Ingredients · 6 min read
Jojoba oil benefits for skin, and why it suits reactive faces
By Aarti Solanki · Updated
The short answer
Jojoba oil is a liquid plant wax whose structure closely resembles human sebum, so it absorbs quickly, softens without a greasy film, and is rated low on the comedogenic scale. It suits dry, oily, combination and reactive skin, and works particularly well as a first-step cleansing oil.
- Jojoba is a liquid wax ester, closer to skin's own sebum than most oils.
- Low comedogenic rating, so it rarely clogs pores.
- Excellent at dissolving sunscreen, make-up and daily grime.
- Naturally rich in vitamin E, and very stable, so it resists going rancid.
What jojoba oil actually is
Jojoba (pronounced ho-HO-ba) comes from the seed of Simmondsia chinensis, a desert shrub. Chemically it is a liquid wax ester rather than a triglyceride oil, which is what makes it behave so differently on skin.
Because its structure resembles human sebum, skin tends to accept it rather than sit under it. That is why it absorbs faster than most facial oils and leaves a soft rather than slippery finish.
Does jojoba oil clog pores?
Jojoba scores low on the comedogenic scale, so for most people it does not clog pores. Oily and blemish-prone skin often tolerates it well; some find that regular use makes skin feel less compelled to overproduce oil.
No ingredient suits everyone. If your skin is reactive, patch test on the inner forearm for 24 hours before using it on your face.
The main benefits
These are the practical reasons jojoba appears in so many gentle formulations.
- Softens and conditions without a heavy residue
- Supports the skin barrier, which helps skin hold on to water
- Dissolves oil-based grime, sunscreen and make-up in a first cleanse
- Contains natural vitamin E, an antioxidant
- Very shelf-stable, so it needs fewer preservatives
- Lightweight enough for oily skin, cushioning enough for dry skin
How to use jojoba oil as a cleansing oil
Cleansing oil is the easiest way to feel the difference, because it is a step you already do every evening.
- Start with dry hands and a dry face
- Warm a pipette or two between your palms - our 50 ml Golden Jojoba Cleansing Oil is golden jojoba oil and vitamin E, nothing else
- Massage over dry skin for 30 to 60 seconds, including around the nose and jaw
- Add a splash of warm water and keep massaging until it turns milky
- Rinse, then follow with your usual gentle wash if you wear heavy make-up
Who it suits
Aarti reformulated our skincare around her own sensitive, reactive skin, so the range starts from what irritated skin can tolerate rather than what looks impressive on a label. Jojoba is the backbone of that approach: quiet, stable and well tolerated.
Questions people ask
Is jojoba oil good for oily skin?
Yes. Its wax ester structure is similar to sebum and its comedogenic rating is low, so it absorbs quickly rather than sitting on the surface. Many people with oily skin find it a good lightweight option.
Can I use jojoba oil every day?
Yes. It is gentle enough for daily use, morning and evening, as a cleansing oil or as a few drops pressed into damp skin.
Does jojoba oil expire?
It is one of the most stable plant oils available and typically keeps for a couple of years when stored away from direct sunlight and heat. Check the period-after-opening symbol on the bottle.
