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Few ingredients work as hard as jojoba oil. Loved for decades, this stable, nourishing and easy-to-use ingredient is a beauty insider’s most reliable multitasker
Summary
1What is jojoba oil?
Not really an oil at all, but a liquid wax. Extracted from the jojoba seed, it mimics your skin’s natural sebum, making it a perfect beauty match…
2How is jojoba oil made?
Jojoba oil is usually extracted through a process known as cold pressing or mechanical pressing, where pressure is applied to the seeds…
3What is jojoba oil good for?
Jojoba oil is a natural, non-comedogenic (avoids clogging pores) moisturiser that’s packed with antioxidants…
Jojoba oil has become a skincare favourite thanks to its likeness to the skin’s natural oils.1
Purported to have moisturising and soothing properties, this fabulous oil could help nourish your skin while addressing dryness, flakiness and even clogged pores.1-3
So, what exactly is jojoba oil, and what’s behind its glowing reputation?
What is jojoba oil?
Despite its name, jojoba oil isn’t technically an oil – it’s actually more of a liquid wax. Jojoba oil is extracted from the seeds of the jojoba bush (Simmondsia chinensis), the only plant known to produce a ‘liquid wax’.1,2
What makes this plant even more remarkable is how it thrives in some of the harshest environments on Earth – from the sun-scorched deserts of North and Central America to the arid landscapes of India and South Africa.2
But jojoba oil itself is nothing short of fascinating too. This pale yellow, transparent liquid is similar to the natural oil (sebum) your skin produces, making it a perfect match for skincare.1
Not only that, but jojoba oil is believed to have natural antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, which might suggest why it’s such a versatile skincare ingredient.3
Traditionally, jojoba oil was used as a herbal remedy for various skin concerns, including sunburn.2,3 But today, this versatile oil is a staple in cosmetics – think sunscreens and moisturisers – and is cherished for its ability to relieve dry skin, while also nourishing hair strands.2,3
Jojoba oil is available as an essential oil or combined with other oils, and you’ll often find it as an ingredient in skincare products like creams, face masks or scrubs.3 It isn’t just for skin, either – this versatile ingredient is also found in various shampoos, conditioners, hair treatments and even nail and cuticle products.3,4
But before jojoba oil can work its magic, it has to be carefully extracted from the plant it comes from.
How is jojoba oil made?
Jojoba oil is usually extracted through a process known as cold pressing or mechanical pressing, where pressure is applied to the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis plant.2,3
Other methods may involve using chemicals (solvents) to extract even more oil from the seeds.2,3
But, when it comes to jojoba oil, cold-pressed is considered best.5 Cold pressing means the oil doesn’t go through any heating or chemical processing, which helps retain more of the useful compounds.5
Unlike many other cosmetic oils, jojoba is stable and doesn’t spoil easily.6 This means it can be stored for longer periods without going off.6
These same properties make jojoba oil an excellent choice for a variety of cosmetic needs. Let’s learn more about the different ways this stand-out ingredient can be used.
What is jojoba oil good for?
Jojoba oil is a natural, non-comedogenic (avoids clogging pores) moisturiser that’s packed with antioxidants.1-3,5,6 Its structure, which closely resembles sebum, not only helps limit the chance of adverse skin reactions but also aids in regulating the skin’s natural sebum levels.3
Jojoba’s similarity to the body’s natural oils makes it a highly moisturising and versatile skincare ingredient. You’ll find it in shampoos, conditioners, moisturisers and more.
Thanks to its high wax content, jojoba oil may be an ideal choice for people with an altered skin barrier that struggles to regulate its moisture levels.5
Suffering from dry skin? Jojoba oil works as an emollient, helping to smooth dry skin and reduce flakiness without leaving a thick, greasy residue behind.1,3,6
Jojoba oil’s moisturising properties don't stop there. This oil can also be used to form a protective moisturising layer on your nails, helping to shield them from environmental damage.4
It’s not just about locking in moisture. If your skin tends to be on the oily side, you can still benefit from jojoba oil.
Shampoos, conditioners and other hair care products often contain jojoba oil for its moisturising properties, but that’s not all it can do.
Thanks to its natural moisturising, sebum-dissolving and possible anti-inflammatory properties, jojoba oil has a variety of uses across different hair care needs.2-3,5,6
Jojoba oil may also help protect hair fibres during straightening, and some straightening treatments use it to minimise protein loss, protect the hair strands and reduce breakage.3
Because jojoba oil closely resembles the body’s natural moisturiser, sebum, it may help balance oil production on the scalp and even assist in removing sebum plugs from hair follicles.3
How to use jojoba oil
If you’re looking for some moisture support, apply jojoba oil directly to dry skin, or slather on a rich jojoba-containing moisturiser.1-3,5,6
You can also incorporate jojoba oil in your face masks to help fight off breakouts, or add it to your sun protection routine for a moisturising shield against UV damage (along with your favourite sunscreen).3,7 And don’t forget about your lips – soothe cracked lips with a jojoba-rich lip balm.
Dry hair got you down? Try lathering on a jojoba shampoo to give your hair and scalp a moisture infusion.
How you use jojoba oil depends on your desired outcomes and the area you want to target. But no matter how you apply it, be sure to follow the instructions on the product packaging to get the best results.
The final say
To wrap it up, jojoba oil is one of nature’s multitasking marvels. Stable, nourishing and perfect for elevating your beauty routine, whether you’re soothing your skin, strengthening your nails or pampering your hair.1-3,5,6 And, with a long shelf life and moisturising properties, it’s easy to see why this waxy oil is a staple in countless cosmetic products.1-3,5,6
Jojoba oil’s ability to hydrate and protect without clogging pores or causing irritation makes it a true gem.
Want to discover more moisture-supporting ingredients? Check out how to treat dry skin and our guide to managing combination skin.
Disclaimer - This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. Blaak J, Staib P. An updated review on efficacy and benefits of sweet almond, evening primrose and jojoba oils in skin care applications. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2022;44(1):1–9. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12758
2. Sánchez M, et al. Jojoba oil: A state of the art review and future prospects. Energy Convers Manag. 2016;129:293–304. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2016.10.038
3. Gad H, et al. Jojoba oil: An updated comprehensive review on chemistry, pharmaceutical uses, and toxicity. Polymers (Basel). 2021;13(11):1711. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13111711
4. Baboun D, et al. Natural treatment options for nail disorders. Skin Appendage Disord. 2023;10(2):83–91. https://doi.org/10.1159/000534629
5. Lin T, et al. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070
6. Awad NA, et al. Evaluation of the effect of elite jojoba lines on the chemical properties of their seed oil. Molecules. 2022;27(12):3904. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27123904
7. Meier L, et al. Clay jojoba oil facial mask for lesioned skin and mild acne – results of a prospective, observational pilot study. Forsch Komplementärmed. 2012;19(2):75–9. https://doi.org/10.1159/000338076
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