Jojoba oil is an extremely well used ingredient in the cosmetic industry. The reason for this is pretty simple, it has excellent oxidative stability (1).
What this means, is that it will take a long time before it will go rancid. Thus, it is particularly useful for being kept on a shelf. Additionally, this quality means it serves as a standard oil-phase base for the cosmetic industry.
Jojoba oil is also used in hair care.
It’s combination of shelf-life reliability, cheap and easy extraction and benefits to the skin/hair, means it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
So, let’s take a look at whether it’s the right ingredient for you.
What type of ingredient is Jojoba Oil?
It’s an emollient. Emollients are often used to soften the skin’s texture by breaking the dry skin cycle (2), by attempting to help restore the skin’s barrier.
What are its benefits?
Its benefits to the skin are centred around its ability to hydrate the skin. There is a misconception that oils don’t hydrate the skin but this is not true.
Jojoba oil (although is an oil) plays an essential part in hydrating the skin because of its chemical closeness to human sebum. This means it can support the natural balance of the skin by forming a non-greasy film that holds moisture in while controlling the flow of sebum (1).
Not only does this keep the skin hydrated, it can help balance your natural oil production.
It also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
What are its side effects?
There aren’t many side effects for jojoba oil because its risk of irritation is low. It has a similar chemical structure to human sebum (oil), so is well tolerated by the skin.
Can I use it everyday?
It’s safe to use everyday!
Product recommendations
My Skintherapy Pure Jojoba Oil
- alcohol-free
- silicon-free
- fragrance-free
- sulfate-free
- paraben-free
- EU-allergen-free
- reef-safe
- fungal-acne safe
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow
- alcohol-free
- silicon-free
- sulfate-free
- paraben-free
- reef-safe
- fungal-acne safe
Pai Skincare Love & Haight, Avocado & Jojoba Hydrating Moisturiser
- silicon-free
- sulfate-free
- paraben-free
- reef-safe
- fungal-acne safe
References
(1) Sandha, G. K., & Swami, V. K. (2009). Jojoba oil as an organic, shelf stable standard oil-phase base for cosmetic industry. Rasayan J Chem., 2(2), 300-306.
(2) Lodén, M. (2003). Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders. American journal of clinical dermatology, 4(11), 771-788.
