Why Jojoba Oil is the Beauty Miracle You Need

What is jojoba oil?

Jojoba oil is derived from the cold-pressed seeds of simmondsia chinensis, a shrub native to Mexico and parts of the American Southwest. The name comes from the “hohowi,” a word meaning bean or nut in the language of the O’Odham Native American tribe who first discovered that the golden, silky oil could hydrate skin and hair in the hot desert sun. It only began to enter the skincare mainstream within the last few decades; now, jojoba’s multitude of uses positions it as the Windex of natural oils. Think: everything argan (or yes, even coconut) oil can do, and more.

Why is jojoba oil good for skin?

Let us count the ways. Jojoba is rich in vitamins A, E, and D, plus antioxidants and fatty acids, giving it moisturizing, photo-protective, and anti-aging properties. It’s anti-bacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory. But what sets jojoba apart from other oils is that it is technically a wax ester with a similar molecular composition to our skin’s natural sebum. This means that it can help balance skin’s oil production and, because it can penetrate more deeply than other oils, it can act as a carrier for active ingredients, such as retinol or salicylic acid.

What are the best ways to use jojoba oil?

Makeup remover:

Sweep pure jojoba oil across skin with a cotton pad to dissolve sunscreen, makeup, and even waterproof mascara.

Facial hydrator:

Jojoba oil a natural humectant, so it seals moisture into the skin by forming a protective barrier and keeping the acid mantle intact. Press it into the skin alone or to after moisturizer; it’s safe and gentle enough to use around the eyes.

Acne treatment and prevention:

Because jojoba oil is so similar to human sebum, its presence on skin sends a cease and desist signal to sebaceous glands, preventing the over-production of pore-clogging oil. Its anti-inflammatory properties help quell redness, and its vitamin E content has been shown to accelerate the healing of breakouts and even acne scars.

Eczema Treatment:

Jojoba oil has been shown to help relieve the itching, flaking, and dryness associated with eczema when regularly massaged onto trouble spots.

SOS for lips and nails:

Jojoba oil makes an effective natural lip balm, softening chapped and dry skin while also preventing further dehydration. On nails, it softens rough cuticles and nourishes the nail bed, and its antibacterial and antifungal properties may protect against infection.

Hair and scalp conditioner:

Apply jojoba oil to hair as a pre-shampoo deep conditioning treatment that won’t weigh down even the finest strands, and work it into the scalp to sooth itchiness and stimulate follicle activity. Once hair is dry, apply a few drops to smooth split ends and nix frizz.