jojoba

noun

jo·​jo·​ba hə-ˈhō-bə 

: a shrub or small tree (Simmondsia chinensis synonym S. californica) of the box family of southwestern North America with edible seeds that yield a valuable liquid wax used especially in cosmetics

Examples of jojoba in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pomegranate and açai, superfruits with antioxidant properties that can fight damage at the cellular level, help reduce inflammation (and smell nice) while a combo of mango butter, argan oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter hydrate delicate skin on both your lips and nips. —Macaela MacKenzie, Allure, 5 Apr. 2024

This hand cream, which offers broad-spectrum protection, replenishes moisture with a combination of shea butter and avocado and jojoba oils without leaving a slippery feel. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 3 Apr. 2024

The Mustela baby lotion contains jojoba oil, sunflower oil, vitamin E, and vitamin F (a.k.a. —Tanya Edwards, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024

This cream formula is engineered with shea and jojoba butters, sweet almond oil, honey, and soy milk to make this scrub a nourishing one while still working away at tough spots with the small granules mixed in. —Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024

Most of us already know how hydrating ingredients—think humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or emollients such as jojoba oil and shea butter—can work glow-inducing wonders by helping the skin attract and retain moisture. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2024

Evergreen jojoba has attractive, waxy gray-green foliage and demands a full sun exposure and fast-draining soil. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 27 Jan. 2024

As for the brow pencil, jojoba oil stimulates the hair growth and vitamin E conditions the brows. —Essence, 9 Oct. 2023

Tamanu oil is relatively unknown in the United States when compared with the multitude of other powerhouse natural oils — jojoba, grapeseed, and tea tree, to name a few — found in beauty products. —Sophia Panych, Allure, 29 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, of Uto-Aztecan origin; akin to O'odham hohowai jojoba, Yaqui hohoovam

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above