If you want to use essential oils as part of your skincare routine, using a carrier oil such as jojoba oil is a good idea. If you choose to put essential oils directly on your skin, you’ll likely experience irritation, a burning sensation or skin rashes. People with sensitive skin are particularly susceptible to these side effects. But the reality is that many essential oils can be helpful for a range of skin conditions, so you need to find a way to get them into your skin.
Jojoba oil is more of a wax than an oil, and its composition is similar to our skin sebum. Sebum is an oil our body produces to protect our skin, and by mimicking this substance, jojoba oil is easily absorbed. This makes it extremely effective at hydrating and moisturising but also perfect as a carrier oil for other essential oils.
Let’s explore why!
Jojoba oil won’t clog your pores
Many people turn to essential oils for the treatment of oily, dry, damaged and acne-prone skin. The issue with a lot of skincare products is they leave your skin greasy and clog your pores. Being a non-comedogenic substance, jojoba oil doesn’t clog pores, making it suitable for many skin types. For example, tea tree oil is often used to treat acne, but mixing it with olive oil for skin application could clog your pores and worsen the condition.
Mixing essential oils with jojoba oil is preferred because it won’t leave your skin feeling greasy or oily. You can get all the intended benefits of the essential oils while still leaving your skin hydrated and fresh.
Better skin absorption
We touched on the fact that jojoba oil is similar in composition to skin sebum. The oil basically mimics the skin sebum, allowing it to penetrate deep into the skin for maximum hydration. But this has the added benefit of allowing essential oils to absorb into the skin much better. This fast absorption is crucial for people who use essential oils every day. Using heavier and greasier carrier oils isn’t effective, because the essential oils may not absorb as well, often leaving a greasy layer on top of the skin.
Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial
Many people don’t realise that jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Antimicrobials basically work inside the body to kill off microorganisms like bacteria. The anti-inflammatory properties also make jojoba oil excellent for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
The very best essential oil blends with jojoba oil are those that deliver multiple benefits. So, consider you use essential oils for psoriasis or eczema. Using jojoba oil as a carrier oil is ideal because it won’t harm the skin. In fact, it can even help to reduce inflammation and fight bacteria.
Suitable for all skin types
Perhaps most importantly, jojoba oil is suitable for use on all skin types. Again, the fact that jojoba oil and skin sebum are so alike can’t be understated. Its ability to work with the body’s own natural resources makes it suitable for people with all skin types.
If you have dry or damaged skin, sensitive skin, or particular skin conditions, jojoba is a safe and effective carrier oil. It can even regulate sebum production, and its nutrients and vitamins nourish and protect the skin.
We hope this guide has shown you how perfect jojoba oil can be as a carrier oil. Always pay close attention to the recommended jojoba oil dilution ratios when mixing essential oils. This is the best way to ensure you get the maximum skincare benefits without any side effects. And as always, if you experience discomfort or any adverse reaction, cease using the oil immediately and refer to medical advice where required.
