Ingredient Spotlight: Jojoba

What is Jojoba?

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinesis), also commonly called goat nut or deer nut, is a perennial woody shrub native to the Sonoran Desert of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. Jojoba plants can grow up to 18 feet tall and are highly drought tolerant as they are able to grow in regions with as little as 3 inches of annual rainfall. The oil produced by jojoba seeds has been used for medicinal purposes by Indigenous peoples of the Sonoran Desert, including the O'odham peoples, for centuries.

What are Jojoba Beads?

Jojoba beads are small natural biodegradable beads produced from jojoba oil, which are included in many face scrubs. Jojoba beads are both the most skin-friendly and the most environmentally friendly form of physical exfoliants on the market.

What are the Benefits of Jojoba Oil for Skin and Hair?

Jojoba oil is rich in vitamins A, E, and D as well as antioxidants and fatty acids, which means it is excellent for nourishing and protecting skin, hair, and lips. Jojoba oil is also naturally antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal and it can be used on any skin type. Jojoba oil is actually liquid wax extracted from the seeds of the plant, and its consistency is similar to that of the skin’s naturally produced oils, which allows jojoba oil to reach deep into the skin’s layers providing thorough nourishment.

Jojoba beads are small spherical beads made by hardening the wax of the jojoba oil. They are the most skin friendly form of physical exfoliants, and they are completely biodegradable. Their spherical shape means they will not leave micro-lacerations on skin like some other forms of physical exfoliants do, meaning they will never scratch or damage your skin. Additionally, unlike plastic microbeads which do not disintegrate and make their way into natural water sources, damaging ecosystems - jojoba beads are entirely biodegradable.

To Exfoliate or Not to Exfoliate?

Many people steer clear of physical exfoliants for fear of damaging their skin through micro-lacerations. But biodegradable jojoba beads are an excellent and gentle physical exfoliant which work especially well in summer, to slough off sweat and sunscreen.