El jojoba oil It's one of those natural treasures that's a hit in both cosmetics and personal care. If you've ever considered making your own oil at home, you've come to the right place. Here, we'll explain the entire process, from the benefits to step-by-step instructions on how to extract it and recommendations to help you get the most out of it. Nothing beats enjoying a natural product, free of chemical additives and with all its properties intact.
Nowadays, we value more and more the pure and unprocessed ingredientsJojoba oil, whether applied to your skin, used in your hair, or even included in your homemade cosmetics, is ideal for its composition and its effects on health. Extracting it at home will not only save you money, but also ensure you use a authentic quality product which preserves its active ingredients intact.
What is jojoba oil and what is it used for?
La jojoba plant (simmondsia chinensis) is native to the southwestern United States and grows as a robust shrub that can reach 1,2 to 1,5 meters in height. Its brown seeds are the raw material for obtaining this prized oil.
Interestingly, Jojoba oil is not really an oil in the traditional sense, but rather a liquid vegetable wax. This characteristic makes it unique, as its structure is very similar to human sebum. Upon application, it is easily absorbed, leaves no greasy feeling, and is compatible with all skin types, including oily and combination skin. Traditionally, Native Americans already used this substance as a healing ointment, as a cosmetic remedy and even as a natural lubricant..
During World War II, it was even used to lubricate engines and machinery. Over time, the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries adopted it due to its moisturizing, emollient and balancing properties for skin and hair.
Properties and benefits of jojoba oil
El jojoba oil It stands out for both its composition and its applications. We tell you the major:
- Deep and light moisturizer: It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which helps restore the skin barrier and maintain skin hydration. Does not clog pores and absorbs without leaving residue.
- Anti-wrinkle and antioxidant effect: Thanks to its content of vitamins E and B, and minerals such as zinc and copper, protects against premature aging and helps smooth wrinkles and expression lines.
- Fat regulator: Perfect for oily or acne-prone skin, as regulates sebum without altering the skin's natural balanceIt also soothes and repairs combination and dry skin.
- Anti-inflammatory and restorative: It contains myristic acid, which provides soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is very useful for skin with irritation, eczema, or psoriasis.
- Antibacterial and healing: Helps fight mild infections and promotes the regeneration of the dermis thanks to its essential fatty acids.
- Hair nutrient: It strengthens the hair follicle, adds shine, and combats problems such as flaking and dandruff.
- Cosmetic enricher: It is one of the favorite oils to add to creams, shampoos, conditioners, lipsticks, or even massage oils and handmade soaps.
- Use on cuticles and lips: It is very effective for moisturizing and protecting delicate areas such as lips or cuticles.
This multipurpose product It is suitable for virtually any personal care need.
Why make homemade jojoba oil?
El jojoba oil It tends to be an expensive product on the market, as the seed yield is not high: to obtain just 1 pound of oil, about 10 pounds of dried seeds are needed. Making it yourself, You are guaranteed fresh oil, without preservatives or added chemicals, and you can enjoy all its benefits without paying more.
Plus, making your own oil at home is much easier than it seems. All you need is clean seeds, a seed press (manual or electric), and a glass container to store it in. That's all it takes to enjoy pure jojoba oil.
Materials and tools needed for extraction
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. Here's what you need to extract jojoba oil at home:
- Jojoba seeds: They should be very ripe and dry. You can harvest them yourself if you have access to the plant, or purchase them from trusted herbalists.
- Seed press: There are manual and electric models. This is essential for separating the oil from the solid part of the seed.
- Glass container: The ideal material to preserve oil and protect it from oxidation.
- Clean cloth or fabric filter: To purify the oil and eliminate any residue that may remain from the extraction.
If you want your oil to be even higher quality, store the seeds in a dry place before processing, and make sure everything you use is perfectly clean.
Step by Step: How to Make Jojoba Oil at Home
- Collecting and drying seeds: Select brown, ripe seeds. Once collected, let them dry in a well-ventilated area for a couple of weeks. This also helps increase oil yield.
- Removing the shells: Remove the outer shell from the seeds. The important thing is to keep only the inside.
- Cold pressed: Place the hulled seeds into the press. Turn or operate the mechanism until you see the oil coming out. This process may take a few minutes.
- Oil filtration: Once the oil is collected, wipe it with a clean cloth to remove any solids and obtain a clear liquid.
- Storage: Store the filtered jojoba oil in a tightly sealed glass jar, protected from light. This way, it will retain its properties for months.
Extra tip: If you want a even higher qualityYou can perform a second filtering and choose organic seeds. Avoid using plastic or metal utensils, which could affect the flavor or composition.
How to use jojoba oil?
uses of jojoba oil They're almost endless. Here are several ideas to help you take full advantage of their potential:
- Facial and body moisturizer: Apply it directly as a serum, post-shower oil, or mixed into your cream.
- Hair treatment: Use it as a pre-shampoo mask or add a few drops to your shampoo for a healthy scalp and shiny hair.
- Shaving oil: It facilitates the glide of the blade and leaves the skin soothed.
- Lip and cuticle care: It is perfect for keeping these delicate areas hydrated.
- Combats acne and irritation: Its regulating action makes it ideal for skin prone to pimples or inflammation.
- Base for natural exfoliants: Combine it with sugar or salt to make a gentle but effective homemade scrub.
Homemade recipes with jojoba oil
We'll leave you with two practical recipes that you can prepare at home and that take advantage of the virtues of this oil:
Moisturizing hair mask
- 15 grams of jojoba oil
- 10 grams of coconut oil
- 5 grams of organic honey
- 2 or 3 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, apply to your scalp and dry hair, leave on for 20 to 30 minutes, and then wash out with a mild shampoo. This mask is ideal for dry and damaged hair.
Non-greasy facial serum
- 10 grams of jojoba oil
- 5 grams of rosehip oil
- 1 drop of tea tree essential oil (for problem skin) or XNUMX drop of geranium essential oil (for mature or dry skin)
Mix well and apply a few drops to clean skin at night. It helps regenerate, balance, and keep skin supple and radiant.
Jojoba oil in natural cosmetics
One of the great strengths of the jojoba oil is its versatility in cosmetic formulasIt's commonly found in sunscreens, moisturizers, solid shampoos, conditioners, facial creams, handmade soaps, lip balms, and anti-aging products. Adding it to these formulas improves hydration, elasticity and protection against irritations and external aggressions..
On handmade soap, jojoba oil helps make the bar creamier, nourishes intensely and provides soothing properties. In the case of solid shampoosIt's a perfect option for those looking for sulfate-free formulas, with ingredients that are gentle on the scalp and provide shine and strength to the hair. It's also an excellent ally for protecting the environment, as its production and use in natural cosmetics reduces the use of synthetic compounds and plastics.
Are there any drawbacks to using jojoba oil?
In general, the jojoba oil It is safe for most people, even children and those with very sensitive skin. However, as with any natural product, it is recommended to test a small amount on your wrist first and wait a few hours in case of an allergic reaction. It is also important not to ingest it, as its composition is suitable for external use only.
Its durability is another of its strong points: It resists oxidation very well and can be preserved for years. If stored properly, it's an unbeatable ingredient in any natural personal care routine.
El jojoba oil It's an essential ally in natural cosmetics. If you opt for homemade production, you'll obtain a pure, versatile, and highly effective product for skin and hair care. By following the proper process and storing it correctly, you'll always have a star ingredient on hand to pamper yourself and enrich your beauty and wellness routines.