Let's Go Natural

Jojoba Oil

Botanical name (INCI): Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Plant part & extraction: Cold-pressed liquid wax from the seeds (unrefined “golden” or refined)
Primary use category: Cosmetic/topical traditional oil (external use)
Origin: Native to the Sonoran Desert (Mexico/USA); widely cultivated in arid regions (incl. Southern Africa)

Health & Skin Benefits — Summary

Traditionally used as an ultra-stable, lightweight emollient that mimics the skin’s natural sebum. Jojoba helps soften and condition dry or irritated skin, supports the skin barrier, and reduces transepidermal water loss. It absorbs easily without leaving a heavy residue, making it suitable for most skin types—including oily/combination—while helping balance the appearance of shine. On hair and scalp it conditions, adds slip and sheen, and helps reduce breakage and dryness. Its oxidative stability makes it an excellent carrier oil for essential oils and for herb-infused oils.

Detailed Benefits

Skin

  • Emollient: softens, smooths, and conditions dry/rough skin.
  • Barrier support: helps reduce moisture loss and improves the feel of skin elasticity.
  • Balanced feel for oily/combination skin: lightweight, non-greasy skin finish.
  • After-sun & wind exposure: soothing, calming skin feel.
  • Gentle makeup remover/cleansing oil (does not sting when used correctly).
  • Suitable as a base for lip, hand, and body balms.

Hair & Scalp

  • Conditions dry lengths and split ends; improves slip and combability.
  • Scalp comfort: helps reduce the feeling of dryness/tightness and visible flaking.
  • Adds natural-looking sheen without heaviness; tames frizz/flyaways.

Nails

  • Softens cuticles; supports the appearance of stronger, less brittle nails.

Formulation/Carrier

  • Excellent carrier for essential oils (stable, long shelf life).
  • Ideal solvent for oil-infusions of herbs (e.g., calendula, chamomile, lavender) for gentle skincare.

Herbal Energetics (topical)

  • Temperature/quality: neutral to slightly cooling; emollient, protective.
  • Tissue state affinity: dry, rough, heat-irritated, wind-exposed skin; dry/scaly scalp.
  • Actions (topical): emollient, conditioning, barrier-supportive, soothing.

How to Use

Face (daily moisturiser): 2–4 drops onto slightly damp skin; press in.
Oil cleanser/makeup remover: Massage ½–1 tsp over dry face; emulsify with a warm, damp cloth and wipe.
Body oil: Apply after bathing to damp skin.
Scalp massage: ½–1 tsp; massage into scalp 5–10 min; leave 30–60 min; shampoo out.
Hair serum: 1–3 drops to mid-lengths/ends on damp or dry hair.
Cuticle/nails: 1 drop per hand; massage nightly.
Carrier for essential oils:

  • Adults: 1–3% EO dilution (≈ 1–3 drops EO per 5 ml oil) for general skin; up to 5% for small, short-term body areas.
  • Children (2–12 yrs), pregnancy, sensitive skin: 0.25–0.5% dilution unless otherwise directed by a professional.
    Patch test: Apply a small amount inside elbow or behind ear for 24 h before first use.

Quality, Storage & Shelf Life

  • Prefer cold-pressed, unrefined (“golden”) for richest profile; refined for very sensitive skins needing low scent/colour.
  • Naturally high in wax esters; excellent oxidative stability.
  • Store tightly closed, away from heat/sun. Shelf life: typically 24–36 months unopened; 12–18 months after opening.

Cautions

  • External use only. Keep out of eyes.
  • Discontinue if irritation occurs.
  • Very low allergenicity; perform a patch test on highly reactive skin.
  • For essential-oil blends, follow age-appropriate dilutions and professional guidance.