You may have seen it on the back of your skincare products or listed on your favourite beauty retailer’s website, but how much do you know about jojoba oil?

Found in the jojoba plant, this ingredient has a long list of skincare benefits, from nourishing very dry skin to easing the effects of eczema. It also protects the skin against the damaging effects of environmental aggressors, leaving it brighter and healthier. Here, Dr Paul Nassif, plastic surgeon, skin specialist and founder of NassifMD Medical Spa, runs through everything you need to know – and we’ve even listed the best jojoba oil products to buy, including cleansers, face oils and moisturisers.

What is jojoba oil?

“Jojoba oil is a natural oil extracted from the seed of the jojoba plant. Despite its name, jojoba oil is actually a wax ester which has very similar properties to our skin’s own sebum (an oil that protects our skin’s barrier function),” Dr Nassif explains.

“Unlike many other oils, jojoba oil is able to penetrate the skin to a deeper layer, getting beneath the outer layer of skin – by doing this, its powerful antioxidants are able to get to work to keep skin healthy.”

What are the benefits of jojoba oil in skincare? 

 “Jojoba oil is a rich source of antioxidants, including vitamins A, E and D and fatty acids. It’s also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It protects against environmental factors such as pollution and toxins and can also help heal irritated skin, including eczema and psoriasis,” added Dr Nassif.

“One thing I love about jojoba oil in skincare is its ability to enhance the absorption of active ingredients such as retinol and salicylic acid; when used with these actives, jojoba oil can work as a transport agent, helping drive them down into the deeper layers of skin,” he continued.

“Also, because of its similarities to our skin’s natural oil, it can also help control the overproduction of oil by stabilising it, which can help with breakouts and minimise pores and blackheads.”

Are there any skin types that are best suited to jojoba oil?

“[Jojoba oil] is suitable for all skin types, but those with dry skin or conditions such as eczema and psoriasis would benefit from using it daily.”

“You can benefit from jojoba by using it as a cleanser, moisturiser or as a targeted treatment. Jojoba oil can also be used by itself; add a few drops to your daily moisturiser for an added boost of antioxidants,” shared Dr Nassif, finishing off his lesson in jojoba oil skincare.  

Tempted to give it a go? Of course you are. Keep reading below to see Stylist’s selection of the nine best jojoba oil products to buy now.

Images: courtesy of brands