The unsuspected powers of Jojoba

Jojoba is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the jojoba shrub (Simmondsia chinensis). It is commonly used in cosmetics and perfumery for its moisturizing and skin-nourishing properties. It is also considered to have a low risk of skin irritation, making it a popular option for sensitive skin care products. In addition, jojoba oil is also used in the beauty industry as a hair care agent and massage oil.

Where does Jojoba come from ?

The jojoba shrub is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has been used by the indigenous peoples of this region for many years for its medicinal properties and practical uses. Jojoba oil was first marketed as a cosmetic ingredient in the 1970s, and its use has spread ever since. Today, jojoba oil is produced on a commercial scale in several countries, including the USA, Argentina and Australia.

Jojoba oil composition

Jojoba oil is composed mainly of cetyl esters, along with other compounds such as fatty acids, alcohols, tocopherols (vitamin E) and carotenoids. It is also rich in antioxidants.

Jojoba oil is unique in that it is very similar to the oil produced by human skin (sebum). This similarity gives it many beneficial properties for skin and hair. For example, it is easily absorbed by the skin, helping to keep it supple and hydrated. It can also help regulate sebum production and prevent excess oiliness on the skin. In addition, jojoba oil is often used as a base for massage products due to its fluid consistency and ease of blending with other essential oils.

Jojoba oil properties

Jojoba oil is known to have many beneficial properties for skin and hair. Here are just a few of its most common properties :

• Moisturizing : jojoba oil is easily absorbed by the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It can also be used to moisturize hair and prevent dryness.

• Nourishing : jojoba oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which help nourish and protect skin and hair.

• Sebum regulator : jojoba oil can help regulate sebum production on the skin, which can be beneficial for people with oily or acne-prone skin.

• Anti-inflammatory : jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin.

• Antioxidant : jojoba oil is rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin from free radical damage.

• Conditioning : jojoba oil can be used to soften and nourish hair, making it easier to style and handle.

In short, jojoba oil is a highly versatile ingredient that can be used to improve the appearance and health of skin and hair.

Indications for Jojoba essential oil

Jojoba oil can be used in many different ways, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are a few examples of common uses for jojoba oil :

• Skin care : jojoba oil can be used on its own or mixed with other skin care products to help nourish and protect the skin. It can be particularly beneficial for dry or sensitive skin.

• Hair care : jojoba oil can be used to nourish and soften hair. It can be applied directly to the hair or mixed with another hair care product.

• Massage : jojoba oil is often used as a massage oil because of its fluid consistency and ease of blending with other essential oils. It can help relax muscles and improve blood circulation.

• Nail care : jojoba oil can be used to nourish and strengthen nails and cuticles.

It's important to note that jojoba oil is not an essential oil in the strict sense of the word, as it is extracted from the seeds of the jojoba shrub rather than the aromatic parts of a plant. However, it is often used as a base oil in essential oil blends because of its beneficial properties for the skin and its long shelf life.

How to use Jojoba oil

There are many ways to use jojoba oil, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are just a few examples :

• Apply to the skin : you can use jojoba oil alone or mixed with other skin care products. Apply a few drops of oil to your clean skin and massage gently until completely absorbed.

• Apply to hair : you can use jojoba oil alone or mixed with another hair care product. Apply a few drops of oil to hair and scalp and massage gently. You can leave the oil on for a few hours or overnight before rinsing it out.

• Use for massage : you can use jojoba oil alone or mixed with other essential oils for a massage. Apply a few drops to the skin and massage gently until completely absorbed.

• Use for nails and cuticles : you can use a few drops of jojoba oil to nourish and strengthen nails and cuticles. Apply the oil to nails and cuticles and massage gently until completely absorbed.

It's important to note that jojoba oil can be slightly comedogenic, i.e. it can clog skin pores. We therefore recommend diluting it with other oils, or testing it on a small area of skin before using it on a large surface. If you use jojoba oil on your hair, wash it thoroughly to avoid leaving residues that can weigh hair down.

Homemade Jojoba oil recipes

Here are a few simple jojoba oil recipes you can make at home :

1. Jojoba oil sugar scrub :

• 1 cup raw sugar

• 1/2 cup jojoba oil

• a few drops of essential oil of your choice (optional)

Mix sugar and jojoba oil in a bowl until smooth. Add a few drops of essential oil of your choice if desired. Apply to damp skin using circular movements, then rinse off with lukewarm water.

2. Moisturizing hair mask :

• 1/4 cup jojoba oil

• 1/4 cup coconut oil

• 1 egg

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well blended. Apply the mask to hair and scalp, then wrap hair in a warm towel. Leave on for 30 minutes to 1 hour, then rinse with lukewarm water.

3. Nourishing massage oil :

• 1/2 cup jojoba oil

• a few drops of essential oil of your choice (optional)

Mix jojoba oil with a few drops of the essential oil of your choice, if desired. Use the oil as a massage oil, massaging it gently into the skin.

It's important to note that essential oils should be used with caution and should not be applied to the skin undiluted. Be sure to read up on the properties and contraindications of each essential oil before use.

Jojoba oil safety precautions

Although jojoba oil is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated oil, it is important to observe certain precautions when using it :

• Patch test : a patch test is recommended before using jojoba oil on a large area of skin. Apply a small amount of oil to a sensitive area of skin, such as the wrist, and wait 24 hours to see if a skin reaction occurs.

• Avoid contact with eyes : as with all skin care products, it's important to avoid contact with the eyes. If jojoba oil gets into your eyes, rinse immediately with lukewarm water.

• Keep out of reach of children : as with all skin care products, it is important to keep jojoba oil out of the reach of children.

• Storage : store jojoba oil in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. It may solidify at low temperatures, but will become liquid again at room temperature.

It's also important to note that jojoba oil is not recommended for people with a known allergy to any of the oil's ingredients. If you have any doubts about your tolerance to jojoba oil, it is advisable to seek the advice of a doctor or qualified healthcare professional before using it.

Contraindications

It's important to note that jojoba oil is not an essential oil in the strict sense of the term, as it is extracted from the seeds of the jojoba shrub rather than the aromatic parts of a plant. However, it is often used as a base oil in essential oil blends because of its beneficial properties for the skin and its long shelf life.

As a vegetable oil, jojoba oil has no known specific contraindications. However, it is recommended to follow the precautions for use described above and to do a patch test before using jojoba oil on a large area of skin. If you have a known allergy to any of the ingredients in the oil, we recommend that you do not use it. If you have any doubts about your tolerance to jojoba oil, we recommend that you seek the advice of a doctor or qualified health professional before using it.

Scientific research on Jojoba

Several studies have been carried out on the properties of jojoba oil and its use in cosmetics. Here are just a few examples of research results published in scientific journals :

• A 2006 study showed that jojoba oil was effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and improving skin elasticity in women aged 50-70.

• A 2013 study showed that jojoba oil was effective in reducing inflammation and improving skin healing when used in combination with vitamin E.

• A 2014 study showed that jojoba oil was effective in reducing the appearance of acne scars when used in combination with vitamin E and salicylic acid.

• A 2016 study showed that jojoba oil was effective in reducing hair loss