Jojoba: the oil that's really a wax (and why that's brilliant)
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Jojoba is one of those ingredients I could talk about all day. It looks and behaves like an oil, but it's actually a liquid wax — and that little quirk is exactly what makes it so special.
Why the wax part matters
Jojoba is remarkably close in structure to sebum, the oil our own skin makes. Because your skin recognises it, it absorbs cleanly and doesn't sit heavy or greasy. For oily and blemish-prone skin that's often nervous of oils, jojoba is a gorgeous place to start — it can actually help balance things rather than clog.
What it does for your skin
It's beautifully moisturising without being rich, it's non-comedogenic, and it's naturally stable — jojoba doesn't go rancid the way many oils eventually do, so it also helps extend the life of the oils you blend it with. It softens, conditions and gives a lovely, non-shiny finish.
How to use it
- As a lightweight facial oil, alone or blended
- In serums, balms and lotions (any amount you like)
- As a cleansing oil, even for oilier skin
- In hair and beard oils for shine without grease
I cold-press mine and it's one of my desert-island ingredients. If you only buy two oils to begin with, make it sweet almond and jojoba.
Steph x