Jojoba Carrier Oil (simmondsia chinenis)

Jojoba oil (pronounced ho-ho-ba) is good for all skin types and penetrates more easily that other carrier oils. Because it is rich in vitamin E it is excellent for massaging faces with sensitive or oily complexions. It also contains antibacterial properties, making it a useful oil for the treatment of acne. It is a natural liquid wax from the kernels of an evergreen desert plant and it has a chemical composition resembling the skin's sebum. Its waxy structure and anti-bacterial properties give it a long shelf life. Readily absorbed by the skin, it has a non-greasy sofeting effect and is especially suitable for the face. It is also good for thickening creams. Jojoba oil is stable and long lasting. Jojoba is also effective for dryness and dandruff and can be massaged on its own into the hair and scalp. The best choice to use as a perfume base because it is the least greasy of the carrier oils.

Benefits: Highly penetrative, jojoba makes a good moisturizer for all skin-types, including blemished and oily skin as it helps to unclog the pores.

How to use: May be used as a pre-wash hair conditioner, make-up remover, or daily moisturizer. With very little odour of its own, it makes a good carrier for other essential oils. It may also be diluled with a less expensivecarrier oil, such as grapeseed (e.g. 2tsp jojoba to 4tsp grapeseed).

Useful for: All skin types, including inflamed, red dry or older skins, eczema, psoriasis and acne.

The plant: The jojoba grows well in arid and semi-dry areas, grows naturally in desert regions of southern California, Arizona. It wil take up to 12 years for the tree to reach maturity and only begins to produce the seeds after five years. The tree will reach a height of 2-7 feet, it has blue-green leaves with a thick cuticle which limits water loss.The seeds are produced in the summer and look similar to coffee beans.

Therapeutic properties: Beneficial to all skin types, dry scalp, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn and chapped skin.

The oil: The jojoba oil is a golden coloured coloured oil with a long shelf life because the oil does not oxidize easily, has good thermal properties and does not become rancid. If left in a very cold place the oil may solidify, but will quickly liquefy at room temperature. Has a slight smell, pale to golden yellow to pale orange in colour. A waxy oil, with a long shelf life.

Extraction method: The seeds are crushed, yielding about 60% by weight of jojoba oil.

Latin name: Simmondsia sinensis.

Family: Buxaceae.

Odour: A very faint, slightly sweet smell.