Carrier Oils: Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is a natural oil extracted from the nuts of the jojoba plant, Simmondsia chinensis, a perennial plant native to the arid regions of Southern California, Arizona and Mexico, and now also cultivated in Israel, India and South Africa.

This precious oil has been used for centuries by Native Americans for its diverse benefits, especially for skin and hair care.

The Jojoba Plant

The jojoba plant is an evergreen shrub, retaining its leaves year-round, demonstrating its exceptional resilience. Adapted to thrive in arid conditions, the plant is drought-tolerant, capable of surviving long periods without water.

The jojoba plant is slow-growing, often taking up to three years to mature. Once matured, however, it is a consistent provider, producing fruit for up to 100 years. The plant bears seeds that are not only edible but also highly valued for their oil. The extracted oil from these seeds finds extensive application in various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food production.

How Jojoba Oil Is Extracted

Jojoba oil is extracted from the plant’s seeds through a process known as cold pressing. In this method, the seeds are crushed and then pressed to release their oil, all while maintaining a relatively low temperature to preserve the oil’s beneficial properties. The resultant oil is a golden, odourless liquid with a slightly nutty flavour.

What Makes Jojoba Oil Ideal as a Carrier Oil

Jojoba oil has a unique chemical structure that closely resembles human sebum, the skin’s natural oil. Because of this similarity, it is readily absorbed by the skin and doesn’t leave a greasy residue, making it an ideal carrier oil.

This unique mimicry of our skin’s oil is just one of the characteristics that set jojoba oil apart. Beyond its sebum-like properties, jojoba is a natural, non-toxic, non-allergenic, and non-irritating oil, making it highly suitable for anyone with sensitive skin.

It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, B-complex, copper, zinc, selenium, and chromium that nourish and protect the skin. Jojoba oil is an excellent moisturiser and can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Jojoba oil is known to be non-comedogenic, meaning, like most natural oils, it doesn’t clog pores. This makes it suitable for facial skin care, even for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Hypoallergenic, Jojoba oil is perfect for sensitive skin on its own or blended with similar oils.

Essential Oils That Pair Well With Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil mixes well with any essential oil including lavender, rosemary, peppermint, and eucalyptus. Mixing essential oils can provide added benefits, such as relaxation, stress relief, or stimulation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Jojoba Oil

Is jojoba oil safe during pregnancy?

Yes, jojoba oil is generally safe to use during pregnancy for moisturising and massaging; however, without essential oils or fragrances.

Can jojoba oil go rancid?

Jojoba oil is quite stable and resistant to oxidation compared to other oils, and therefore does not go rancid easily. However, it’s still a good idea to store it properly to maintain its freshness and potency. Keep it in a cool, dark place, preferably in a dark-coloured glass bottle to protect it from light. If stored correctly, jojoba oil can stay good for several years.

Author

Francois Muguet

Francois Muguet is the co-founder and director of Alodia. With over 20 years of industry experience, he loves to share his knowledge of essential oils and their applications in both spa treatments and everyday life.

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