Jojoba extract, or jojoba oil, comes from the seeds of the jojoba shrub. The oil makes up about 50% of the seed and is extracted by cold pressing, a method which helps the oil maintain its nutritional value.

Jojoba oil is made up of almost 98% pure waxes, as well as hydrocarbons, sterols and vitamins with few triglyceride esters. Jojoba oil’s waxy substance, once applied to the skin’s surface, causes the outer cells of the skin to swell and create a moisture barrier, like sebum,

The oil also has a variety of other uses, including pharmaceuticals, such as cosmetic, topical and transdermal products, and industrial applications like insecticides, lubricants and bioenergy.

The benefits of jojoba oil are wide-ranging,  from collagen production to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. What sets jojoba apart from its competitors, she adds, is that it’s a wax ester instead of an oil, making it extremely shelf stable.

Jojoba is also hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic, meaning there’s a low risk of allergic reactions and clogged pores.it exhibits antiseptic and antibacterial properties, and contains Vitamin E.

Skin benefits

When jojoba oil is placed on the skin, a signal is sent to the hair and sweat follicles notifying them that additional sebum—a mixture of lipids made by the sebaceous gland that help moisturize and protect the skin—is not needed. This keeps skin from producing excess oil, keeps pores clean and may help prevent acne.

Jojoba oil may also help symptoms of eczema and can act as a hydration method for people whose sebaceous glands aren’t producing sebum normally. Given its water control properties, it can also improve the overall softness of the skin and contributes to improved skin movement, preventing cracks or tears that can develop on the surface.

It’s also found in a variety of over the counter beauty products, such as moisturizers, oils, conditioners and even lipsticks.

Hair benefits

Jojoba oil has also been shown to help condition hair, and one study shows hair resulted in little protein loss, added protection and improved breakage resistance after jojoba oil was added to hair straightening products. It may help improve the shine of hair as well.

Shampoo and conditioning products also utilize jojoba oil, claiming its properties help to clean and moisturize hair simultaneously. It’s also been noted to help make hair more manageable and reduce excess oil, thanks to its sebum-like features.

• As a cleanser: Apply two to three drops of oil directly into your hands following your washing routine. Massage into your pores then wipe off with a warm, damp towel.
• As an acne treatment: Apply a dime-sized drop of jojoba oil to the affected area of the skin and allow it to absorb, then follow up with a moisturizer.
• As a natural moisturizer: Apply it to skin after washing your face and allow it to absorb. Work into the skin in gentle circular massage-like motions.
• As a makeup remover: Apply jojoba oil to a towelette or cotton swab and use it to gently wipe away makeup. Follow with your daily cleansing routine.

If using jojoba oil for hair benefits, start by massaging a few drops into the scalp. The warmth created from the massage motions opens the pores and increases blood flow. To moisturize, work the oil through to the ends of the hair. Once the oil is adequately worked into the scalp and hair, wash with shampoo.

Research shows that jojoba oil can be effective in easing or treating common skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and dry skin with little to no side effects, such as itching or a rash. Since it produces an oil similar to that of our natural sebum, it absorbs easily without conflict.