Is Jojoba Oil Safe During Pregnancy?

When it comes to skincare during pregnancy, many women seek natural options to maximize their safety and their little one’s health. Jojoba oil is a liquid produced from the seed of Simmondsia chinensis plant.

This oil usually finds its way onto the shelves of those looking for a gentle and natural moisturizer. While it is super hydrating and seems almost similar to sebum, expecting mamas may have questions about its safety during pregnancy.

Jojoba oil is perfectly safe and can be a fantastic addition to your skincare routine while on this journey. Because of its natural composition, many prefer it to avoid the chemicals and artificial ingredients in other oils.

But as with any product during pregnancy, it is overly important to understand how to properly use it, and also discuss with your doctor to ensure it is the most appropriate choice for your specific needs, healthwise.

This article thoroughly discusses everything you must know about jojoba oil while pregnant.

Is Jojoba Oil Good For Stretch Marks During Pregnancy?

It has an excellent moisturizing effect and can be especially helpful during pregnancy when the skin is stretchy and may feel scratchy and strained.

According to recent research, jojoba oil can soothe and hydrate the skin, which will potentially offer relief from the uneasiness associated with stretching skin.

Moreover, while no treatment can completely eliminate stretch marks, using this might help reduce the appearance since it checks and maintains skin tone.

Can I Use Jojoba For Hair During Pregnancy?

Yes, pregnant women can use jojoba oil in their hair care routine as well. It’s perfectly safe. It has excellent hydrating properties, which makes it a good treatment option for the scalp and the hair. It can alleviate dry, scratchy scalp and add shine and softness to hair. It works perfectly like sebum.

For those who are more critical about their hair goals, sebum is likely a familiar term. It’s the natural oil produced by our bodies that is widely used for scalp and skin moisturizing, basically to maintain skin and hair health.

Safe Tips to Using Jojoba Oil During Pregnancy

​​Using jojoba while expecting can be so nourishing and, of course, one of the safest oils to use at this period for your skin and hair care routines. Here are some tips on how to use it safely:

1. Consult your doctor

Is Jojoba Oil Safe During Pregnancy?

When it comes to using jojoba oil during pregnancy, the first and most important step is to talk with your doctor. You know, pregnancy is a time when your body goes through a lot of changes; what’s normally safe might not be suitable for you and your baby right now.

Your doctor can assess your current situation and advice accordingly. Doctors can also guide you on the most effective ways to use it, the right measure to apply as well, and if there are areas of your body to avoid using it.

This advice is even more worthwhile if you’re also using other skincare products, as your doctor can advise on how jojoba might interact with these products.

Essentially, your doctor is your ultimate resource for making sure your journey is as safe and easy as possible. By talking to him or her beforehand, you can rest assured that you’re taking very good care of your skin and hair in a way that also looks out for your little one.

2. Choose pure jojoba oil

Is Jojoba Oil Safe During Pregnancy?

Your skin is more sensitive now, and it’s essential to get rid of anything that might potentially harm you. Pure, organic, and cold-pressed jojoba oil is the best choice as it is free from reagents, additives, and preservatives that might be found in non-pure versions.

Pure jojoba oil ensures that you’re using a natural and unadulterated product.  This means it’s unlikely either to irritate your skin or cause allergies. The purer the oil, the safer and more potent it will be for keeping your hair and skin nourished.

So, when picking jojoba oil, take a brief moment to read the labels. Look for words like ‘100% pure’, ‘organic’, and ‘cold-pressed.’ These terms indicate that the oil has not undergone maximal processing and thus does not contain anything you wouldn’t want on your skin.

3. Use moderately

Even though jojoba oil is natural and generally considered safe, it’s noteworthy to know that a little goes a long way. This is especially true even now when your skin might react differently to products than it normally would.

Using small amounts ensures you reap the benefits without overburdening your skin or causing any weirdness. Start with a few drops and observe. This way, you avoid wasting it while tracking how your body responds to it.

Moderation also applies to the frequency. Start slowly; a couple of times or thrice a week should be fine. Then, you can adjust to how your body responds and make it fit your needs. It’s all about finding what works for you and not going overboard.

4. Apply it the right way

Is Jojoba Oil Safe During Pregnancy?

It’s always wise to apply it gently and on clean skin to ensure maximum effectiveness. This way, the oil absorbs very well, and it prevents locking in dirt or bacteria. 

A good method is to warm a few drops between your palms before caressing onto your skin or massaging into your scalp. Ensuring this makes it distributes evenly, promoting maximum absorption.

For hair usage, don’t only focus on the scalp but the ends as well to prevent further breakage and splitting.

5. Ensure proper storage

Be sure to store Jojoba oil in a dry, cool place so it doesn’t spoil or stink. Exposure to heat, light, or air can degrade the quality, make it less effective, and harm sensitive skin.

Using an airtight, opaque container is ideal for storage because it minimizes the oil’s exposure to light and air. Amber or blue glass bottles are perfect too. They obscure the sun rays from hitting the oil as well as perhaps prevent chemical reactions likely to happen with plastic containers.

Caring for it this way ensures it remains safe throughout your pregnancy and even through postpartum.

What Are Some Other Safe Alternatives To Jojoba Oil During Pregnancy?

  • Coconut Oil
  • Almond Oil
  • Shea Butter
  • Cocoa Butter 
  • Olive Oil
  • Avocado Oil
  • Argan Oil

Each of these oils can be applied directly to the skin or could be added to bath water. Just be sure to make a patch test to check for allergies and issues before applying more broadly. Also, discuss your choice with your doctor so he can give his advice too.

What Oils Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy?

Some oils can be too strong and potentially pose risks to you and the baby. Those you need to stay off during pregnancy include:

  • Cinnamon
  • Fennel
  • Rosemary
  • Clary Sage
  • Basil

Is Jojoba Oil Safe During Pregnancy – The Final Say

Jojoba is safe for you and the baby and can be a beneficial option for skin care during pregnancy. It is a natural, gentle, and great moisturizer for the skin without clogging pores or introducing harmful chemicals.

However, we advise making a patch test before using any product, including this oil. It’s also ideal to discuss with your doctor before starting use. Doing so will help them to fully assess your situation and advice appropriately.

Georgina Austin, CNM

Georgina Austin, CNM

Hello! I'm Gina, a certified midwife, a writer, an experienced one of course, and a proud mother of twins, Noel and Noelle. With eleven years of maternity support experience and my own journey through motherhood, I offer reliable information on women's health here on this blog.

In addition to writing about pregnancy and breastfeeding, I cover topics like sexual health, birth control, egg donation, sibling relationships, and managing life with multiple children. So, whatever issue you're facing as a woman, I've got you covered!