Jojoba Oil - Jojoba Wax

Jojoba wax (technically it is not an oil) is obtained from the peanut-sized seeds of the jojoba plant, Simmondsia chinensis (Link) C. K. Schneid., also referred to as S. californica (Link) Nutt. This evergreen shrub of the family Buxaceae grows in abundance on rocky desert hillsides in Arizona, California, and Mexico. Commonly called goat nuts, the seeds of the plant resemble coffee beans. When expressed, they yield about 50% of a liquid wax, composed almost entirely of high molecular weight, monoethylenic acids (eicosenoic acid - 35%) and alcohols (eicosenol-22%, docosenol - 21 %).

The wax, known commonly as jojoba oil, in its physical properties resembles sperm oil  formerly obtained from the sperm whale (now an endangered species). It may be hydrogenated to produce a solid wax that is similar to spermaceti. The American Indians reportedly used the oil as a hair dressing. Now it is incorporated into jojoba oil shampoos considered especially effective in preventing the buildup of sebum (the fatty material secreted by sebaceous glands) on the scalp. The reasoning behind this theory is that jojoba oil resembles sebum in many respects, both chemically and physically. By coating the scalp with jojoba oil, it is believed (but not proven) that the natural production of sebum will be reduced. Of course, whether it is more desirable to have the scalp coated with jojoba oil or with sebum is a moot question. The oil is readily taken up by the skin and imparts a velvety softness to it and to the hair as well. This lubrication of the scalp does, no doubt, reduce the flaking of the skin normally associated with dandruff. Overly enthusiastic advocates of jojoba oil, known in the trade as "jojoba witnesses," tout the product for restoring lost hair and preventing further hair loss, for removing warts, curing cancer, and other similar uses. Needless to say, there is absolutely no scientific evidence to support such claims. Toxicity tests on jojoba oil for external application have caused no significant concern. Aside from causing occasional allergic responses in sensitive individuals, the product may be considered safe for human skin. Whether the various preparations containing this unusual liquid wax are any more effective than similar cosmetics containing the customary emollient oils is something which will be very difficult to prove scientifically. As with most such products, this is best judged subjectively by each user.