Jojoba oil facts for kids
Jojoba oil (say "ho-HO-ba") is a special liquid that comes from the seeds of the jojoba plant. This plant is a type of shrub that grows naturally in places like southern Arizona, southern California, and northwestern Mexico. About half the weight of a jojoba seed is this oil!
Even though we call it "jojoba oil," it's actually more like a wax. It looks like an oil, but it's made up of different things than most plant oils. This is why it lasts a very long time without going bad and can handle high temperatures much better than other vegetable oils.
A Look Back in Time
Long ago, the O'odham Native American tribe knew about jojoba oil. They would collect the seeds and use the oil to help treat cuts and wounds.
Later, in the 1940s, during World War II, the United States needed many natural resources. Jojoba oil was used as an additive in things like motor oil and gear oil for machines. It even helped keep machine guns working smoothly!
What Jojoba Oil Looks Like
When jojoba oil is first collected, it's a clear, golden liquid at room temperature. It has a slightly nutty smell. If it's cleaned up (refined), it becomes clear and doesn't have any smell at all.
Jojoba oil stays good for a long time compared to other plant oils like grape seed oil or coconut oil. This is because it doesn't have many of the fats called triglycerides that make other oils go bad faster.
How Jojoba Oil is Used
The jojoba plant grows slowly and can be tricky to farm. Because of this, jojoba oil is mostly used for special things like medicines and beauty products.
For a long time, people used whale oil in many products. But in 1971, it became illegal to bring whale oil into the U.S. That's when people discovered that jojoba oil could be used instead! In many ways, jojoba oil was even better than whale oil for things like moisturizers and other beauty items.
You can find jojoba oil in many cosmetic products, especially those that say they are made with natural ingredients. It's often in lotions, shampoos, and conditioners. You can also use the pure oil directly on your skin, hair, or fingernails.
Even though it comes from a plant, jojoba oil isn't really meant for eating. It passes through your body without being digested, so it doesn't give you energy like other foods. It also contains a type of fat called erucic acid, which isn't good for you in large amounts if it were digested.
Scientists have also looked into using jojoba oil to make biodiesel. This is a type of fuel that could be a good replacement for regular diesel from petroleum, making it a more sustainable choice.
Images for kids
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Jojoba plant
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Female jojoba flower
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Male jojoba flower
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Jojoba fruits
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Jojoba seed
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