Jojoba Oil

Despite being called an oil, it’s actually a wax derived from the jojoba bean. It’s lightweight, fast absorbing and is excellent at repairing and protecting the skin barrier. Plus, as it contains vitamins A, CandE it’s soothing, repairing,anti-ageingandanti- inflammatory.

It wasn't that long ago that "oil" was a dirty word in the skincare world, something meant to be removed from your skin, rather than added back on. But, as Bob Dylan said, times they are a-changin'. Walk through any skincare aisle (or haircare aisle for that matter) and you'll quickly notice that not only are there plenty of oil-based products, but also a variety of different oils being touted. There's of course the oh-so-buzzy coconut oil, lauded for being a one-stop-shop for all your beauty needs, hyped up Moroccan argan oil for hair… the list goes on and on.

It can be overwhelming, for sure, especially given that the success of using an oil in your beauty routine largely hinges up on which one you choose. Breaking news: Not all oils are created equal. But no matter whether you're an oil newbie and are looking for a surefire safe pick, or are an oil veteran looking for one that can address a variety of issues, jojoba oil is the way to go. Ahead, New York City dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum, MD, and Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City explain exactly what sets this particular oil apart from the rest of the crowd, and why you should seriously consider giving it some play time in your skincare routine.

JOJOBA OIL

TYPE OF INGREDIENT: Emollient that softens and smoothes the skin

MAIN BENEFITS: Hydrates the skin, balances natural oil production, delivers antioxidant protection, has anti-inflammatory effects, may have some antibacterial properties, and can also help reduce acne.

WHO SHOULD USE IT: Everyone can use jojoba oil, but it's an especially good choice for those with dry skin or those who are prone to acne or redness, says Nussbaum.

HOW OFTEN CAN YOU USE IT: It's safe to use daily and even multiple times per day.

WORKS WELL WITH: Jojoba oil can be combined with many other ingredients—it's a staple in many cosmetic formulations—and is often combined with other emollients, oils, and/or moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, ceramides, beeswax, and hyaluronic acid.

DON'T USE WITH: There are currently no ingredients known to have any kind of negative interaction with jojoba oil.

What Is Jojoba Oil?

"Jojoba oil is a natural oil produced from the seed of the…chinensis plant, a drought-resistant shrub native to southern Arizona, California, and Mexico," explains Chang. (Oh, and FYI, since we know you're wondering, it's pronounced ho-ho-ba.) While its prominence in beauty products is a relatively recent phenomena, it's been used for centuries; Native Americans used it as far back as the 1400s for its wound healing properties (more on those in a minute). Here's where things got a little confusing, though—jojoba oil isn't technically an oil.

(Say what?) It's actually a wax ester that, from a chemistry perspective, has a different makeup than other oils. While everyone calls it an oil—and we'll continue to do so just to keep things simple—that fact that it's a wax ester is a large part of what makes it so unique. Wax esters are a main component in human sebum, which means that, "jojoba oil mimics natural sebum, conditioning, and sealing moisture in the skin, without clogging pores or exacerbating acne," says Chang. Translation: Jojoba oil is as close to your skin's natural oil as you can get.

This is also why it can help balance out oil production and feels so lightweight and non-greasy.

No matter in what form or formula it comes in, the long list of benefits it delivers remains the same.

Offers antioxidant protection: "Jojoba oil is rich in flavonoids and vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that defends the skin against oxidative damage, which contributes to signs of aging," says Chang. While she adds that more studies are needed to confirm its direct anti-aging benefits, it's still a good option to use at any age, to help both protect and brighten the skin.

Has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe skin: Dealing with eczema, rosacea, or a generally sensitive complexion? Jojoba oil is a saving grace for reducing redness and keeping skin calm and comfortable, says Nussbaum. Along with the vitamin E found in the oil, it's also a good source of B-complex vitamins, she adds. These vitamins, along with the anti-inflammatory effects, make it useful for wound healing, which is why Native Americans originally started using it all those years ago.2

Is useful in helping treat acne: For acne-prone skin, jojoba oil takes the cake. First and foremost, it's non-comedogenic and won't clog pores, an imperative quality to search for if you have oily skin but still want to use an oil. Two, you're reaping all those anti-inflammatory benefits (as well as possible antibacterial properties, though more research needs to be done), both of which can help knock out breakouts. And finally, there's the fact that it can balance out your skin's natural oil production. "Since an over production of sebum can often cause breakouts, using jojoba oil has been shown to ease acne," explains Nussbaum.

Side Effects of Jojoba Oil

Generally speaking, there are no real drawbacks to this particular ingredient. Jojoba oil is generally well-tolerated with a low risk of irritation, Chang tells us. In rare instances, it can cause a rash or reaction, which is usually indicative of an actual allergy, Nussbaum points out. If you want to be extra cautious, you can try any new product out on a small test area before applying it all over your face.

How to Use It

Opt for 100 percent pure jojoba oil to use as a moisturizer, or look for it in a lotion, cream, or serum. Worth noting: It works great as a hair hydrator too, ideal for sealing dry ends, as well as a treatment for soothing chapped lips.

Jojoba Oil

What Is Jojoba Oil?

Side Effects of Jojoba Oil

How to Use It

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