Jojoba’s known properties at a glance
- Suitable for all skin types - sensitive & even babies skin
- Balance acid mantle of the skin
- Anti-inflammatory - e.g. acne, inflamed skin
- Sebum balancing - e.g. dry / combination skin
- Hydrating - sunburn, eczema, chapped skin, nappy rash
- Non-occlusive, moisture control
- Penetrates deep into the skin without leaving a greasy film
- Helps smooths & firm the skin
- Helps in the reduction of fine lines
- Photo protection
What is Jojoba Oil (Wax)?
The jojoba plant, sometimes referred to as Desert Gold, is a woody, evergreen desert shrub native to the American Sonoran Desert. The indigenous Uto-Aztecan peoples have been using the plant for self-care & medicinal purposes for centuries. The name “jojoba” (pronounced ho-HO-ba) originated from O’odham Hohowi, and is believed to be where the name jojoba originated.
Today, major commercial plantations are located in Peru, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, S. California, Israel & India. Mechanical extraction from the matured seeds/nuts yield a form of liquid wax ester, unlike typical vegetable oils that are composed of triglycerides. This natural composition gives jojoba oil exceptional stability and a long shelf life. The jojoba oil, known for having a chemical composition that closely resembles the sebum found in the human skin, has been used in a wide range of pharmacological applications. In this article, we will discover the many skin benefits of using jojoba oil.
Why is Jojoba special?
The oil is composed primarily of long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids & alcohols, wax esters and antioxidants such as vitamin E (tocopherols), sterols & other phytochemicals. This unique chemical composition of jojoba oil is responsible for its diverse range of beneficial properties for the human skin.
Excellent emollient and moisturizing properties of its chemical structure help maintain skin's natural barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss. It can help regulate the skin's natural oil production and maintain a healthy balance.
Non-comedogenic Wax esters found in jojoba oil are similar in structure to the oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands. It is for this reason that jojoba oil is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts, making it suitable for use on most skin types including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Protect the skin from oxidative stress
The natural antioxidants found in the jojoba oil such as vitamin E (tocopherols) and sterols, protect the skin from oxidative stress and damage caused by environmental factors like UV radiation, pollution, and free radicals. This can help prevent premature skin aging and support skin health.
Antimicrobial & Anti-inflammatory
Phytochemicals found in the jojoba oil exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial in treating various skin conditions, such as acne, dermatitis, and minor skin infections. Indeed, studies have evidenced the oil is able to penetrate and dissolve any build up of sebum clogging hair follicles which perhaps may lead to problems.
A study by R. Habashy in the Pharmacological Research journal found that Jojoba oil applied on irritated skin exerts anti-inflammatory activity similar to an anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and swelling.
Wound Healing and Scar Reduction
Jojoba oil's emollient and anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to its ability to promote wound healing and potentially reduce the appearance of scars.
A study in the Biomed Research International investigated the wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties of jojoba seed oil. Jojoba oil-treated wounds showed significantly faster wound closure, improved re-epithelialization, and increased collagen deposition compared to control groups. Jojoba oil also exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the levels of inflammatory markers at the wound site. The authors concluded that jojoba oil possesses valuable wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial for scar management and wound care.
Environmental Benefits
Desertification is becoming a major threat to global biodiversity. The jojoba shrubs being native to arid regions, with low nutrient requirements, deep root system, drought resistant, longevity and low susceptibility to fire, make them valuable in the sustainable development of arid and semi-arid areas in different parts of the world, helping improve soil quality and preventing the process of desertification. Countries such as Israel & India are actively investigating the feasibility of growing jojoba shrubs to counter the issue of desertification.
How do we use Jojoba Oil?
Our REJUVENATOR contains a minimum of 20% jojoba oil in its formulation, amongst 8 other natural ingredients. Our aim is to offer high quality natural products to help keep your skin naturally rejuvenated over the long term.
Our jojoba oil is natural & golden, certified organic from Peru.
About Ingredient Spotlight Series
Our Ingredient Spotlight Collection offers you informative details on the wonderful ingredients we use in formulating our products.
References
Bala, R. (2021). Jojoba - The Gold of Desert. In Deserts and Desertification. 10.5772/intechopen.99872
Gad, A. H., Roberts, A., Hamzi, S. H., & A, T. H. (2021). An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity. Polymers.
Habashy, R. R., Abdel-Naim, A., & Kalifa, A. B. (2005). Anti-inflammatory effects of jojoba liquid wax in experimental models. Pharmacological research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2004.04.011
Maia, C., Gianeti, M. D., & Kanashiro, A. (2013). Evaluation of the Wound-Healing Activity and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schneider (Jojoba) Seed Oil on Experimental Animal Models. Biomed Research International, 1-7.
Price, L., Price, L., Price, S., & Smith, I. (1999). Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy and Massage. Riverhead.
Protective effects of Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) oil against UVB-induced damage in SKH1 hairless mouse skin. (2017). Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
Topical application of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis L.) wax enhances the synthesis of pro-collagen III and hyaluronic acid and reduces inflammation in the ex-vivo human skin organ culture model. (2024, Jan). Novel sources of natural active compounds for skin protection and treatment of skin disorders, 15.