Discover Jojoba Oil: Properties and Contraindications

Do you use jojoba oil? If so, you must already know some of the benefits of this product, although you may not yet know all its properties and benefits. Not in vain, it is a highly appreciated ingredient used in natural cosmetic products. If you haven't tried it yet, we invite you to discover a true liquid gold, ideal for all skin and hair types. Discover jojoba oil, its properties and contraindications, and how to integrate it into your beauty routines!

What is jojoba oil?

Jojoba oil is a natural product extracted from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis shrub, native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

This oil was already used by the Aztecs in pre-Columbian times, who knew its virtues to soothe skin irritations and moisturize skin and hair. Yes, jojoba oil and its properties were already known in the 15th century.

How is this product obtained?

Jojoba oil is extracted using a cold-pressing technique that preserves all its properties. For this reason, jojoba oil is one of the most appreciated oils in the elaboration of many cosmetics such as massage oils, face and body moisturizers, make-up remover lotions, hair conditioners or after shave creams.

The jojoba oil extraction process is as follows:

    • Harvesting the seeds: jojoba seeds are carefully collected to start the extraction process.

    • Cleaning and drying: once harvested, the seeds are cleaned to remove impurities and then dried to prepare them for pressing.

    • Cold pressing: this is the crucial step where the oil is extracted. The cold pressing technique is used, keeping the temperature low to preserve the nutritional properties of the oil.

    • Filtration: after pressing, the oil is filtered to remove solids and other impurities, ensuring a pure product.

    • Storage: the filtered oil is stored in optimal conditions to preserve its quality until use or sale.

This meticulous extraction process ensures that the jojoba oil retains all its properties.

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Jojoba oil composition

The composition of jojoba oil is unique and diverse, making it a highly valued ingredient in cosmetics and skin care. Although we refer to this product as an oil, it is actually a fluid wax similar to the oil in our skin.

Its main components are:

    • Ceramides. They make up approximately 97% of its composition. These molecules, formed by the union of a fatty acid and a fatty alcohol, are responsible for the texture and emollient properties of the oil. The most prevalent fatty acids in jojoba oil include eicosenoic acid (71%), which gives the oil stability and resistance to oxidation, docosenoic acid (20%) and oleic acid (13%), known for its moisturizing and regenerative properties.

    • Vitamin E. It has antioxidant and protective action against free radicals that accelerate skin aging. It repairs cell membranes and acts in the cell renewal process improving skin tone and texture.

    • Other vitamins. In addition to vitamin E, jojoba oil provides a spectrum of essential vitamins such as vitamin A, important for skin repair and maintenance, vitamins B1, B2 and B6, which play a crucial role in cell metabolism and skin health.

    • Minerals. Jojoba oil is a source of minerals essential for skin function and structure, such as chromium, copper, iron, iodine (vital for collagen synthesis), magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium (which aids in skin hydration and barrier function) and zinc (essential for skin repair and control of sebum production).

These components work synergistically to nourish, protect and repair the skin. Its lipid profile similar to human sebum makes jojoba oil extraordinarily compatible with the skin, allowing deep absorption without clogging pores or causing acne.

Jojoba oil: properties and contraindications

Jojoba oil many benefits for the skin, but also contraindications. Let's take a look at them.

Benefits and properties of jojoba oil

Jojoba oil has a number of properties and benefits for skin and hair for which it is worth trying. We detail them below:

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    • It brings firmness and elasticity to the skin. Its richness in essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid and vitamin E contribute to the synthesis of collagen and, therefore, to keep the skin firm and elastic.

    • Protects and softens the skin. Its composition helps to preserve the skin's natural moisture, giving it a silky texture. Thanks to its richness in vitamin E, it helps to attenuate stretch marks and scars and prevents skin oxidation by neutralizing free radicals. Include it in your facial beauty routine in summer and protect your skin from the effects of the sun and other factors typical of this season.

    • Suitable for all skin types. Another benefit of jojoba oil is that it is effective on oily and acne-prone skin as well as on dry skin thanks to its moisturizing power. Its sebum-regulating efficacy provides just the right amount of hydration without clogging pores; it regulates water loss, repairing the skin barrier and providing smoothness. Its antiseptic and astringent properties prevent and fight skin infections.

    • It has a soothing action that relieves eczema and psoriasis by reducing scaling and itching. By preserving skin moisture and preventing dryness and flaking, it is a common ingredient in sunscreen products.

    • It strengthens and nourishes the hair. Jojoba oil is a natural conditioner for hair, making it shiny and soft and nourishing it from the roots without clogging the follicles. It is important to protect your hair by adopting year-round hair care habits, especially in summer, when it is most damaged.

Help yourself with a product like Silicium G7 Beauty, a food supplement based on organic silicon, which gives the hair consistency and protects it against oxidative damage.

    • It balances sebum production due to its ability to regulate its secretion and prevent it from being deposited in the hair follicles and clogging them, which also helps prevent hair loss when it is due to excess oil.

    • Combats dermatitis and psoriasis of the scalp. As in the skin, the hair also benefits from the antibacterial and antifungal properties of jojoba oil.

Contraindications of jojoba oil

We have seen that jojoba oil has numerous benefits for skin and hair. However, as with any product, there are some contraindications and precautions to consider:

    • Allergies. Although rare, some people may be allergic to the components of jojoba oil. It is important to perform a patch test on a small area of skin before using it extensively.

    • Overuse. Excessive use of any oil, including jojoba oil, can lead to skin imbalance, causing problems such as pore occlusion or excessive sebum production in people with oily skin.

    • Product quality. Using low quality or adulterated jojoba oil can cause irritation or adverse reactions. It is always advisable to purchase pure, cold-pressed jojoba oil from a reputable supplier.

    • Interactions. No significant interactions of jojoba oil with medications or topical treatments have been reported. In any case, if under active dermatological treatment, it is prudent to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating jojoba oil into your skin care routine.

    • Pregnancy and lactation. There is no evidence that jojoba oil is harmful during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, as a precaution, pregnant or nursing women should consult their physician before use.

Despite these contraindications, jojoba oil remains a safe and beneficial option for most people. Its ability to mimic the skin's natural sebum makes it an exceptional moisturizer and a versatile ingredient for personal care.

Jojoba oil: a natural treasure for your skin and hair

Every golden drop of jojoba oil, thanks to its properties, is a jewel for your skin and hair. Its pleasant, non-sticky texture and pleasant scent make it easy to use.

To enhance the benefits of jojoba oil and its properties, we recommend the firming pack consisting of two products: Silicium G7 Anti-Âge Serum & Essential Elixir. Its composition is based on organic silicon, a fundamental element in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which regenerates the skin and reduces the depth of wrinkles.

Include this combination in your beauty habits and enjoy all its benefits. You will notice the difference!



Dra. Maria del Mar Sabaté Martínez
Written by Dra. Maria del Mar Sabaté Martínez

PhD URV 2006, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia Tesis: Estudi fisiopatològic de l'acció d'anticossos IgM anti-GM2 d'un pacient sobre la unió neuromuscular Afiliación actual: URV, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques

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