What is Jojoba Oil?
Jojoba oil is a light, nearly odorless carrier oil cold pressed from the seeds of the jojoba plant, and it's one of the most popular oils for diluting essential oils and for everyday skin and hair care. The jojoba plant, Simmondsia chinensis, is a desert shrub native to Arizona, southern California, and northern Mexico. It has oval leaves and small, greenish-yellow flowers. Mature jojoba seeds are dark brown and over 50% oil by weight.
Historically, various Native American tribes used jojoba leaves and seeds. Indigenous groups in Baja California were observed heating jojoba seeds and grinding them into a paste, which they used to condition their skin and hair. The O’odham people of the Sonoran Desert also made the seeds into a salve for their skin.
To extract jojoba oil, we use cold pressing. This involves compressing the seeds at room temperature. We then separate the oil from water and any remaining seed parts. This liquid is naturally yellow in color, so it goes through additional refinement processes in order to create a clear, colorless carrier oil. Refining the oil also helps to further deodorize it.
What is in Jojoba Oil?
Jojoba oil is not technically an oil, but rather a liquid wax ester. This means that it is composed mostly of long-chain fatty acids rather than triglycerides. Its chemical composition is similar to the sebum that human skin produces. Jojoba also naturally contains vitamin E. There are also multiple compounds in jojoba oil that help to soften your skin, including gadoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. It also contains small amounts of stearic acid, a common ingredient in cleansers and lotions.
Primary Benefits
Jojoba oil is an excellent choice to use on your skin. It leaves skin feeling soft without a greasy finish, and many people with oily or combination skin prefer it over heavier carrier oils. Its similarity to sebum makes it naturally moisturizing. Even without essential oil, you can use it as a makeup remover or to nourish dry skin.
Essential oils to pair with jojoba for skin care:
- Bergamot
- Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
- Frankincense (Boswellia serrata)
- Juniper berry
- Patchouli
- Tea tree
Jojoba oil is also one of the best carrier oils to use for scent sprays or aromatherapy blends. This is because it has little to no residual odor after processing. If anything, it adds a slight sweetness to oil blends, but in its refined form this is barely detectable. To make a spray, mix your preferred essential oils with jojoba oil. Put this in a glass spray bottle with witch hazel and water.
Scent blends to try with jojoba:
Deodorizing: eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree
Relaxing: clary sage, lavender, frankincense (Boswellia carterii or Boswellia serrata)
Energizing: grapefruit, orange, rosemary
Or experiment to create your own unique blends
How to Use Jojoba Oil as a Carrier Oil
You can dilute our 100% pure essential oils by adding three drops to one teaspoon of jojoba oil. If you are applying the oil to your face, use three drops of essential oil in four teaspoons of jojoba oil. Depending on how sensitive your skin is, you can adjust this concentration to fit your needs.
Jojoba Oil FAQs
What is jojoba oil used for?
Jojoba oil is mostly used as a carrier oil for diluting essential oils before they go on your skin. On its own, people use it as a lightweight facial oil or a gentle makeup remover.
Is jojoba oil good for oily skin?
Many people with oily or combination skin like jojoba because it feels light and absorbs quickly. Its makeup is similar to the natural oils your skin produces, so it does not feel heavy.
Does jojoba oil go bad?
Jojoba lasts much longer than most carrier oils because it is technically a liquid wax. Store it in a cool, dark place with the cap closed to keep it fresh.
How much essential oil do you add to jojoba oil?
Use about three drops of essential oil per teaspoon of jojoba for body use, or three drops in four teaspoons for your face. Adjust to a lighter dilution if your skin is sensitive.
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