Next time you’re shopping for a body care product, peep the ingredient list to see if jojoba oil made the cut—chances are, it’s within the top ten ingredients. And it makes sense, you know, considering just how coveted the MVP ingredient has become for its skincare benefits. But what about jojoba oil for face care specifically, and is it good for your lips, too? We tapped a trusted skincare expert for the full scoop.
Here, with insight from dermatologist Robert Finney, M.D., we’re covering the benefits of jojoba oil—plus how it can boost your lip health, too. After all, there’s a reason we added the all-star ingredient to our new ultra-moisturizing Odyssey Lip Oil Gloss formulations. Read on for the lowdown.
What is jojoba oil?
Extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant, Simmondsia chinensis—a plant native to the southwestern United States—pure jojoba oil is a liquid form of a wax ester that’s rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. “Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, as well as antioxidant benefits,” says Dr. Finney. “It’s lightweight and not as greasy as other oils, and it tends to mimic our natural sebum.” Amazing how jojoba seeds can do all that!
Both a humectant that draws in water and an emollient that softens and smooths skin, organic jojoba oil does an excellent job at keeping your skin barrier healthy and intact. It’s part of why people love to use this liquid wax in lotions, cleansers, creams, body oils, and so much more. Bonus: It’s also great as a carrier oil (much like castor oil and vitamin E), which you can blend with essential oils to DIY dilute them.
How does jojoba oil benefit skin?
Due to its powerful hydrating and soothing properties, jojoba oil is a lipid that can work wonders at moisturizing and repairing a compromised skin barrier, says Dr. Finney, which makes it great for those suffering from dry skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. “It reduces irritation and in some instances can also help curtail excess sebum production,” he adds. Additionally, jojoba oil is non-comedogenic, making it an ideal choice for folks with acne-prone skin.
Beyond moisturizing and providing a healthy dose of nourishment, jojoba oil also has antioxidant benefits that aid in protecting skin from environmental stressors like pollution and blue light. This in itself can enhance barrier health, leading to stronger and noticeably more hydrated and radiant skin—both in the short and long term.
How does jojoba oil benefit lips?
Unlike the skin on the rest of the body, skin on your lips is thinner and therefore more susceptible to dryness and irritation—often recognized as that uncomfortable “chapped” feeling we all detest. Jojoba oil helps curb this by keeping lips adequately hydrated and protected from stressors that dry out your skin. So, if you want your lips to look and feel smooth, soft, and supple, a lipid like jojoba oil is an amazing solution.
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Which Milk Makeup products contain jojoba oil?
Because it provides instant hydration and long-lasting nourishment—along with a beautiful smoothing effect—jojoba oil was a non-negotiable addition to our new Odyssey Lip Oil Gloss. “This formula is so comfortable to wear alone or layered on top of Lip + Cheek,” says our director of artistry, Sara Wren. The weightless, non-sticky formula delivers next-level shine in one swipe, and it leaves lips soft and comfortable all day long (though the scent is so delicious, you’ll probably want to keep reapplying it).
The innovative formula combines the high shine you get from a gloss with the powerful conditioning properties of an oil, making it truly the best of both worlds. Available in nine super-juicy semi-sheer and shimmer shades, there’s a color and finish for whatever makeup mood you’re in.
Wren’s pro tip for best results when using Odyssey is lip prep. “I always recommend exfoliating your lips gently with a washcloth before applying any products, especially hydrating formulas,” she says. “Removing the dead skin before applying nourishing formulas allows them to do their thing.” Besides: nobody wants lips that are cracked, crusty, and flaking!
If you’re after shiny, healthy-looking lips with a hint of gorgeous color, Odyssey is right up your alley. On the flip side, Wren recommends our Electric Glossy Lip Plumper if you prefer a plumping effect. “Both are very hydrating and layer well with Lip + Cheek, so it’s to plump or not to plump?”
You take your pick—or add both to your arsenal to rock depending on your vibe.
Can you use jojoba oil on sensitive skin?The short answer: yes. “Jojoba oil is best for patients with sensitive skin, especially those with rosacea as it can repair damage and reduce redness,” says Dr. Finney. Additionally, if your skin is acne-prone and sensitive, it’s an optimal choice because it won’t clog pores and lead to breakouts—and in turn, more sensitivity. Though Dr. Finney doesn’t mention any possible side-effects or allergic reactions from using jojoba oil, it’s always a good idea to first speak to your dermatologist about how you can get the most benefits from it once you add it to your routine. The verdict: Jojoba oil is a solid skincare ingredient no matter your skin type or concerns. That, and it makes a darn-good addition to our Odyssey Lip Oil Gloss. Meet the ExpertsRobert Finney, M.D. (he/him) is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. In addition to all things skin, he’s also fellowship trained in hair restoration and enjoys keeping his patients up to date on all the latest treatments for hair loss. You’ll find his expert insight in top media outlets like Cosmopolitan, Allure, HealthCentral, and Who What Wear. Sara Wren (she/her) is the director of artistry at Milk Makeup. An ultra-talented makeup artist, Wren is always on top of the latest trends and could discuss lip gloss and foundation formulas for hours. She splits her time between Philadelphia, New York City, and Los Angeles. |
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