Jojoba oil (pronounced as 'ho-ho-ba') is derived from the seed of the jojoba shrub (simmondsia chinensis). Native to the South Western regions of North America, it is now cultivated commercially in Australia, Israel, and South America.
The plant typically grows around 1-2m tall, and has been used in personal care preparations since way back. Native American cultures were recorded to use the seed extracts in medicine and hair rejuvenation.
Commonly referred to as an ‘oil,’ jojoba is more accurately described as a botanical ‘wax’. The key difference here is the long-chain fatty acids and inclusion of an alcohol ester which is found in waxes and absent in oils.
Jojoba wax is liquid at room temperature, making it different to other waxes and behaving more like an oil. The terms 'jojoba oil' and jojoba wax' can be used interchangeably, but we prefer to call it an oil as this more accurately represents its texture at room temperature.
Jojoba replaced sperm whales as a commercial source of fatty acids for skin and hair care products following the outlaw of whale harvesting in the 20th century. Incredibly similar to the oils of human skin, jojoba quickly became a product with widespread uses for the cosmetics and personal care industry.
“Jojoba mimics the skin’s natural oils and can penetrate deep into the skin layers.”
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Jojoba’s use in personal care products is varied and applicable to many situations, to say the least. Its unique chemical composition makes the wax found in jojoba seeds almost identical to human sebum (the oil that is naturally produced by our skin).
Our sebum is the hydrating vehicle which lubricates, rejuvenates, and distributes nutrients to our skin. The use of jojoba can supplement a shortage of sebum, as well as regulate over oily skin back to normal.
This unique quality separates jojoba from other oils in relation to use on the skin, which it is a key ingredient in our products.
Jojoba has a chemical makeup that is similar to both human skin oils and the (outlawed) oil of sperm whales. The main components in jojoba oil are three Omega-9 fatty acids: eicosenoic acid, erucic acid, and oleic acid.
These are long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids which hydrate the skin, reduce sensitivity, and improve elasticity. With a non-greasy texture, high levels of Vitamin E compounds and the absence of polyunsaturated fats, jojoba is a great ingredient in any quality natural skincare formulation.
With all of these amazing properties, it's no wonder why jojoba oil is a main ingredient in our products:
