Here at Tazeka, we love jojoba! It’s hands-down one of the best moisturizers for skin, and one of the best carriers for essential oils. We use it as a base in our aromatherapy blends.

But despite its popularity, there are a lot of misconceptions about jojoba. Time to clear those up, and explain just what it is about jojoba that’s earned it the top spot among our favorite carrier oils.

Oil or wax?

First of all, jojoba isn’t technically an oil. Jojoba is a liquid wax. If you store it in the refrigerator, you’ll see it harden. Don’t worry—it’ll liquefy again once it warms up.

What’s the difference between an oil and a wax?

Jojoba and your skin

Your skin contains sebaceous glands along with hair follicles—glands which produce oil that keeps your skin and hair moisturized. This oil is called “sebum.” Sebum contains wax esters, among other components. (Jojoba also contains wax esters, remember?)

The molecular structure of jojoba wax resembles sebum very closely. So when you smooth jojoba over your skin, your skin knows just what to do with it. Jojoba wax is more readily absorbed into your skin than beeswax, but it does provide a protective layer against the elements.

As you get older, your skin can produce less sebum. It can also be affected by the climate, like dry weather, too much sun, and exposure to cold and strong winds. Using jojoba is a great way to keep your skin happy with a substance it recognizes.

Jojoba and essential oils

Remember that jojoba never goes rancid? This is thanks to its stable molecular structure. This stability is very helpful when it comes to blending with essential oils. It can help get the maximum shelf lives out of the oils. Also, because jojoba is unscented, it allows the true scents of essential oils to shine through.

As jojoba is absorbed into your skin, the essential oils blended into it are absorbed too.

Do you use jojoba wax as a body product, or maybe for your hair? Share your favorite ways to use it below!

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