Jojoba (pronounced ‘hohoba’) is remarkably stable and has extremely good keeping qualities, making it an excellent addition to many essential oil recipes. Jojoba is widely regarded as the best base oil for aromatherapy perfumes thanks to its impressive shelf life and only a faint, neutral odour that won’t compete with your chosen essential oils.
This remarkable plant comes from an evergreen desert shrub native to South America, and the wax is extracted from the beans of the plant. It’s a surprisingly eco-friendly crop — planting jojoba helps save arid land from becoming barren desert. Today there are over 40,000 acres of plantations across the United States, supporting sustainable farming in regions where few other crops thrive.
Despite being commonly called an oil, jojoba is actually a liquid wax. Its chemical structure closely resembles our skin’s own sebum, which is what makes it so effective. When massaged into the skin it combines with our natural sebum and acts as a gentle emulsifier, freeing embedded grime and softly unclogging pores without stripping moisture.
This unique quality makes jojoba an excellent moisturiser for virtually all skin types. Even those with severe acne can benefit, as it helps balance oil production rather than aggravate it. It’s also a wonderful choice for dry skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, and works beautifully as a scalp treatment for dryness and flaking.
Beyond skincare, people suffering from rheumatism and arthritis may find jojoba helpful thanks to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. It absorbs easily, carries essential oils deep into the tissue, and leaves the skin feeling nourished rather than greasy.
Check the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Suppliers page if you need more information on where to purchase good quality jojoba.