Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Also known as Jojoba Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Jojoba Liquid Wax
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil is technically a liquid wax composed of long-chain monoesters (primarily C20-C22 fatty acids esterified with C20-C22 fatty alcohols), distinguishing it from conventional triglyceride-based plant oils; this unique composition mimics human sebum and gives it excellent oxidative stability. A 2021 comprehensive review (PMID 34073772) documents its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, and antifungal properties alongside a well-established toxicity profile supporting cosmetic use. A 2024 ex-vivo human skin organ culture study (PMID 38344180) demonstrated that topical application reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines by approximately 30% and markedly increased collagen III and hyaluronic acid synthesis, confirming both safety and cosmetic efficacy.
Liquid wax ester composition closely mimics human sebum; fully miscible with sebum and non-comedogenic
Exceptional oxidative stability (no significant triglyceride content) — resists rancidity better than conventional plant oils
Anti-inflammatory: reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines in ex-vivo human skin models
Emollient and occlusive; improves skin hydration and barrier function; sebum-mimetic action suitable for oily/acne-prone skin
High-tolerance profile across skin types including sensitive skin; plant-oil class with no known hormone disruption or systemic toxicity at cosmetic use levels
- · Rare contact dermatitis and allergic sensitization reported in the literature, typically in individuals with pre-existing plant-derived wax sensitivities
- · Simmondsins (anti-nutritional factors) are present in jojoba meal but are not detected in the refined oil or wax used in cosmetics
- · Non-edible — internal consumption is unsafe due to indigestible wax ester structure, but this is irrelevant for topical cosmetic use
CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) — Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil row: Finding=S, Citation=Amended Final Repo…
“Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil | S | | Amended Final Report 09/08 - available from CIR JACT 11(1):57-74, 1992 (original report)”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 117