The Ultimate Guide to Jojoba Oil: Nature’s Liquid Gold for Skin and Hair
In this blog you can read about:
What Jojoba oil is
Where Jojoba oil comes from
Jojoba oil: a wax ester not an oil
How Jojoba oil is made
How is Jojoba oil beneficial for skin
How Jojoba oil is beneficial for hair
Recipes for Jojoba oil- scroll down to the bottom to see the recipes if you already know the amazing benefits of jojoba oil.
So last month I wrote a post about carrier oils, what are they and how to use them as well as dilution rates for essential oils. This month I would like to continue with my most favourite carrier oil, jojoba oil and in case you didn't know, Soularoma's jojoba oil is sourced from the arid regions of New South Wales, Australia, grown without pesticides by a farmer's cooperative.
Jojoba oil is pure liquid gold. It has become an essential ingredient for skin and haircare, but what makes it so unique? This versatile oil offers a range of benefits for all skin types, including sensitive skin and even babies' skin (in fact my teeny weeny baby massage oil is pure jojoba oil).
Let’s look at what makes pure Australian cold-pressed jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis) such an exceptional carrier oil and answer some common questions.
Where Does Jojoba Oil come from?
Jojoba oil was originally grown in the deserts of North America, especially southern California, Arizona, and parts of Mexico. Indigenous peoples from these regions used jojoba for centuries for its healing and moisturising qualities. As the plant is suitable to grow in hot arid environments, it is now cultivated in other arid areas around the world, including Australia, which is recognised as one of the key producers of high-quality jojoba oil. The plants are cultivated sustainably in New South Wales without the use of pesticides, ensuring the oil is free from harmful chemicals.
Jojoba Oil: A Wax Ester, not an Oil
Despite being called an oil, jojoba oil is technically a liquid wax ester making it chemically different to most plant-based oils. Wax esters are similar to the natural sebum in our skin and this quality gives jojoba oil its exceptional ability to moisturise without clogging pores. Its waxy nature also makes it more stable than other vegetable oils, which results in a longer shelf life and also prevents it from oxidising or going rancid easily. When Jojoba oil is stored in a cool dry place, its shelf life is around 4 years.
How Australian Jojoba Oil is extracted
Jojoba oil is extracted by cold pressing the seeds which contain around 52% oil. Cold pressing the jojoba seeds preserves ithe oil's high Vitamin E content (5mg per 100mL) which makes it very healing for skin. Jojoba oil also contains Vitamins D and A.
How Jojoba Oil Resembles Sebum: A Perfect Match for Your Skin
What sets jojoba oil apart is its remarkable similarity to the skin’s natural sebum. Sebum is the oily substance your skin produces to protect and moisturise it. Because jojoba oil mimics this natural oil, it penetrates deeply and quickly without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue. It has a very silky feel. Additionally, jojoba oil is a good choice for skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Will Jojoba Oil Clog My Pores or Cause Acne?
Jojoba oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t block pores or hair follicles. In fact, it can help balance oily skin by regulating sebum production. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a soothing option for acne-prone skin, reducing redness and irritation without causing breakouts.
Jojoba oil is a great oil for all skin types. It hydrates dry areas, balances oily zones, and soothes irritated or inflamed skin. Its gentle nature makes it safe for even the most delicate skin, including that of babies. However, if you have ageing skin, for a more nurturing facial oil, it is a good idea to combine jojoba oil with oils high in omega 3 & 6, such as rosehip oil or evening primrose oil (stay tuned for information on those oils in the next blog).
Is Jojoba Oil Good for Hair and Scalp Care?
Jojoba oil’s moisturising properties make it an excellent conditioner for dry, damaged hair. It also nourishes the scalp, reduces flakiness, and may even promote healthy hair growth when combined with suitable essential oils and massaged into the scalp regularly. It’s also known to reduce dandruff and jojoba oil leaves your hair shinier and more manageable. Just a few drops massaged into your scalp can work wonders.
From cleansing your skin and removing makeup, moisturising your skin and scalp to balancing oily skin and fighting inflammation, pure Australian cold-pressed jojoba oil is the oil you need.
At Soularoma, Australian jojoba oil is used as the base for all rollons & baby massage oils.
Recipes for Jojoba oil
Facial cleansing oil
50mL Jojoba oil
25mL Castor oil
Combine the oils in a clean glass jar and apply at the end of the day to clean away all traces of makeup, pollution and grime. Use a warm face washer to remove the oil. Apply some rose water and then your favourite facial serum if you feel your skin needs it.
You may need to alter the ratio of jojoba and castor oil and see what works best for your skin. If it is drying, decrease the amount of castor oil.
Facial oil for normal/dry skin
Jojoba oil 30mL
Rosehip oil 20ml
Frankincense essential oil 3 drops
Lavender essential oil 4 drops
Facial oil for acne prone skin
Jojoba oil 10mL
Aloe vera gel 10mL
Tea tree essential oil 2 drops
Combine the jojoba oil with the aloe vera gel and mix well & add the essential oil. Keep in the fridge to prolong the shelf life and make up in small batches as needed.
Hair growth oil
Jojoba oil 50mL
Cedarwood essential oil 5 drops
Rosemary essential oil 5 drops
Ylang ylang essential oil 2 drops
Combine the essential oils and the jojoba oil. Pour a small amount (5mL) into the palm of your hand and massage into the roots of your hair. Leave overnight (cover your pillow with a towel or sleep with a shower cap covering your hair). Wash out in the morning or after 1 hour of application.
Hair rejuvenation/shine oil
Jojoba oil 40mL
Argan oil 10mL
Ylang ylang essential oil 4 drops
Lavender essential oil 6 drops
Pour a small amount (5mL) into the palm of your hand and massage into the roots of your hair. Leave overnight (cover your pillow with a towel or sleep with a shower cap covering your hair). Wash your hair in the morning and enjoy your shiny locks.
Dandruff treatment oil
Jojoba oil 50mL
Tea tree essential oil 4 drops
Rosemary essential oil 4 drops
Cedarwood essential oil 4 drops
Oily hair treatment
Jojoba oil 50mL
Tea tree essential oil 2 drops
Lemon essential oil 5 drops
Cedarwood essential oil 3 drops
Oily skin/acne mask
Green clay 5g
Jojoba oil 10mL
Tea tree essential oil 1 drop
Bergamot essential oil 1 drop
MIx the clay, the oil & the essential oils. Apply to skin and wash off when dry. Do not leave on after drying.
Eczema treatment oil
Jojoba oil 50mL
Roman chamomile essential oil 5 drops
Myrrh essential oil 3 drops
Lavender essential oil 4 drops
Psoriasis treatment oil
Jojoba oil 50mL
Tea tree essential oil 5 drops
lavender essential oil 5 drops
Feel free to comment below if you used an of these recipes or have any questions at all.
See this scientific review for more information on jojoba oil
Photo credit: Kaboompics.com: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-glass-bottle-with-liquid-and-pipette-4021773/