Why You Should Add Jojoba Oil To Your Beauty Routine + 15 Best Oils For Your Skin & Hair
Your skin will thank you later.
shutterstock Jojoba oil has recently emerged on the scene as one of the heroes of skincare and haircare.
But if you're new to this wonderful ingredient, you may not know the specifics, including what jojoba oil is, jojoba oil uses, the numerous jojoba oil benefits, and why it's highly sought after for beauty and skincare routines.
What is jojoba oil?
“Jojoba oil is a wax ester derived from the seeds of a jojoba shrub, which is found in deserts in North America,” says board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Caroline Chang, founder of Rhode Island Dermatology Institute. "Jojoba contains antioxidants such as vitamins A and E, as well as omega-6 fatty acids, which combine to improve the skin barrier through anti-inflammatory effects.”
Wax esters make up a portion of natural skin oil and are ideal for use in skincare. Many people use jojoba oil for skin, face, acne and scalp.
What are the benefits of using jojoba oil on skin, face, and acne?
Jojoba is a popular moisturizer for the face and skin, but it's actually so much more than that. It can be used as a cleanser, moisturizer, or spot treatment for acne.
It's also safe to use anywhere on your body, including your face. It can be easily absorbed into the skin and locks in moisture while nourishing the skin barrier.
Says Courtney Rashidi, licensed esthetician at Perfect Image Skincare, “Jojoba oil is a non-comedogenic oil full of antioxidants and nutrients, such as Vitamins E and B. Due to the anti-inflammatory properties, jojoba oil is a great option for those with acneic skin, eczema and psoriasis. With its non-comedogenic properties, it's a hydrating oil that isn’t too oily and doesn’t leave a greasy residue on the skin.”
“Everyone needs moisture, regardless of your skin type. So, if you're wanting to treat areas on the body, then a 100 percent organic jojoba oil can be used anywhere, including in the hair and nails,” she adds.
Jojoba oil helps soothe dry or irritated skin by acting as a skin protectant by “forming a seal over the skin to prevent moisture loss,” says Dr. Change.
In addition, jojoba oil is known to help with acne through its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, and reduce the severity of a cold sore. It's great for removing makeup because it's lightweight and can help loosen makeup without drying out skin.
What are the benefits of using jojoba oil on hair and scalp?
The same factors that make this oil a great moisturizer also make it good for conditioning and hydrating the hair and scalp.
Jojoba oil can be added to hair conditioners, and will help add protection against dryness, breakage, and split ends. In this way, it will moisturize hair from the inside out.
To add it to your daily shampoo and conditioning, apply jojoba oil lightly from root to tip, after shampooing, while the hair is still wet or damp. Says hair stylist Ghanima Abdullah of TheRightHairstyles.com, “This will seal moisture into hair that is dry and give a boost to damaged areas.”
While a dry scalp loves the moisturizing that jojoba oil adds, conditions like seborrheic dermatitis can benefit, too. Adds Abdullah, “Jojoba oil balances the excess production of sebum that irritates the scalp.”
What are the risks of jojoba oil?
Topically, jojoba oil doesn't pose any risks or side effects with continued use. But because everyone's body and skin are different, there are a few risks to be mindful of before using jojoba oil on your skin, acne, hair or scalp.
1. Skin irritation
Though jojoba oil is an emollient, meaning it softens the skin, be careful if your skin is sensitive. Just like you wouldn't apply chemicals or products without testing a section first, the same goes for jojoba oil.
Recommends Rashidi, “With any new ingredient incorporated into your skincare routine, it's best to perform a patch test to see how your skin reacts.”
2. Allergic reaction
Jojoba oil is made for topical use only, but some people may have an allergic reaction, a rash, hives, or itching. Anaphylaxis, however, is considered rare. Still, be sure to do a patch test on your skin before continuing use.
Pregnant women or women who are nursing should also consult a doctor before using jojoba oil, as well as any new products.
3. Fragrances
Choosing the right jojoba oil product for your skin and body means finding one related to what you'd like to target, your skin type, and your overall skin concerns.
For skincare products containing jojoba oil, look for products that have minimal preservatives and/or fragrances where jojoba oil is high on the ingredient list. That ensures you get more of the benefits.
4. Ingestion
Since jojoba oil is designed only for topical use, it should never be ingested. Jojoba contains erucic acid, a chemical that can cause heart damage, but can also lead to diarrhea, body aches, extreme thirst, and stomach pain.
Whether it's for your skin or hair, there are plenty of jojoba oil products to choose from.
Best Jojoba Oil for Skincare
1. Younique YOUOLOGY Cleansing Cloths
These clothes are made with sunflower seed oil, coconut derivatives, olive fruit oil, and jojoba seed oil, all of which work together to keep skin hydrated without feeling heavy or greasy.
(Younique Products, $20)
2. London Grant Cocoa & Jojoba Body Soufflé
This whipped body butter is luxurious and soothing, and super-nourishing for the skin. This is really light as well, so it will give skin that moisture without looking shiny.
(London Grant, $26)
3. Eco Lips Lip + Cheek Tints Collection
This item works both on lips and cheeks. Just apply and blend with the tips of your fingers! Plus, all the ingredients are organic, so you know they are good for you as well as the planet.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
4. Sand & Sky Australian Emu Apple Super Bounce Face Mask
Nothing says healthy and happy like glowing skin, and this mask is incredibly hydrating; you can see a difference in just minutes. Whether you're looking for brightness or hydration, this is an easy (and feel-good) way to go about it.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
5. Physicians Formula Organic Wear Nutrient Mist
Facial mists are excellent to tone and balance skin, which makes everything put on top of it (from skincare products to makeup) settle better and look their best.
(Walmart, $9.08)
6. Dear Dahlia Hypnotic Shine Eye Sequins
This glitter eyeshadow is sexy and fun. And thanks to the jojoba oil in it, it also has antioxidant and skin-loving properties. Because your eyes need to be moisturized too, right?
(Dear Dahlia, $31)
7. Cliganic USDA Organic Jojoba Oil
This is 100 percent organic Jojoba oil, so you know it's all you're getting. No weird additives or other ingredients. Just add it to your moisturizers and hair products for the benefits.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
8. Leven Rose Cold Pressed Jojoba Oil
This is also pure and organic Jojoba oil, and nothing else! Use it on your nails, skin, hair, or anywhere you need a boost of healthy moisturization.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
9. NOW Solutions Organic Jojoba Oil
This smaller bottle of all-natural jojoba oil is great for throwing in your overnight bag, gym bag or purse, to carry with you in your daily travels.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
Best Jojoba Oil for Hair
10. Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
This fabulous conditoning treatment is great for avoiding breakage and strengething hair. Once you use it, you'll see it hold up better to stress and styling.
(Sephora, $28)
11. Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask
A great deep conditioning treatment, this mask is an amazing asset for self-care days when your hair needs a little extra love and nourishment.
(Sephora, $28)
12. Rodin Luxury Hair Oil
A hair oil can be a breath of fresh air for damaged hair, and this oil is jam-packed with oils like jojoba, scalendula, sweet almond, and sunflower oils.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
13. BounceCurl Moisture Balance Leave-In Conditioner
This is a potent leave-in conditioner that you can just use a little bit of and see results. Just comb it into your hair before styling, and go on with your day!
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
14. Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Mist
This mist makes blowouts look better and styled much quicker thanks to its formula. It's also very helpful for detangling and avoiding frizz.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
15. Sebastian Professional Potion 9
This truly is a potion you need in your beauty products. It's great for adding bounce and shine to hair, and also making hair easier to manage.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer who focuses on health, wellness, and relationships. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her.
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