What is jojoba oil?
This base oil has its roots in Native American culture, but the secret to its success lies in the fact that it's not technically an oil. That's right, while coconut oil, almond oil, avocado oil, olive oil, and grape seed oil are all beneficial in their own right, when it comes to skin benefits, jojoba takes the cake.
But what is all this praise for?
This product has been the basis of medicinal ointments for centuries, and today we fully understand why, and it shows us that our relationship with this seed is miraculous.
As I mentioned earlier, jojoba oil isn't oil, at least not in a molecular sense. While coconut, almond, and olive oil contain a high level of triglycerides (chains of fat molecules), jojoba contains something called wax esters, a combination of an acid and alcohol. On the one hand, this makes jojoba oil indigestible, but it also makes it a dermal delicacy.
The ideal thing about using pure, natural products is that they allow the body to absorb and benefit from all the benefits. The body knows when something is natural. This is the pure magic of jojoba oil: its molecular structure, the way it's constructed according to nature's rules, is so similar to the sebum on our own skin that it doesn't notice the difference when applied. For dry skin, this is a lifesaver, as the body accepts jojoba as if it were part of its own body.
Once inside, this nut's nutrient package cleanses, purifies, and nourishes the skin. Containing copper, zinc, and vitamins A and E, an antioxidant power emerges that keeps the skin rejuvenated, its cells perpetually in a state of purification and healthy replication. And with Omega 6 and vitamins C and B, the hydration of the dermis along with protection from viruses and bacteria make it an essential cure for people suffering from acne, psoriasis, dermatitis, or simply dry skin. Furthermore, its composition as a wax ester also allows it to form a protective layer once applied; its protective capabilities act as a hypoallergenic shield against harmful agents for our body.
Whether to alleviate specific problems or for everyday use to prevent them, there is no reason not to take advantage of this miraculous fruit.
It seems as if this plant was created exclusively to be the perfect skin medicine. Native Americans made sure to seal our destiny with it, and today, we can only marvel at jojoba's elemental properties. Paired with lavender, peppermint, avocado, or argan butter oils, the variety of uses it can be given is magnified in exorbitant ways. In a good portion of our recipes, you can be sure that jojoba oil will accompany us, hand in hand as the sacred elixir, a gift from our Mother Earth.