Unlike most plant oils, jojoba is a liquid wax ester structurally similar to human sebum. This gives it a unique advantage: it absorbs easily, balances oil production, and supports the skin barrier without clogging pores or leaving residue. It’s exceptionally stable, resisting oxidation even in heat or light, making it ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

By contrast, common alternatives like olive or almond oil are triglyceride-based and rich in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), which can oxidize quickly and irritate the skin over time. While these oils may feel nourishing at first, they’re less stable and more likely to disrupt the skin barrier. At VÆR, we choose jojoba because it’s closer to what your skin already knows gentle, balanced, and reliably effective.

When reading skincare labels, look for “Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil” as a stand-alone ingredient ideally listed near the top. This signals high concentration and purity. Avoid blends that dilute jojoba with cheaper carrier oils like sunflower or soy, or formulas that list “fragrance” alongside jojoba, as this may indicate added synthetics that can irritate sensitive skin. At VÆR, we use only organic, cold-pressed jojoba oil, never refined or solvent-extracted, to preserve its full nutrient profile and ensure maximum skin compatibility.

Many skincare products substitute jojoba with cheaper, less stable oils like grapeseed, safflower, sunflower, or almond oil all of which are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that oxidize quickly and can disrupt the skin barrier over time. These oils may feel light at first, but they’re more prone to rancidity and can contribute to long-term dryness or irritation, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Even olive oil, while more stable, is thicker and can clog pores in some users. For best results, avoid products that list these oils high on the label unless you're intentionally targeting a short-term use case like massage or cleansing.

Jojoba oil is derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis), a resilient shrub native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Indigenous tribes, such as the O'odham and Seri peoples, traditionally used jojoba oil to protect their skin from harsh desert conditions, heal wounds, and soften hair. Its commercial popularity grew in the 1970s when it became a sustainable alternative to whale oil, widely adopted in cosmetics and skincare for its unique similarity to human sebum and its remarkable stability.

Jojoba is sustainably harvested, drought-resistant, and requires minimal water, making it environmentally friendly. At VÆR, we source organic jojoba oil from responsible producers who practice ethical cultivation and fair trade, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

Not all jojoba oil is created equal - the extraction method significantly influences its quality, purity, and effectiveness. At VÆR, we exclusively use cold-pressed jojoba oil. Cold pressing involves mechanically pressing jojoba seeds at low temperatures, typically below 120°F (49°C). This gentle process preserves the full spectrum of nutrients, antioxidants, and wax esters naturally present in the oil, ensuring maximum potency and skin compatibility.

In contrast, oils produced through expeller pressing or chemical solvent extraction often sacrifice nutrient integrity, antioxidant content, and purity for higher yields or reduced production costs. By opting for cold-pressed jojoba oil, VÆR guarantees a superior, stable, and highly effective skincare ingredient that aligns with our core values of purity, efficacy, and environmental responsibility.