Jojoba Face Oil Guide: Why Jojoba Mimics Your Skin, Squalane and How to Use It
Putting oil on your face sounds wrong to many people, especially if you have oily skin. But face oils have become a staple of modern skincare, and jojoba is the most popular of them all. This guide explains why jojoba is special, what squalane is, who face oils suit, and how to use one correctly.
Why Jojoba Is Different
Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) is a desert shrub from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its seeds contain a golden liquid that everyone calls jojoba "oil". Technically, it is a liquid wax.
That matters, because jojoba's structure is remarkably similar to sebum, the natural oil your skin produces. That is why jojoba is considered one of the most skin-compatible plant oils and is known as non-comedogenic, meaning it is unlikely to clog pores.
What Is Squalane?
Squalene (with an "e") is a natural part of the skin's own oils. Squalane (with an "a") is a stabilized version that does not go rancid. Modern squalane is usually made from plants such as olives or sugarcane. It is very light, absorbs quickly and leaves skin soft without a greasy feel.
Supporting Botanicals
- Magnolia bark extract contains honokiol and magnolol, antioxidant compounds used to help soothe the look of redness.
- Bisabolol, from chamomile, is a classic soothing ingredient.
- Prickly pear extract (Opuntia) from the cactus brings antioxidant compounds.
- Frankincense oil (Boswellia carterii) has been used in skin care since antiquity.
Who Should Use a Face Oil?
- Dry skin benefits most: oils help seal in moisture.
- Normal and combination skin can use a few drops in the evening or on dry areas.
- Oily skin can also use light oils like jojoba and squalane. Sometimes oily skin is actually dehydrated and overproduces oil to compensate.
Start with a few drops and see how your skin responds.
Face Oil vs. Moisturizer
A moisturizer usually contains water and humectants that add moisture. An oil mainly locks moisture in and softens the skin. That is why many people use both: moisturizer for hydration, oil as a final sealing step, especially in dry or cold weather.
How to Use a Face Oil
- Cleanse and tone.
- Apply serums, for example a hyaluronic acid serum.
- Apply moisturizer if you use one.
- Warm 2 to 4 drops of oil between your palms and gently press them into face and neck.
- In the morning, finish with sunscreen.
Tip: you can also mix one drop of oil into your moisturizer for a richer texture.
Checklist Before You Buy
- Is jojoba or squalane high on the ingredient list?
- Is it free from added fragrance?
- Are there soothing botanicals?
- Is it free from mineral oil and silicones, if you prefer that?
- Is it made in a GMP or ISO 22716-certified facility?
Our Face Oil
SUPPLI-X Nourishing Jojoba Face Oil combines jojoba seed oil and squalane with magnolia bark extract, bisabolol, prickly pear extract and frankincense oil. No added fragrance, paraben-free, silicone-free, mineral-oil-free and cruelty-free. 30 ml, made in the USA.
Building a full routine? Start with The Simple 3-Step Skincare Routine.
FAQ
Is jojoba oil good for the face?
Jojoba is a liquid wax very similar to the skin's own sebum, which is why it is considered skin-compatible and non-comedogenic.
What is the difference between squalene and squalane?
Squalene is part of the skin's natural oils. Squalane is a stabilized, plant-derived version that does not go rancid.
Can oily skin use a face oil?
Yes, light oils like jojoba and squalane suit many oily skin types. Start with a few drops.
Do I apply face oil before or after moisturizer?
Usually after moisturizer, as the last step before sunscreen.
For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. If irritation occurs, discontinue use.
