What is Jojoba Oil and Why use it in Skincare?

Despite its name, jojoba oil isn’t actually an oil but rather a wax ester. This unique structure closely resembles the natural sebum produced by human skin, making it highly compatible and beneficial for a wide range of skin types.

The jojoba plant thrives in harsh desert climates, where it has adapted to survive extreme conditions. This resilience is mirrored in jojoba oil’s remarkable stability and longevity. Unlike many other oils that can go rancid over time, jojoba oil boasts an impressive shelf life. If stored pure in an airtight container (dark, cool place- it has it's emo phase), it can last up to 5 years. 

The Composition of Jojoba Oil

Understanding the composition of jojoba oil helps you to understand its benefits fully. Jojoba oil is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Here’s a closer look at its key components:

Essential Fatty Acids

Jojoba oil contains a high concentration of essential fatty acids, including omega-9 (oleic acid) and omega-6 (linoleic acid). These fatty acids are crucial for maintaining healthy skin, as they help to reinforce the skin's natural barrier, lock in moisture, and prevent dryness and irritation.

Vitamins

Jojoba oil is packed with vitamins, particularly vitamin E and B-complex vitamins. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the skin from damage and helps to maintain skin elasticity. B-complex vitamins, including B5 (pantothenic acid), support skin repair and regeneration.

Antioxidants

In addition to vitamin E, jojoba oil contains other antioxidants that help to combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy, radiant complexion.

How Jojoba Oil is Used in Skincare

Jojoba oil’s versatility is one of its most appealing attributes. It can be used in a variety of ways to address different skincare needs. Here are some of the most popular uses of jojoba oil in skincare:

Moisturizer

One of the most common uses of jojoba oil is as a moisturizer. Its composition is so similar to human sebum that it can effectively balance oil production, making it suitable for both dry and oily skin types.

For dry skin, jojoba oil provides deep hydration without clogging pores. For oily skin, it can help regulate sebum production, reducing the likelihood of breakouts. However, because it is so light, we at Simple Soul Skincare use heavier oils for formulations meant for very dry skin. It's a great oil, but it can't do everything!

Hair and Scalp Treatment

Jojoba oil isn’t just beneficial for the skin; it’s also a fantastic treatment for hair and scalp. It can moisturize the scalp, reduce dandruff, and promote healthy hair growth. It works on your hair in much the same way it works on skin- by providing a light and manageable barrier to tame crazy hair days. This is why you'll see it listed in our beard oils as well.

Lip Balm

Because it so closely mimics your skins natural oils- you wont have the same issues you typically see with chapsticks with jojoba. It doesn't require you to continuously reapply forever as you get 'addicted' to it. 

Why Jojoba Oil is Considered a Natural Skincare Treasure

Jojoba oil’s benefits go beyond its versatility and composition. Here are some of the key reasons why jojoba oil is considered a natural skincare treasure:

Non-Comedogenic

One of the standout features of jojoba oil is that it is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. This makes it suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. Unlike some oils that can exacerbate breakouts, jojoba oil helps to balance the skin’s natural oil production, reducing the risk of clogged pores and acne.

Hypoallergenic

Jojoba oil is hypoallergenic, making it gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. It is unlikely to cause allergic reactions or irritation, which is why it’s often recommended for individuals with sensitive or reactive skin. However, we do always recommend a patch test of any product. Because we sell all over the world, we cannot guarantee that there is no one that will experience a reaction- better safe than sorry!

The Science Behind Jojoba Oil’s Benefits

Scientific research supports many of the benefits attributed to jojoba oil. Here’s a look at some of the studies that highlight its efficacy:

Skin Barrier Benefits

Choosing the Right Jojoba Oil

When selecting jojoba oil, it’s important to choose a high-quality product to ensure you’re getting the full benefits. At Simple Soul Skincare, we have already ensured the following steps were followed so you can rest easy that these things are true of the jojoba present in our products.

However, if you're interested in buying the stuff pure- here are some tips for choosing the right jojoba oil:

Look for Cold-Pressed, Unrefined Oil

Cold-pressed, unrefined jojoba oil retains more of its beneficial properties compared to refined oil. The cold-pressing process preserves the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in the oil, making it more effective for skincare.

Read the Label

Check the ingredient list to ensure that you’re getting 100% pure jojoba oil. Some products may contain additives or fillers that can dilute the oil’s effectiveness. Pure jojoba oil should be the only ingredient listed.

Jojoba grows in dry, arid climates in the United States, and is extremely popular in Native American communities. Because of these two things, it's possible to find jojoba oil that has been farmed or sourced unethically- wether by encroaching on Native land, or through mass production farms. Always, always, always research the manufacturer themselves to see what they're all about.