Jojoba Oil Vs. Castor Oil: Uses and Benefits

If you have been shopping for skincare products, you’ve probably seen some containing jojoba or castor oil. You may have wondered which is better. These two plant compounds offer benefits for different skin types, and each one can be a great choice depending on your skincare concerns. Learn more about comparing jojoba oil vs. castor oil to make an informed product choice. 

Which Oil Is Better, Jojoba or Castor?

Castor oil and jojoba oil are popular carriers that provide nourishing benefits for the skin. There are a few differences between the two, so deciding which one is better can depend on things like your skin type, beauty concerns, and skincare routine.  

Do you need help finding the right moisturizer for your skin type? Take our moisturizer quiz to find your match.

The best way to decide which is better is to understand their properties and what they are typically used for. This will allow you to choose skincare products containing the right oils for your skin.  

What Is Jojoba Oil?

Despite its name, jojoba oil is actually a wax. Specifically, it is a waxy substance extracted from the seeds of the Jojoba plant (Simmondsia Chinensis), sometimes called the deer nut, wild hazel, or coffeeberry. This is the only plant-based unsaturated liquid wax readily extractable in large quantities. 

Jojoba oil’s structure is very similar to that of sperm whale oil, and it has many of the qualities of natural skin oils. It is widely used in cosmetics because it can help restore the natural properties of hair and skin without clogging pores. Features and benefits of jojoba oil include:

• Lightweight feel

• Non-comedogenic

• Vitamins E and B

Combined with other plant compounds, it reduces inflammation, which is excellent for calming sensitive skin. It has some anti-aging benefits, but argan oil may be a better fit if inflammation is your primary concern. 

What Is Castor Oil?

Extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, castor oil has a long history of medicinal and skincare use. Castor oil contains high levels of moisturizing fatty acids and ricinoleic acid, which help with dry skin and hair. Benefits of using castor oil include:

• Anti-inflammatory

• Antimicrobial

• Moisturizing

These qualities help with wound healing, making it a great choice for treating acne. However, castor oil is heavier and more moisturizing than jojoba oil, so it can clog pores. Some people with very sensitive skin may find it irritating. Conducting a patch test is a great way to see if castor oil is suitable for you.  

Can You Mix Jojoba and Castor Oil Together?

Like many other carrier oil blends, castor oil and jojoba oil mix beautifully. They are commonly found in products aimed at nourishing dry skin, thanks to the somewhat heavy nature of castor oil. 

The exact ratio of each oil varies depending on the skincare concerns each product targets. For example, sensitive skin products may contain higher amounts of jojoba oil, while those for dry or mature skin typically have higher levels of castor oil. 

Jojoba Oil vs. Castor Oil: Which Should I Choose?

At HH Science™, we understand that the right skincare products contain ingredients that help with your beauty goals. We recommend that when comparing jojoba oil vs. castor oil, you consider that jojoba oil treatment is great for sensitive and acne-prone skin. In contrast, castor oil is preferred for dry skin applications. Shop our jojoba oil collection to see what it can do for your skin.