what is "simmondsia chinensis seed oil" and how does it work?

Jojoba is a desert plant native to the United States, particularly California and Arizona, but more generally to Central America. This hardy evergreen tree is able to withstand drought and high temperatures.

Jojoba oil is obtained through cold pressing, by crushing its seeds. The resulting oily liquid is rich in waxy esters, which is why it is referred as vegetable "wax". Regarding its chemical composition, this compound contains nearly 80% of monounsaturated fatty acids including erucic acid, oleic acid and gadoleic acid. It is almost identical to human sebum and also contains ceramides.

Jojoba oil, because of its waxy texture, has the advantage of not going rancid. It is nevertheless preferable to store it in a temperate place and away from heat.

Jojoba oil has many benefits for the skin and hair:

• It regulates sebum production.

  The chemical composition of jojoba fatty acids is close to that of human sebum. The skin perfectly integrates this vegetable oil, which reinforces the hydrolipidic film and regulates the flow of sebum. Thanks to its dry texture, it has moreover the advantage of not leaving any fatty film. It is non-comedogenic (comedogenic index = 0). Jojoba does not block the pores and constitutes an excellent ally for mixed to oily skins. It is also recommended to rebalance scalps, which tend to regrease quickly.

• It also brings nutrition and elasticity to the skin. Moreover, it prevents dehydration by reinforcing the barrier function of the epidermis.

  Rich in omega-6 and omega-9, jojoba vegetable oil is described as a lipid-replenishing product, and is recommended for dry and dehydrated skin.

• It protects the skin and hair from attacks by free radicals.

• Rich in vitamins E and C, jojoba oil is an excellent antioxidant care. As a reminder, free radicals are reactive forms of oxygen naturally produced by the body. Nevertheless, when cells are confronted with stress, they produce them in an excessive way. There are many sources of stress, the main ones being exposure to UVA rays, pollution, smoking and a diet rich in fats and/or sugars. Free radicals are particularly unstable molecules because of their single electron. They tend to react with other molecules to form an electron pair, and then cause damage to cells, DNA and proteins in the body. Aging is accelerated and wrinkles appear on the surface of the skin. Concerning the hair, oxidative stress deteriorates hair fibers and causes the appearance of white hair or hair loss. Jojoba vegetable oil is therefore an excellent ally in preventing the consequences of oxidative stress.