba oil is also naturally rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E, all of which are incredibly nourishing for the skin. Vitamin A is known to be an excellent wrinkle fighter whilst Vitamin E is used to minimise scaring in the skin.

Uses for Jojoba oil There are many uses for Jojoba oil. It can be used straight onto the skin as an excellent moisturiser. It also works brilliantly as an oil cleanser to gently dissolve off excess oil, dirt and makeup. It can be used as a hair treatment to control dry unruly hair, softening it and giving it much needed moisturisation. It also makes a brilliant base for massage oils where the desired essential oils can be added.

With so many uses, Jojoba oil really is a natural product that should be in everyone's bathroom cabinet. Is it in yours?

Comments (19)

Logging you in...

Dashboard | Edit profile | Logout

Logged in as

0 Vote up Vote down

Mel · 712 weeks ago

One of my favourite products :) Definitely a good all-rounder and it comes in handy for many things. I use it daily as a makeup remover/oil cleanser and it compliments my oily skin perfectly. It also perfectly removes super stubborn makeup like waterproof mascara and Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear that normally doesn't budge ;) I love this stuff and buy it in large bottles for better value, the last one being from New Directions. Great post featuring something close to home for me and I can't recommend it enough, thanks for spreading the word :)

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

+2 Vote up Vote down

Sarah Kretchmer 74p · 712 weeks ago

Jojoba oil is much nicer than some of the oil cleansers out there that are just packed with mineral oil. I was looking at New Directionsand kept getting tempted by the 5l bottle because it was such good value...but then realised it would take me 30 years to get through it so ended up going for the 500ml bottle! When myson's skin was getting a bit dry I used toput a splash in his bath though these days he stands up and runs around in the bath so that makes it too slipery for him.

From: notifications@intensedebatemail.com
To: starran@hotmail.com
Subject: http://sarah-thescienceofbeauty.blogspot.com/ - New comment on: Why is Jojoba oil so good for the skin?

0 Vote up Vote down

Zuzu's Petals · 712 weeks ago

Thanks, very informative. I have heard that people use it to grow their eyelashes. I am not sure how much I believe that, but maybe it prevents fallout because it's so gentle. I have oil skin, and I never quite got the benefit of using oil on oil, but it really does work. My current nightly cleanser is Boscia Cool Makeup Break-up Cleansing Oil, which I do believe contains jojoba.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

0 Vote up Vote down

Sarah Kretchmer 74p · 712 weeks ago

Interesting with the eyelashes - I hadn't heard that one. I had heard someone say they use olive oil on their lashes so this would most likely be even better.

From: notifications@intensedebatemail.com
To: starran@hotmail.com
Subject: http://sarah-thescienceofbeauty.blogspot.com/ - New comment on: Why is Jojoba oil so good for the skin?

0 Vote up Vote down

Michelle · 712 weeks ago

Great post! My oily-combination skin loves jojoba, most likely because of its similarities to my natural sebum. (:

+1 Vote up Vote down

Good Girl Gone Green · 711 weeks ago

I didnt know that it was not actually oil! Thanks for the great info! :)

0 Vote up Vote down

Jojoba · 705 weeks ago

Hey, you stated in a much more direct way what I was trying to communicate, thanks, I will recommend your site to my friends.

0 Vote up Vote down

mohanad · 640 weeks ago

i want to know how can i make hydrolysis to jojoba oil andseparation of the result materials ?

+1 Vote up Vote down

Naveen · 611 weeks ago

Thanks for this very informative article :) It was helpful. I'm gonna buy one :D

0 Vote up Vote down

Eileen · 603 weeks ago

Is oxy blackhead clearing wash with jojoba microbeads any good for teen

1 reply · active 603 weeks ago

+1 Vote up Vote down

Sarah Kretchmer 74p · 603 weeks ago

I am not familiar with that product. Jojoba beads are a very gentle exfoliant as they really are just wax beads. I personally don't find them exfoliating enough but they would be perfect for daily use as they definitely wont be harsh.

From: notifications@intensedebatemail.com
To: starran@hotmail.com
Subject: http://sarah-thescienceofbeauty.blogspot.com/ - New comment on: Why is Jojoba oil so good for the skin?

0 Vote up Vote down

еssay · 497 weeks ago

The assignment and thesis are very important and vital resources of the research and innovation of ideas. It is very comprehensive and interesting means of success and analysis. It is assessment and critical aspect of studies.

0 Vote up Vote down

dell · 472 weeks ago

nice

0 Vote up Vote down

My blog · 472 weeks ago

Jojoba oil is viewed as the oil that most nearly looks like human sebum the skin's normal oil. The likenesses between the two imply that it is profoundly impossible for a response to Jojoba to happen.

0 Vote up Vote down

Cerelia · 471 weeks ago

Thanks for this great article, Jojoba Oil changed my skin care routine in a good way!
Cerelia

+1 Vote up Vote down

AnnabelleMax 36p · 466 weeks ago

The numerous peoples are interested to enhance their skin beauty, after read your blog post here I found the amazing interesting dissertation services online information and that may helpful thanks so much for sharing it.

0 Vote up Vote down

Kathleen · 396 weeks ago

This is a very informative post. Thank you!

0 Vote up Vote down

Lhexy Curtis · 396 weeks ago

Jojoba oil is one of my favorite natural moisturizers. I really find this post very informative and helpful. By the way, is it true that jojoba can make eyelashes longer and thicker? I've watched this video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIGKezjTyzw, and I'm not sure if it's real or not.