Jojoba Oil Is Incredible for Your Skin and Hair—Here’s Why – GQ

Jojoba oil can be counterintuitive. Many guys are oil-averse with their skin and hair products. They’re already dealing with oily skin, so why lather on more? Not to mention, why would anyone want shiny, oily hair—isn’t our hair care regimen designed to avoid that?

These guys aren’t entirely wrong. But there are many different types of oils out there, and a handful of them are practically imperative to a good grooming regimen, for hair and skin alike. These are the carrier oils, the most common of which are argan oil and jojoba oil.

We’ve already ranted a bit about how much we love argan oil, and today it’s jojoba’s turn in the spotlight, because when it comes to managing oil in your hair and skin, sometimes it pays to steer into the skid. 

What is Jojoba Oil?

Jojoba oil (pronounced ho-HO-buh) is a nutrient-rich oil made by cold-pressing the seeds of the desert-dwelling shrub S. chinensis. The ingredient’s molecular structure does allow it to create a surface-level seal over skin and hair, which helps prevent moisture loss and block environmental threats like pollution and seasonal dryness.  It so closely resembles the natural sebum produced by our skin that when applied to freshly cleansed skin, it signals to the pores that they can reduce sebum production, in turn preventing a buildup of glossy oil.

Jojoba oil is rich in vitamin E and B, various minerals, as well as Omegas 3 and 6, all of which give the ingredient its ultra nourishing, anti-aging properties. Jojoba oil also has antimicrobial abilities. It’s not as strong as other oils (like tea tree) in this way, but every little bit helps. 

What Do Carrier Oils Do?

Carrier oils help carry other types of oils to their destination (essential oils, like antimicrobial tea tree oil, are rather runny and uncooperative on their own; they need a carrier oil to help distribute themselves). But besides assisting other oils, carrier oils often stand alone (or together with one another) to add their own nourishment to your regimen. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.That’s why you’ll see them in so many products. 

Will Jojoba Oil Clog My Pores?

Most carrier oils have what’s called a low comedogenic rating, too. The comedogenic scale ranks oils and butters for their proneness to clogging pores. Argan has a 0, for example, while jojoba has a 2, which is still extremely low and unlikely to cause issues. 

Jojoba oil absorbs relatively quickly, and depending on the other ingredients in their recipe, it tends to leave a healthy “glow” in its wake—as opposed to a shiny, glossy film.

The Best Jojoba Oil Skin Care Products 

Because of its high concentration of vitamin E, jojoba oil is extremely effective at nourishing skin and preventing the onset of aging signs (like fine lines, wrinkles, rough texture, and loss of firmness). Because vitamin E is a potent antioxidant, it counters the toxins that cause many of these problems in the first place. This high vitamin E quantity also speeds up wound healing and can minimize the appearance of scars, while also soothing skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, and even sunburns.

The Best Moisturizer with Jojoba Oil 

Along with hydrating hyaluronic acid and stimulating green tea extract, this jojoba-powered moisturizer keeps skin buoyant, soft, and alert.

The Best Face Wash with Jojoba Oil  

Along with olive and grapeseed oils, jojoba supports tea tree in this formula to help extract impurities from the pores while simultaneously preserving moisture levels. 

The Best Serum With Jojoba Oil 

Jojoba, argan, and evening primrose oil deliver a powerful, moisturizing and rejuvenating boost to your skin. Wear it overnight for some glow come morning.

The Best Body Lotion with Jojoba Oil 

Jojoba teams up with shea butter, ceramides, and peptides for an all-over firmness, resilience, and softness.

The Best Jojoba Oil For Your Hair

It’s common to find jojoba oil in your shampoo and conditioner, thanks to its ability to strengthen and moisturize the hair, while also delivering additional ingredients to the shaft, strand, scalp, and follicles (there is the oil’s carrier function at work). Jojoba oil can prevent breakage, improve healthy shine, soothe the scalp, prevent dandruff, and nourish hair growth at the follicle. Many hair oils (for styling or heat protection) may contain the ingredient as well, for its ability to deliver on all of these promises.

The Best Hair Treatment with Jojoba Oil 

A resuscitating remedy for oft-dry or -damaged, low-porosity hair. (And the scalp from which they sprout.)

The Best Shampoo with Jojoba Oil 

A terrific cleanser for anyone growing their hair out; the jojoba here is the right partner for that slow and steady long game. 

The Best Conditioner With Jojoba Oil 

Moringa and jojoba work to strengthen, detangle, and lift the most fragile, susceptible strains. Still, it’s a terrific pick for all hair types.

The Best Jojoba Beard Oil 

Jojoba and argan combine to soften and condition the most bristling hairs, as well as the skin beneath skin.

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