Jojoba (pronounced ho-HO-ba) is a perennial woody shrub native to the semi-arid regions of southern Arizona, southern California and northwestern Mexico. Native Americans extracted the oil (which is actually a liquid wax) from jojoba seeds to treat sores and wounds centuries ago. Because it has a molecular structure similar to sebum it will dissolve sebum, unclogging pores. For this reason, it is beneficial in the treatment of acne.