Jojoba oil is a long time beauty staple which closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum making it one of the most beneficial oils in hair and skincare. Additionally, jojoba oil’s lightweight, non-greasy and deeply nourishing properties make it a popular multi-purpose ingredient in beauty. In this article, we’” explore the science behind the benefits of jojoba oil for skin and hair and how to use it in your routine. We’ll also compare jojobal oil to other popular oils for hair and skincare.
What is Jojoba Oil?
First things first! Jojoba oil isn’t technically an oil but rather a liquid wax ester derived from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis plant. This hardy plant thrives in the arid deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico, where its drought-resistant properties have been celebrated for centuries. Native American communities were amongst the first to use jojoba seeds, crushing them to create balms for healing wounds and soothing dry skin.
What makes jojoba oil so unique is its molecular structure, which closely resembles human sebum. This is the natural oil our skin produces to maintain hydration and balance. The similarity allows jojoba oil to be easily absorbed by the skin, making it an exceptionally effective moisturiser that doesn’t clog pores. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture also make it suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. The key benefit of jojoba oil are due to it being a rich source of the nutrients essential for skin and hair health. These crucial nutrients include:
- Vitamin E: This powerful antioxidant protects skin and scalp from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors such as pollution and UV radiation.
- B Vitamins: These are vital for promoting skin repair, soothing irritation and supporting the natural moisture barrier.
- Zinc & Copper: Both these essential minerals that enhance scalp health, reduce flakiness and strengthen hair strands. They also help to reduce breakage.
- Essential Fatty Acids: These deeply nourish and hydrate both skin and hair to alleviate dryness and improve elasticity.
Benefits of Jojoba Oil for Skin, Scalp & Hair
Jojoba oil’s unique ability to closely mimic the skin’s natural sebum makes it a great choice in nourishing and hydrating skincare treatments. The key benefits of jojoba oil for skin include:
- Provides Lightweight Hydration Without Clogging Pores: Jojoba oil moisturises deeply without blocking pores even in acne-prone or oily skin.
- Regulates Sebum Production: By mimicking the skin’s natural oils, jojoba oil prevents the glands from overproducing sebum. This helps balance oily or combination skin and reduces excess shine as well as minimising pore clogging.
- Soothes Irritated & Sensitive Skin: Jojoba oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can help calm redness and irritation in conditions like eczema, rosacea or sensitive skin. It also works to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier.
- Protects Against Premature Ageing: As a rich source of vitamin E, jojoba oil neutralises free radicals. Regular use (with sun protection) can help minimise the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sun spots.
- Promotes Skin Healing: Jojoba oil’s natural antimicrobial and soothing qualities support the healing of minor wounds, blemishes and dry patches.
Even better, jojoba oil’s nourishing properties extend to the scalp and hair. It is a great option for improving overall scalp health and hair condition. The main benefits of jojoba oil for scalp and hair include:
- Hydrates & Soothes the Scalp: Dry or flaky scalps can benefit significantly from jojoba oil’s hydrating properties. It penetrates deeply to restore moisture and alleviate itching while its antimicrobial effects help maintain a clean balanced scalp environment.
- Encourages Healthy Hair Growth: Jojoba oil unclogs hair follicles, improves blood circulation to the scalp and nourishes the roots. This creating the ideal conditions for healthier, fuller hair growth over time.
- Strengthens & Repairs Hair Strands: The essential nutrients in jojoba oil strengthen the hair shaft which reduces breakage and repairs damage caused by heat styling or environmental stress.
- Boosts Shine & Manageability: As a conditioning treatment, jojoba oil smooths the cuticle to leave hair shiny, soft and less prone to frizz or tangling.
How to Use Jojoba Oil in Your Beauty Routine
Jojoba oil is one of the most versatile oils you can add to your beauty routine. ItIt has a number of uses and you can easily find it in a number of hair and skincare products. However, the most popular way to use it is as standalone oil and mix it with your existing beauty products. Below are the best ways to use jojoba oil in your skincare routine:
- Daily Moisturiser: Jojoba oil works beautifully as moisturiser in its own right for any skin type. Warm a few drops between your palms and massage into clean skin after your regular toners or serums. You can also boost your existing moisturiser by mixing it with a drop or two of jojoba oil. For very dry skin, you can use jojoba oil and layer a thick emoliating moisturiser or balm on top of it to lock in water.
- Makeup Remover: Jojoba oil is a natural and gentle way to remove makeup and sunscreen. You can either massage it onto your skin or apply a small amount to a cotton pad and sweep it over your face. Rinse with a foaming cleanser and warm water for a thorough double cleanse.
- Targeted Treatment: If you have areas of redness or irritation, such as dry patches or blemishes, jojoba oil can help as a spot treatment. Dab a drop onto the affected area to calm inflammation and support healing. You can also mic a few drops into your favourite face mask (or make your own) for a nourishing hydrating at home facial.
Its equally easy to add jojocba oil into your hair care routine to improve scalp health and nourishing your strands. Again you can buy hair products that already contain jojoba or as is more popular use the oil it self. Here are our top tips for the best way to use jojoba oil for your hair:
- Scalp Treatment: For a dry or flaky scalp, massage a few drops of jojoba oil directly into your scalp. Leave it on for 20–30 minutes to allow the oil to deeply penetrate and hydrate. Rinse thoroughly with a gentle shampoo.
