February 3, 2025

by Sarah Villafranco, MD

Let’s clarify something important right from the start: the correct pronunciation is ho-HO-buh, not joe-joe-buh. It’s essential that we’re all aligned on this detail before we delve into the fascinating world of this exquisite, natural oil! We incorporate Jojoba oil into a variety of our natural skincare products because of its luxurious texture, its remarkable ability to soften the skin, and its stunning golden hue. In fact, if I were faced with the hypothetical choice of only using one oil on my skin for eternity (which I sincerely hope never happens!), I would likely choose jojoba oil without hesitation.

Discover the Unique Characteristics of Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is technically classified as a liquid wax—more on this classification later. Throughout this article, I will refer to it as both oil and wax for clarity. This remarkable oil is derived from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis shrub, which thrives in the Sonoran Desert across regions of California, Arizona, and Mexico. The plant takes around four to five years to reach full maturity, growing to heights of 7 to 10 feet, and can live for several decades. The female jojoba plants produce pods containing seeds rich in oil. Each seed, comparable in size to a large coffee bean, consists of approximately 50% oil, which can be extracted using various methods such as hydraulic pressing, solvent extraction, or a combination of both. (Our jojoba oil is certified organic, cold-pressed, filtered but unrefined, ensuring it is free from solvents.)

Interestingly, jojoba oil is classified as a liquid wax, and here’s a fascinating tidbit: its discovery played a part in preventing the extinction of the sperm whale (yes, Moby Dick!). This may seem like a tangent, but bear with me as it’s quite a compelling story! Sperm whale oil, rich in wax esters, was historically a crucial ingredient in transmission fluid, valued for its longevity and resistance to heat; it maintained its lubricating qualities even under extreme temperatures, making it indispensable in various mechanical applications. Thankfully, the Endangered Species Act passed in 1972 made it illegal to hunt sperm whales for their oil, which helped preserve these magnificent creatures. However, this legislation complicated matters for the automotive industry, as alternatives failed to withstand the demanding conditions within transmissions. Consequently, the frequency of transmission failures surged eight-fold in the subsequent years due to the diminishing availability of sperm whale oil.

Enter what was known as “The Jojoba,” as highlighted in a 1975 New York Times article, which illustrated how the unique chemical composition of jojoba oil closely mirrored that of sperm whale oil. Although the costs associated with production and harvesting were prohibitively high for large-scale operations at that time, jojoba oil played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the reliance on sperm whale oil and the advent of synthetic lubricants in the early 1990s. Presently, most automotive transmissions utilize synthetic lubricants, while the majority of global jojoba oil production is directed towards the personal care and medical industries.

Extraction Process of Jojoba Oil: How It’s Done

Traditionally, indigenous peoples ground the seeds or roasted them to extract and utilize the oil. In contemporary practices, jojoba seeds are placed in large drums and subjected to hydraulic pressure to extract the oil, which is then collected in containers. The crushed seeds are typically pressed a second time to maximize the yield from each batch. Following extraction, the oil may be filtered to eliminate any remaining small particles, allowing it to be used in its unrefined state, which is the method we employ in our products. Some suppliers may resort to using solvents or heat in an attempt to extract additional oil from the seeds, but the yield diminishes significantly after the second pressing, presenting risks of solvent contamination and compromising the integrity of the oil’s structure.

Explore the Remarkable Benefits of Jojoba Oil for Sensitive Skin

Indigenous communities in the Sonoran region have long recognized the therapeutic properties of jojoba oil for skin and hair care, as well as for medicinal applications such as healing wounds and treating infections. Due to its high concentration of wax esters, jojoba oil remains on the outermost layers of the skin, effectively helping to restore the skin’s barrier function, which is often compromised in individuals with sensitive skin. Since wax esters are also naturally found in sebum, the oil may feel less foreign to sensitive skin and is less likely to clog pores or induce breakouts compared to other oils. Moreover, jojoba oil exhibits substantial anti-inflammatory properties, making it especially beneficial for sensitive skin prone to inflammation. It is also abundant in vitamins A, D, and E, while its resistance to oxidation provides it with an extended shelf life.

The key benefits of incorporating jojoba oil into your skincare routine for sensitive skin are as follows: