Jojoba oil, a liquid wax ester derived from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis plant, has become a global beauty essential. Many global beauty brands, including SheaMoisture, one of BeautyMatter’s top 10 best efficient brands in 2022 (Germany), Ami Cole, and Hanahana Beauty, have declared it as a huge part of their ingredients. While its story begins in the arid deserts of North America, its cultural and economic significance also resonates deeply within African and African American communities. As the beauty industry increasingly looks to cultural heritage and natural solutions, jojoba oil’s prominence highlights not only its unmatched efficacy but also its growing relevance to Black consumers, innovators, and businesses.

Jojoba Oil’s Historical Relevance to African Communities

Historically, Black communities have leaned on nature for beauty solutions tailored to their unique skin and hair needs. While jojoba oil originated in indigenous American cultures, its functional similarities and properties such as sebum—making it an exceptional moisturizer and scalp hydrator—resonate strongly with Black beauty traditions, which emphasize nourishing, protective, and reparative care.

In the 1970s, as the Black is Beautiful movement gained momentum, the focus on natural hairstyles and Black-owned beauty products surged. This era coincided with the environmental shift that brought jojoba oil into mainstream beauty, as it replaced sperm whale oil in cosmetics. Black consumers and entrepreneurs began embracing jojoba oil, not only for its versatility, but also for its ability to address challenges like dryness, breakage, and scalp issues common in textured hair types. For Black women, particularly during this period, choosing natural indigenous oils such as jojoba became an act of resistance against Eurocentric beauty ideals, aligning with a broader embrace of cultural authenticity.

The rise of jojoba oil in the beauty industry has not been confined to multinational brands. African and African American entrepreneurs have been instrumental in driving its use in haircare and skincare products that cater to the needs of Black consumers. Brands like Carol’s Daughter, The Body Shop, and TGIN have championed jojoba oil for its ability to deeply penetrate the hair shaft without leaving a greasy residue. In these products, jojoba oil often works alongside other natural ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil to create formulations that protect and enhance textured hair. These brands have built their legacies on understanding the unique demands of Black hair and skin, and jojoba oil remains a cornerstone of their offerings.

The appeal of jojoba oil is also visible in Black men’s grooming, where it is commonly found in beard oils and scalp treatments. With the rise of Black-owned grooming brands such as R&R Skin, Scotch Porter and Bevel, jojoba oil has become an integral part of the narrative around self-care for Black men, challenging stereotypes and redefining what it means to care for Black hair and skin.

Cultural Significance: Jojoba Oil and the Celebration of Black Beauty

While jojoba oil’s origins lie in the Americas, its cultivation has expanded to arid regions across the globe, including parts of Africa. Countries like Egypt and South Africa have joined the production landscape, leveraging their climatic conditions to meet growing global demand.

African farmers and entrepreneurs see jojoba cultivation as an opportunity to participate in the lucrative natural beauty market. In West Africa, for instance, initiatives like Sommalife, a community-led organization that seeks to champion a revolution of smallholder ingredients like shea and jojoba oils are underway, and established to sustainable plantations that can contribute to both local economies and global supply chains. This shift not only highlights Africa’s potential as a key player in the global beauty industry, but also brings to the fore the importance of equitable trade practices to ensure that African producers benefit from the profits of this thriving market.

For African American communities, jojoba oil holds cultural significance as part of the broader movement toward embracing natural beauty. The natural hair movement, which gained traction in the early 2000s and continues to flourish, has played a pivotal role in normalizing oils like jojoba as essential components of Black beauty rituals. The ingredient’s ability to mimic the scalp’s natural oils makes it a vital ingredient in addressing common concerns like dryness and breakage in textured hair. It is particularly favored for protective hairstyles, such as braids, twists, and locs, as it hydrates without compromising the integrity of the style. Moreover, jojoba oil’s prominence reflects a broader shift toward valuing natural ingredients and ancestral knowledge. Niche brands like The Afro Hair & Skin Co., based in the UK but rooted in African traditions, focus on sustainability and the use of ethically sourced ingredients to tell their stories and push for a more inclusive and conscious beauty industry.

The Future of Jojoba Oil in Black Beauty

The rise of jojoba oil in Black beauty also highlights the importance of sustainability and ethical sourcing in the industry. It reflects that there is a growing awareness of the environmental and social impact of beauty products. Brands like Alaffia, which focuses on ethical beauty rooted in African heritage, demonstrate how sustainable practices can be integrated into the supply chain. By prioritizing fair wages and community development, companies like these are ensuring that the benefits of the global beauty industry are shared equitably.

Moreover, as more African countries invest in the cultivation and production of jojoba oil, the continent has the potential to become a key player in shaping the global narrative around this ingredient. This not only represents an economic opportunity but also a chance to highlight Africa’s rich contributions to the natural beauty movement.

This Black History Month, celebrating jojoba oil is a way to honor the ingenuity, resilience, and creativity of Black communities that have embraced and elevated it. As the industry looks toward the future, jojoba oil remains a influential reminder of how transformative and powerful natural beauty can be.