Why Jojoba Oil Should Be Part Of Your Beauty Routine

In the sea of oils on the marketed as miracles for skin and hair, one stands out above the rest, and that's jojoba oil. You might recognize it as a moisturizing ingredient in certain skin or hair care products, however jojoba oil is much more than just a moisturizer. In fact, it can be used as just about anything, from a makeup remover to a foot softener, lip balm, cuticle oil, and even for sunburn relief (via Good Housekeeping).

Despite its name, jojoba oil is actually a wax that comes from the seed of the simmondsia chinensis plant, and it's known for its long shelf life and resistance to high temperatures. However, what makes it so beneficial to beauty routines is its ability to act just like the oils your skin naturally produces. Out of all the compounds discovered in nature, jojoba oil is structurally and chemically most similar to human sebum. This makes it ideal for balancing skin that produces too much or too little oil and adding shine and hydration to dry hair, split ends, or a scalp full of dandruff. Its chemical makeup also helps promote the absorption of the more targeted ingredients in your skincare routine, since the skin absorbs the jojoba so well that it carries the products you applied underneath with it (via Byrdie). It's even been known to help improve skin conditions like acne and psoriasis, but the benefits don't end there (via Healthline).

Beyond its excellent moisturizing properties, jojoba has plenty of other accolades. For one thing, it's an antioxidant rich in Vitamin E, meaning it can help reduce the effects of pollutants and other toxins on the skin (via Healthline). Not only that, but this super-oil is also antibacterial, making it ideal for hydrating nail beds and softening cuticles while protecting against potential infections. It's even hypoallergenic for those with very sensitive skin, however it's still a good idea to do a patch test on the inside of your arm before you start introducing jojoba oil to all areas of your beauty routine. 

And, just when you thought it couldn't do any more, jojoba oil also provides some defense against the sun's harsh UVB rays (though not enough to warrant skipping sunscreen), helps restore a compromised skin barrier, and can even prevent an oncoming cold sore (via Women's Health). What more could you possibly want? A low price tag? Jojoba oil offers that too: You can pick up a bottle for between $8-$16 from Amazon, or your local health food store.