🌿 Jojoba Oil
Latin Name: Simmondsia chinensis
📌 How It Is Extracted
Jojoba Oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of the jojoba shrub (Simmondsia chinensis), a desert plant native to the American Southwest and Mexico. Technically, jojoba is a liquid wax rather than a true oil, which gives it exceptional stability and a uniquely long shelf life.
⏳ Shelf Life
Indefinite shelf life (5+ years) when stored properly in a cool, dark place. Jojoba does not oxidise easily due to its wax ester structure, making it one of the most stable carrier oils available. No refrigeration is required.
✨ Properties & Characteristics
- Lightweight, non-greasy texture that closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum
- Clear to golden yellow colour with a very mild, faint nutty scent
- Deeply penetrating and balancing for all skin types
- Non-comedogenic – does not clog pores
- Naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory
- Technically a liquid wax, not a true fatty oil
🎯 Best Used For
- All skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin
- Facial serums and moisturisers – excellent for balancing sebum production
- Hair and scalp treatments – softens hair and conditions the scalp
- Removing eye makeup and as a cleansing oil
- Soothing inflammation, eczema, and psoriasis
- Diluting essential oils for facial application (typical dilution: 1–2%)
- After-sun care and wound healing support
🧪 Key Chemical Constituents
- Eicosenoic Acid (Gondoic Acid, C20:1): ~65–80% – the primary wax ester, gives jojoba its remarkable stability
- Erucic Acid (C22:1): ~10–25% – contributes to texture and skin barrier support
- Oleic Acid (Omega-9): ~5–15% – moisturising and skin-softening
- Palmitic Acid: ~2–3% – emollient and protective
- Vitamin E (Tocopherols): natural antioxidant
- Vitamin B-complex: supports skin renewal and repair
⚠️ Contraindications & Cautions
- Generally considered very safe and well-tolerated for most people.
- Those with buxaceae plant family allergies should perform a patch test before use.
- Not intended for internal/oral use.
- Avoid direct eye contact.
- Safe for use during pregnancy when applied topically, but always consult a healthcare professional.