Jojoba oil is a liquid wax extracted from the seed of the Simmondsia chinensis plant, a shrub native to southern Arizona, southern California, and northwestern Mexico. The oil makes up approximately 50% of the jojoba seed by weight and is composed almost entirely (~97%) of mono-esters of long-chain fatty acids (wax ester) and alcohols (isopropyl jojobate), accompanied by only a tiny fraction of triglyceride esters. This composition accounts for its extreme shelf-life stability and extraordinary resistance to high temperatures, compared with true vegetable oils.
Jojoba oil is used in medicine and cosmetics. It is applied directly to the skin for acne, psoriasis, sunburn, and chapped skin. It is also used topically to encourage the regrowth of hair in people who are balding. In manufacturing, jojoba is used as an ingredient in shampoo, lipstick, makeup, cleansing products, and in face, hand, and body lotions. Jojoba oil is made up of vitamin E, vitamin B complex, copper, and zinc, and has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It can also help soothe a sunburn and double as a makeup remover or cuticle oil.