- Conditioner Boost: Transform your favourite conditioner into a deeply hydrating treatment by adding a few drops of jojoba oil. Apply as usual, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. The added nourishment will leave your hair smoother, shinier and more manageable.
- Leave-In Treatment: To control frizz and smooth your ends, warm a drop or two of jojoba oil between your palms and lightly apply it to damp or dry hair. This adds softness and shine without weighing the hair down.
Safety & Precautions
Jojoba oil is widely regarded as safe and suitable for all skin and hair types, thanks to its lightweight texture and gentle nature. However, as with any natural product, it may not be suitable for everyone. Possible risks and side effects of jojoba oil include:
- Allergic Reactions: Although uncommon, some people may experience redness, itching or swelling after using jojoba oil. Discontinue use immediately if this occurs and seek medical help.
- Clogged Pores: Whilst jojoba oil is generally safe for acne-prone skin, overuse or applying too much may cause blocked pores in rare cases.
- Eye Irritation: If jojoba oil comes into contact with the eyes, it may cause irritation. Use carefully when applying near the eye area.
As with anything in life, proper and careful use can reduce the risk of problems. Some of the ways to minimise risks include:
- Always Perform a Patch Test: Before widespread use, apply a small amount of jojoba oil to a discreet area, such as the inside of your wrist or behind your ear. Wait 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions.
- Use It in Moderation: A little goes a long way with jojoba oil. Avoid applying excessive amounts as this can lead to greasiness or clogged pores.
- Don’t Ingest: Jojoba oil is for external use only and should not be ingested. While it’s non-toxic, consuming it can cause stomach discomfort.
- Store Properly: Keep jojoba oil in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve its efficacy and prevent it going off.
- Consult a Professional: If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or dealing with specific skin conditions its best to consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider before using jojoba oil.
How it Compares with Other Beauty Oils
Jojoba oil’s ability to closely mimic the skin’s natural sebum makes it a versatile multi-purpose ingredient for all skin and hair types. However, its not the only hydrating or nourishing ingredient in the beauty oil world. Here’s how jojoba oil compares against its main competitors:
- Coconut Oil: This is renowned for its deep moisturising properties, particularly for dry skin and brittle hair. It works well as a pre-shampoo treatment to hydrate and protect hair strands. However, its heavier consistency can clog pores making it unsuitable for oily or acne-prone skin. Jojoba oil, by contrast, is lightweight and non-comedogenic, making it ideal for hydrating all skin types. For the scalp, jojoba oil offers better balance for all hair types but coconut oil is more suited for repairing dry or damaged hair.
- Almond Oil: Rich in vitamins A and E, almond oil is great for nourishing dry or sensitive skin. It also works well to smooth frizz and strengthen hair. However, almond oil isn’t as good at balancing oil production on the skin and scalp as jojoba oil.
- Grapeseed Oil: This oil is lightweight and absorbs quickly, making it a favourite for oily and acne-prone skin. Its high linoleic acid content helps to tighten pores and reduce inflammation. For hair, it provides a subtle shine and lightweight hydration. However, it doesn’t penetrate as deeply as jojoba oil nor does it regulate skin and scalp sebum production as well. In general, jojoba oil is better for nourishing and strengthening hair.
- Olive Oil: Loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, olive oil is excellent for deeply hydrating dry or ageing skin and repairing damaged hair. It also works well as a hair mask for restoring softness and reducing frizz. However, its heavier consistency can leave both the skin and scalp feeling greasy. As such jojoba oil is better for daily use and for oilier skin and hair.
- Squalane: This is a lightweight fast-absorbing oil for both skin and hair. Squalane hydrates without leaving a greasy residue and is suitable for all skin types. Whilst both squalane and jojoba oil are similar, jojoba oil offers added anti-inflammatory benefits. This makes it particularly useful for calming irritated scalps or treating conditions like dandruff.
- Rosehip Oil: This oil is best known for its anti-ageing properties, brightening effects and ability to improve skin texture. Rosehip oil can also soften and add shine to hair but doesn’t offer the same oil balancing benefits as jojoba oil. As such, jojoba oil is better for regulating sebum production and maintaining a healthy scalp environment.
- Argan Oil: Often called “liquid gold”, argan oil is ideal for adding shine, softens and hydrates dry or damaged hair. It’s rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, which help repair split ends and tame frizz. However, although argan oil deeply moisturises skin, it doesn’t regulate sebum like jojoba oil. So Jojoba oil is of more benefit for oily or combination skin and scalp types.
What sets jojoba oil apart is its remarkable versatility and multitude of benefits for all skin and hair types. Its uses include as a natural moisturiser, skin barrier supporter, scalp treatment and hair conditioner. These are all revolve around jojoba oil’s unique ability to mimic the skin’s natural sebum and its composition of key nutrients for skin and hair. As with everything in life, its important to use jojoba oil appropriately, safely and cosistently to get the best out of its benefits for skin and hair.
At City Skin clinic, we are beyond passionate about personalised skincare. Our virtual skin clinic offers safe and effective custom skin and hair loss treatments. Where appropriate our doctors use ingredients such Tretinoin and Hydroquinone to treat skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and skin ageing. Connect with one of our doctors today with an online consultation. The journey towards great skin starts here.