THE JOJOBA AND ITS PROPERTIES

Jojoba is a large, round, long-lived dioecious shrub (it lives up to 200 years). Native to Arizona and California, this plant was also known by the Aztecs who used it as food, and for the treatment of diseases and skin wounds. It grows in many semi-arid regions of the world, where there is a sufficiently high temperature; Europe, Asia, Australia, Japan, North and South America. It lives in rocky or sandy soil, does not need fertilizers and, if it were not enough, it requires little water. It adapts to the extreme conditions thanks to a very developed and deep roots, and to the waxy layer of its leaves (part used in the elaboration of jojoba oil).

Generally the most used part is the seeds, in particular, the cotyledons, that are harvested when they are ripe, at the end of the summer. The main content of the cotyledons is what produces the so-called liquid jojoba oil. In addition they also contain proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, and a cyanogenic glucoside, simmondsine. The oil is very fluid, stable, non-flammable and resistant to oxidation. It can polymerize in the light and should be stored in dark glass bottles or cans (such as olive oil).

Medicinal Jojoba Plant

Main Uses of Jojoba Oil and Wax

Jojoba oil is used in the therapeutic field for the preparation of dermo-pharmaceutical emulsions, with protective, nutritive, soothing and softening properties. In particular, the sulfur oil is used to treat oily skin and acne.

Its main production sector is cosmetic and dermatological. Jojoba oil protects and lubricates the skin and hair and is often used to prevent aging of the skin and the appearance of wrinkles. The particular nature of the lipid components of jojoba oil allows a greater penetration and epidermal absorption, which gives a protective action against the sun.

Jojoba oil

The yellowish coloration of jojoba oil is determined by the presence of flavonoids and other compounds known as tocopherols and tocotrienols, which together constitute vitamin E. These components are the basis of the particular chemical properties of jojoba wax, which consist of a greater fluidity, stability, flammability and resistance to oxidation (thanks to the presence of tocopherols). In addition, the antioxidant and protective properties make wax an appropriate ingredient for the production of sun protection products. Jojoba wax, which is also attributed to an antibacterial activity, is also used in products for the scalp and hair.

Jojoba oil and liquid wax, besides being used in cosmetics, have a variety of industrial uses: to make paints, detergents, resins and plastics, and can be a substitute for whale fat used as lubricant for motor precision.