Are you tired of using chemical-laden insect repellents that leave your skin feeling sticky and uncomfortable?
Have you ever considered using natural oils to keep pesky mosquitoes at bay?
Jojoba oil, a popular ingredient in skincare products, has been touted as a natural insect repellent.
But does it really work?
In this article, we’ll explore the properties of jojoba oil and its effectiveness in repelling mosquitoes.
Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to a more natural solution for keeping those bloodsuckers away!
Does Jojoba Oil Repel Mosquitoes?
Jojoba oil is a popular ingredient in skincare products due to its moisturizing and healing properties. However, it has also been suggested that jojoba oil can repel mosquitoes.
Like other horticultural oils, jojoba oil can kill soft-bodied insects by clogging their spiracles and suffocating them. It can also disrupt the feeding and egg-laying behaviors of certain insects.
While jojoba oil may have some insect-repelling properties, it is not as effective as other essential oils such as citronella, cedarwood, and lemon eucalyptus. These oils have been shown to be more effective in repelling mosquitoes and other insects.
It is important to note that jojoba oil should not be used as the sole ingredient in an insect repellent. It should be combined with other essential oils and carrier oils to create a more effective blend.
What Is Jojoba Oil?
Jojoba oil is a liquid wax that is extracted from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis plant. It is native to Southern Arizona, Southern California, and Northwestern Mexico. Despite being called an oil, it is actually a liquid plant wax.
Jojoba oil has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments, such as treating sores and bruises. Today, it is commonly used in skincare products due to its moisturizing and healing properties. It can help treat acne, sunburn, psoriasis, and chapped skin. It is also known to encourage hair regrowth and unclog hair follicles.
In addition to its skincare benefits, jojoba oil can also be used in horticulture as a pesticide to control soft-bodied insects and fungi. However, it should be noted that jojoba oil may damage plants in certain situations, such as when the temperature is above 90 degrees F or during a drought.
The Science Behind Mosquito Repellents
Mosquito repellents work by masking the chemical cues that attract mosquitoes to humans. The most common active ingredient in mosquito repellents is DEET, a synthetic chemical that was developed by the US Department of Agriculture in 1944. DEET works by activating the olfactory receptors in mosquitoes, which effectively repels them because they dislike its smell. However, DEET can irritate mucous membranes and cause skin reactions, burning eyes, breathing difficulties, and headaches in some people.
Other plant-based sources have shown promise as mosquito repellents. Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) containing p-menthane-3, 8-diol (PMD) has been found to be equally effective as DEET in repelling mosquitoes. Neem oil mixed with coconut oil has also been proven effective in reducing mosquito bites by up to 91%. Picaridin is another synthetic ingredient that has been proven effective against mosquitoes.
Understanding the mechanisms behind how natural insect repellents work can help develop better alternatives to current repellents. For example, a chrysanthemum flower extract called pyrethrum has been shown to activate a particular odorant receptor called Or31 in all known disease-carrying mosquito species. This suggests that Or31 could serve as a clear, universal target for developing better repellents.
Jojoba Oil As A Natural Mosquito Repellent
Jojoba oil can be used as a natural mosquito repellent when combined with other essential oils and carrier oils. It has been suggested that jojoba oil can disrupt the feeding and egg-laying behaviors of mosquitoes, making it less likely for them to bite.
To create a mosquito repellent using jojoba oil, it is recommended to mix about 40-50 drops of essential oil per 8 ounces of carrier oil. Carrier oils that work well with jojoba oil include grapeseed oil, almond oil, olive oil, and neem oil.
While jojoba oil may not be as effective as other essential oils in repelling mosquitoes, it does have moisturizing and healing properties that can benefit the skin. When combined with other essential oils and carrier oils, jojoba oil can be a natural and effective way to repel mosquitoes while also nourishing the skin.
How To Use Jojoba Oil As A Mosquito Repellent
If you want to use jojoba oil as a mosquito repellent, here are some steps to follow:
1. Choose your carrier oil: Jojoba oil is a great carrier oil to use because it is lightweight and easily absorbed into the skin. However, you can also use other carrier oils such as almond oil, grapeseed oil, or olive oil.
2. Choose your essential oils: While jojoba oil may have some insect-repelling properties, it is not as effective as other essential oils such as citronella, cedarwood, and lemon eucalyptus. You can choose one or a combination of these oils to create your mosquito repellent blend.
3. Mix your ingredients: Add about 40-50 drops of essential oil per 8 ounces of carrier oil. Mix well to ensure that the essential oils are evenly distributed throughout the carrier oil.
4. Apply to skin: Rub the mixture onto your skin before going outdoors. Be sure not to apply undiluted active ingredients to your skin! Reapply every few hours as needed.
5. Other tips: If you prefer a spray, mix the blend with rubbing alcohol or vodka instead of a carrier oil. You can also add distilled water to dilute the mixture if needed. Avoid spraying near your eyes and mouth and wash skin immediately with soap and water in case of a reaction.
Remember that while jojoba oil may have some insect-repelling properties, it is not as effective as other essential oils. It is best to combine jojoba oil with other essential oils and carrier oils to create an effective mosquito repellent blend.
Other Benefits Of Jojoba Oil For Skin And Hair
Jojoba oil offers numerous benefits for skin and hair beyond its potential insect-repelling properties. One of the top benefits is its ability to act like our natural oils, making it a great moisturizer for dry skin and hair. Our sebaceous glands produce less sebum as we age, leading to dry skin and hair. Jojoba oil mimics sebum and works to moisturize the skin and hair when the body stops doing it naturally.
Jojoba oil is also effective in balancing oil production in the face, making it a natural treatment for oily skin. Its high levels of iodine can balance bacteria overgrowth that can cause breakouts, and its natural repellent properties can help prevent bacterial growth on the skin.
In addition to its moisturizing and balancing properties, jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory effects that can aid in healing skin infections, aging, and wounds. It has also been shown to be effective in treating acne, seborrheic dermatitis (dry, scaly skin), and eczema.
Jojoba oil can also be used as a natural remedy for sun-damaged skin. Its combination of vitamin E and other antioxidants helps protect the skin from sun damage while adding moisture and promoting healing.
