Jojoba Oil

Technically a liquid wax ester (not a true oil) derived from Simmondsia chinensis seeds. Jojoba oil has a composition remarkably similar to human sebum — approximately 97% wax esters, which closely mimic the skin's natural oils. This makes it one of the most skin-compatible oils available. It provides emollient moisture, regulates sebum production, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Suitable for all skin types including oily and acne-prone.

Concentration & Usage

Apply 2-5 drops as a moisturizer or mix with other products. Can be used as a makeup remover or oil cleanser. Suitable for all skin types. Cold-pressed, golden jojoba is the least processed. Can be used morning and night.

Application

Topical (pure oil or in formulations). Cold-pressed, golden color. Apply as final step or mix with moisturizer.

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Mechanism of Action

Jojoba wax esters (C36-C46) are structurally similar to wax esters comprising 25-30% of human sebum — both formed from long-chain fatty acids esterified to long-chain fatty alcohols (unlike triglycerides in true oils). Integrates into skin's lipid layer and lamellar structure without barrier disruption or comedogenesis. Occlusive moisture retention; sebum-mimetic composition may signal sebaceous glands via feedback to moderate production — effective for dry skin (adds moisture) and oily skin (reduces overproduction). Contains myristic acid (anti-inflammatory), vitamin E (antioxidant), mild antibacterial activity. Wax ester structure extremely stable, oxidation-resistant. Liquid wax from Simmondsia chinensis seeds. Non-comedogenic. May normalize sebum composition in acne-prone skin.

Regulatory Status

Cosmetic ingredient. Available OTC worldwide. Also used as a pharmaceutical excipient.

Risks & Safety

Common

Very well-tolerated. Rarely causes breakouts due to sebum-mimicking composition.

Serious

None.

Rare

Very rare allergic reaction.

Compare Jojoba Oil With

Research Papers

10
Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils.

Published: December 26, 2017

AI Summary

They are now being increasingly recognized for their effects on both skin diseases and the restoration of cutaneous homeostasis. Thus, it focuses on the therapeutic benefits of these plant oils according to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the skin, promotion of wound healing and repair of skin barrier.

Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science.

Published: February 14, 2018

AI Summary

The method of oil processing and refinement is an important component of selecting oil for skin care, and cold pressing is the preferred method of oil extraction as the heat- and chemical-free process preserves beneficial lipids and limits irritating byproducts.

The Use of Natural Ingredients in the Treatment of Alopecias with an Emphasis on Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia: A Systematic Review.

Published: July 31, 2020

AI Summary

RESULTS: A review of the literature revealed no clinical trials that evaluated the treatment of CCCA with natural ingredients. Despite limited evidence-based research for CCCA, several natural ingredients showed efficacy in alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, and psoriatic alopecia.

Jojoba Oil Soft Colloidal Nanocarrier of a Synthetic Retinoid: Preparation, Characterization and Clinical Efficacy in Psoriatic Patients.

Published: February 22, 2017

AI Summary

Nanotechnology has provided substantial benefits in drug delivery, especially in the treatment of dermatological diseases. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease in which topical delivery of antipsoriatic agents is considered the first line treatment.

In vivo investigations on the penetration of various oils and their influence on the skin barrier.

Published: August 13, 2012

AI Summary

The skin represents a potent barrier to the environment, which can be enhanced by the topical application of skin care products, such as oil and oil-based formulations by moisturizing the skin.

In vivo confocal Raman microscopic determination of depth profiles of the stratum corneum lipid organization influenced by application of various oils.

Published: August 5, 2017

AI Summary

The intercellular lipids (ICL) of stratum corneum (SC) play an important role in maintaining the skin barrier function. The lateral and lamellar packing order of ICL in SC is not homogenous, but rather depth-dependent.

Novel methotrexate soft nanocarrier/fractional erbium YAG laser combination for clinical treatment of plaque psoriasis.

Published: February 14, 2018

AI Summary

Systemic treatment of psoriasis is associated with several adverse effects, therefore the development of a customized topical treatment modality for psoriasis would be an interesting alternative to systemic delivery. The prepared methotrexate microemulsion was clinically beneficial and safe in treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.

To explore the clinical efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine bath in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris with blood-heat syndrome and its effect on related cytokines based on different temperature and different concentration.

Published: May 8, 2020

AI Summary

Most studies involving Chinese herbal bath has described the bath generally, and few studies have investigated the factors that might contribute to the efficacy of Chinese herbal bath. Here we describe a protocol to evaluate the efficacy and safety of various bathwater temperatures and herbal concentrations on psoriasis vulgaris, and their effec...

Effects of ingredients of dermatological vehicles on transpidermal water loss and percutaneous penetration: I. Oils and emulsifiers.

Published: January 17, 1992

AI Summary

In the non-immunological contact urticaria (NICU) test with 250 mM benzoic acid (BA), the non-atopics, but not the atopics, showed significantly stronger reactions in the areas treated with sorbitan sesquioleate than in other test areas.

Bioactivities of Jojoba Oil Beyond Skincare.

Published: July 1, 2024

AI Summary

Modern research underscores jojoba oil's pharmacological versatility, demonstrating antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-acne, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antibacterial properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of jojoba oil, encompassing its chemical composition, extraction techniques, health advantages, and pharmaceutical ap...

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jojoba Oil used for?

Technically a liquid wax ester (not a true oil) derived from Simmondsia chinensis seeds. Jojoba oil has a composition remarkably similar to human sebum — approximately 97% wax esters, which closely mimic the skin's natural oils. This makes it one of the most skin-compatible oils available. It provides emollient moisture, regulates sebum production, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Suitable for all skin types including oily and acne-prone.

What are the side effects of Jojoba Oil?

Common: Very well-tolerated. Rarely causes breakouts due to sebum-mimicking composition. Serious: None. Rare: Very rare allergic reaction.

How is Jojoba Oil administered?

Jojoba Oil is administered via topical (pure oil or in formulations). cold-pressed, golden color. apply as final step or mix with moisturizer..

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