Have you heard of jojoba oil? It's been getting a lot of attention lately as a natural remedy for various skin and hair problems. But does this so-called wonder ingredient work? Are there benefits of jojoba oil that can help you?
In this article, we’ll look closely at jojoba oil and its benefits to help you decide if it’s right for you. We'll explore what jojoba oil is, what it can do for your skin and hair, and whether or not it's safe for everyone in your family, even your baby with delicate skin.
Table Of Contents
- What Is Jojoba Oil?
- Properties Of Jojoba Oil
- 7 Amazing Benefits Of Jojoba Oil
- Side Effects Of Jojoba Oil
What Is Jojoba Oil?
The jojoba plant is a hardy shrub that produces a nut with a substance that’s 98% pure wax. This wax is in a liquid form and is what we call jojoba oil.
Jojoba is native to the American Southwest. And, historically, Native Americans used the oil from the nuts for therapeutic purposes, such as treating various skin conditions, like psoriasis, eczema, sunburn, and poison ivy. They also used it to treat wounds.
Today, you’ll often find jojoba oil in cosmetics and skincare products. Skincare experts hail this natural ingredient for its ability to hydrate and nourish the skin.
Other Names For Jojoba
Jojoba is pronounced ho-HO-buh. But its scientific name is Simmondsia chinensis. It’s also known as:
- Pignut
- Deer nut
- Coffee bush
- Lemon leaf
- Bucknut
No matter what you call it, jojoba oil has some incredible benefits for your skin and hair.
Properties Of Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a liquid wax ester. It’s composed of long-chain fatty acids, including oleic acid, which you can also find in olive oil.
Chemically, jojoba oil is very similar to the sebum produced by our skin. Sebum is an oily substance that helps keep our skin moisturized and protected.
When you use jojoba oil products, your skin thinks it's producing enough sebum, reducing the amount it makes. This can be a good thing if you have oily skin or are prone to breakouts.
Jojoba oil is also a rich source of vitamin E, an important antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals — unstable molecules that can cause cell damage, leading to premature aging.
But wait, there’s more! This oil is also:
- Antimicrobial (kills or slows the growth of microorganisms)
- Antiviral (effective against viruses)
- Anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation)
- An analgesic (reduces pain)
With so many beneficial properties, it’s no wonder that jojoba oil is gaining popularity as a natural remedy for various skin and hair problems.
7 Amazing Benefits Of Jojoba Oil
Now that you’re more familiar with this ingredient, let’s look at some of the benefits of jojoba oil.
1) Hydrates Your Skin
If you have dry skin, you know how important it is to find products that can help hydrate and nourish it. Since it's similar to natural sebum, jojoba oil is an excellent choice for dry skin because it helps replenish the natural oils in your skin that keep it hydrated.
That's why we harness the natural power of jojoba oil in our Hydra Bébé Body Lotion. We designed this hypoallergenic lotion specifically for you and your little one. It helps lock in moisture and leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated.
2) Helps Clear Acne
Acne is caused by a build-up of sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells in the pores. Jojoba oil fights back, dissolving acne-causing sebum while also helping kill the bacteria that lead to breakouts.
We use jojoba oil in our Hydra Bébé Facial Cream because it's gentle enough for daily use, even on newborns. As a result, our cream helps soothe and protect your baby's delicate skin while also helping clear up acne.
3) Reduces Skin Inflammation
When your skin is inflamed, it can appear red, swollen, and irritated. Jojoba oil can help reduce inflammation by calming the skin and reducing redness.
The fatty acids in jojoba oil help your body manage inflammation. This can be helpful if you suffer from conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea.
4) Soothes Sunburn
Sunburn is a common problem, especially in the summer months. If your baby winds up with a sunburn, jojoba oil can help soothe the pain and irritation.
Rub a few drops carefully onto the skin, avoiding any open wounds or blisters. You can also add a few drops of jojoba oil to a cool bath to help relieve any skin discomfort from sun exposure.
Then, going forward, remember to apply our SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen before heading outside so you can prevent sunburn in the first place.
5) Fights Dandruff
Dandruff can be an unsightly and embarrassing problem. But jojoba oil can help you win the battle against the flakes.
Jojoba oil balances the scalp's natural oils and keeps the skin hydrated, helping stop current dandruff outbreaks and preventing them from returning.
6) Accelerates Wound Healing
As we mentioned above, Native Americans used this plant to heal wounds, and modern science backs up its effectiveness. So, if you cut yourself while shaving or your little one gets a small scratch, jojoba oil can speed up the healing process.
It helps your body fight infection while promoting new skin cell growth. And it can aid in the healing of minor cuts and scrapes and prevent scarring. It's also antimicrobial, so it helps keep the wound clean and free from infection.
As a natural anti-inflammatory agent, jojoba oil can reduce the redness and swelling that often accompany a small owie. In addition, its analgesic properties can relieve pain. So, for minor wounds, it’s a super effective one-two punch.
7) Improves Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is a common problem for babies. This painful, irritating condition can occur when wet or soiled diapers rub against your baby's delicate skin.
The good news is jojoba oil can improve diaper rash. Its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce redness and swelling. And its natural ability to fight infection can help prevent the rash from worsening.
Side Effects Of Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is generally considered safe for most people. But it's always a good idea to do a patch test before using any new product to ensure you're not allergic.
To do a patch test, apply a small amount of jojoba oil to an inconspicuous part of your body. Then, wait 24 hours to see if there's any redness, itching, or irritation. If you notice anything, wash the area with soap and water and discontinue use.
In rare cases, people may be allergic to jojoba oil. If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction after using this product, stop using it immediately and seek medical attention.
Can You Use Jojoba Oil On Babies?
Yes! Jojoba oil is safe for most babies. Its gentle properties make it ideal to use on delicate baby skin.
But again, it's best to do a patch test when using a new product on your little one. That way, you can ensure they're not allergic to it.
Harness The Incredible Benefits Of Jojoba Oil
There you have it, eight specific benefits of jojoba oil. And we've barely scratched the surface of all this product can do. From improving your skin health to helping you eliminate dandruff, jojoba oil is a multitasking powerhouse.
To get started, you can take advantage of the jojoba oil in Mustela’s Hydra Bébé Body Lotion and Hydra Bébé Facial Cream. You'll love the way it makes your skin feel!