What is it? Jojoba oil comes from the jojoba plant, a rough shrub that grows in hot, dry desert climates like the southwestern U.S., Mexico, parts of South America and the Middle East and Australia.
These shrubs can live up to 200 years and grow several feet tall. Small flowers eventually grow into a fruit, encircling a nut. Jojoba oil comes from these nuts after they're squeezed and crushed. Processing, filtration and pasteurization make the oil safe. When used in skincare products, jojoba oil's color and odor is removed.
You'll find it in: Jojoba oil is found in lotions, creams, scrubs, hair care products and cosmetics. It works well in cosmetics, because it won't oxidize or spoil, even at high temperatures.
You can also buy jojoba oil and use it to create your own beauty products. Laurel Vukovic of Natural Health magazine recommends applying a blend of jojoba oil, evening primrose oil and carrot oil to crow's feet and laugh lines.
Using jojoba oil in conditioner adds moisture to coarse, dry hair, writes Stacey Colino for Prevention magazine; it can stave off fragile, brittle hair and keep split ends at bay.
Our product picks: Enjoy jojoba oil in these products.
What to expect: Jojoba oil produces great results for soft, healthy skin and hair. Many skin conditions can benefit from this ingredient, like acne, psoriasis and eczema. It's also believed to help with wrinkles and scars. Another plus: it lasts a long time without spoiling, notes neuropathic doctor Cathy Wong for About.
Jojoba oil serves multiple skin functions.
- Emollient. Because emollients are oils that add hydration to skin, jojoba oil does an excellent job of making skin soft and smooth, improving its look and feel.
- Moisturization. Jojoba oil is an effective moisturizer, because it penetrates skin and is easily absorbed. As we age or become exposed to environmental pollutants, our sebum production diminishes and skin loses its moisture. Jojoba oil acts like our sebum, thereby balancing the skin.
- Antibacterial agent. Jojoba oil is antibacterial, killing bacteria and germs.
- Exfoliation. Jojoba oil serves as a great, gentle facial exfoliant, though for rough, scaly spots like feet and knees, jojoba isn't abrasive enough, writes Sascha DeGersdorff for WebMD.
The only drawbacks to jojoba oil are price and reapplication. When compared with other oils, jojoba oil is more expensive, says Wong. And because it sinks into skin so quickly, you'll probably have to slather it on more frequently.
Who should avoid it: Jojoba oil is safe for anyone to use. Along with being non-toxic and noncomedogenic, jojoba oil doesn't cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. If used as directed, there are no side effects. However, be careful not to get jojoba oil in your eyes.
See also:
Essential Oils for Clearing up Acne
Olive Oil
Almonds and Almond Oil