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Humectants & Emollients

Jojoba Oil

Also known as: Simmondsia chinensis oil, Jojoba wax ester, Buxus chinensis

The desert 'oil' that is chemically a wax — closest match to human sebum, a moisturizing and makeup-removing staple.

  • By IngredientWiki Editorial Team
  • Fact-checked by IngredientWiki Editorial Team
  • Updated 2026-09-26
  • 2 min read

In short

Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis desert shrub, is technically a liquid wax ester rather than an oil — and that distinction is why skincare loves it. Its structure closely resembles human sebum, so it moisturizes and softens without feeling greasy, resists oxidation (a long shelf life), and suits nearly every skin type, including oily and acne-prone skin. It is also a favorite gentle makeup remover.

  • A liquid wax ester, not a true oil — pressed from jojoba seeds
  • Chemically similar to human sebum
  • Extremely stable: resists rancidity for years
  • Non-comedogenic and well tolerated by most skin types

What is Jojoba Oil?

Jojoba (pronounced ho-HO-ba) grows in the Sonoran desert and produces seeds that are roughly half liquid wax. Unlike vegetable oils built from triglycerides, jojoba's wax esters are structurally close to the waxes in human sebum — which is why it feels 'at home' on skin: absorbed without grease, protective without clogging, and so chemically stable it barely goes rancid. These properties have made it the backbone of countless facial oils, cleansers, and lip products.

Where it comes from

Natural sources

  • Seeds of Simmondsia chinensis, native to the Sonoran desert
  • Cold-pressed into a golden liquid wax
  • Native American communities used the seeds for skin and hair

How it's made

Not synthesized — the wax is cold-pressed from seeds; refined grades remove color and odor.

What it does in products

  • Emollient: softens and smooths skin
  • Light occlusive film that slows moisture loss
  • Sebum-mimicking texture that balances oily skin feel
  • Carrier oil and makeup remover

Benefits

Moisturizing without grease

moderate evidence

Jojoba's sebum-like wax esters absorb well and leave a soft finish — the reason it suits both dry and oily skin, a rare flexibility for a facial oil.

Stability and shelf life

strong evidence

Unlike most plant oils, jojoba resists oxidation for years, so products stay fresh and do not turn rancid or comedogenic with age.

Makeup removal and cleansing

moderate evidence

Jojoba dissolves makeup and sunscreen gently without stripping the barrier — a dermatologist-approved first-step cleanser.

Acne-prone skin tolerance

emerging evidence

Jojoba has a low comedogenic rating and its sebum-like behavior may even help normalize oiliness, though acne trials specifically are limited.

Side effects & safety

Rare contact allergy (rare)Patch-test if sensitive; reactions are uncommon.
Breakouts in very rare cases (rare)Low comedogenic risk, but individual responses to any occlusive exist.

Safety considerations

  • Topical jojoba oil is considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • None known.
  • Not for: Known allergy to jojoba

How it's used

In skincare

Used neat as a facial oil (3–6 drops) or formulated into creams, cleansers, and lip balms. For makeup removal, massage onto dry skin and wipe with a warm cloth, followed by a water-based cleanser.

Regulatory status

  • Cosmetic ingredient under the FD&C Act; jojoba oil is GRAS for limited food uses, though it is used almost exclusively in cosmetics.
  • GRAS (generally recognized as safe) for food use.
  • INCI name on cosmetic labels: Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil.

Popular products containing Jojoba Oil

  • 100% Pure Jojoba OilCliganic · Skincare
  • Jojoba OilDesert Essence · Skincare
  • Jojoba Oil CleanserThe Ordinary · Skincare

Product names and brands are shown for reference and belong to their respective owners.

Why 'oil' is a misnomer

True plant oils are triglycerides — glycerol bound to three fatty acids. Jojoba is a wax ester: long-chain fatty acids bound to long-chain alcohols. That structural difference explains everything practical: no rancidity, a thinner feel, and a texture closer to your skin's own sebum. When a label says 'oil-free' but contains jojoba, it is technically accurate — a fun chemistry loophole.

Frequently asked questions

Is jojoba oil good for oily skin?

Yes, unusually so. Its sebum-mimicking wax esters absorb without grease and may signal skin to produce less of its own oil. It is one of the few facial oils routinely recommended for oily and combination skin.

Can jojoba oil clog pores?

Jojoba has a low comedogenic rating (around 2 of 5 in standard scales) and is generally considered non-pore-clogging, though any occlusive can trigger individual reactions.

Does jojoba oil expire?

Slowly — its wax-ester chemistry resists oxidation, giving it a shelf life of years when stored cool and dark, far longer than most plant oils.

The bottom line

Jojoba oil is the most universally tolerated facial oil: sebum-like, non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and essentially immortal on the shelf. Great for light moisture, oil cleansing, and makeup removal across every skin type.

References

  1. Jojoba in dermatology — literature search. PubMed (National Library of Medicine). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=jojoba+oil+skin
  2. Jojoba oil composition and stability (review). PubMed (National Library of Medicine). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=jojoba+wax+ester+stability
  3. Simmondsia chinensis compound records. PubChem (National Library of Medicine). https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/#query=jojoba
  4. Cosmetic Ingredient Review — jojoba safety assessment. Cosmetic Ingredient Review. https://www.cir-safety.org/ingredients