Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)

Common Names

Jojoba, Goatnut, Bucknut, Coffee nut, Pignut, Goatberry, Sheepnut, Lemon leaf, Quinine Plant, Buxus chinensis ⁽¹⁾ ⁽²⁾ ⁽³⁾

INCI Name

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil ⁽⁴⁾

Botanical Description

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) is a drought-resistant evergreen shrub native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, though widely cultivated in regions like Israel. It features leathery leaves and produces small, yellow-green flowers. The oil is extracted from the nut-like seeds found inside the fruit, which resemble coffee beans. Unlike most plant oils, jojoba is chemically a liquid wax ester, making it uniquely stable and similar to human sebum. ⁽¹⁾ ⁽²⁾

Method of Extraction

Cold-Pressed ⁽⁵⁾

Therapeutic Properties

• Anti-acne ⁽²⁾

• Antioxidant ⁽²⁾

• Anti-acne ⁽²⁾

• Antipsoriasis ⁽²⁾

• Anti-inflammatory ⁽²⁾

• Anti-fungal ⁽²⁾

• Antipyretic ⁽²⁾

• Analgesic ⁽²⁾

• Antimicrobial ⁽²⁾

• Emolient ⁽²⁾ ⁽⁴⁾

Physical Properties & Energetics

• Colour: Golden Yellow to Brownish Yellow ⁽⁶⁾

• Odour: Mild, Soft, Pleasant ⁽⁶⁾

• Viscosity & Feel: Medium weight; leaves a satiny, non-greasy finish ⁽⁶⁾

• Absorption Rate: Medium; absorbs within a few minutes without residue ⁽⁶⁾

• Energetics: Cooling; soothes inflammation, redness and heat

Safety & Ratings

• Comedogenic Rating: 2 (Moderately low; unlikely to clog pores for most skin types) ⁽¹¹⁾

• EWG Rating: 1 ⁽⁷⁾

• Shelf Life: 25+ Years, when stored in a cool, dark place ⁽¹⁰⁾

• Allergies: Concered hypoallergenic ⁽¹⁰⁾

• Patch Test Note:

  • While jojoba oil is considered safe, a patch test is highly recommended. Wash the area you wish to test and apply a small amount of oil to the skin. Observe for 24–48 hours, monitoring for any redness, itchiness, burning, or swelling. If any of these occur, discontinue use.

• Method of Application: Topical use only

Product Formulation

• Amount to Use in Products: 1 - 100%

• Uses: Lotions, Creams, Serums, Oils, Soaps, Gels, Bath Salts, Salves, Balms

Best For

• Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types including oily and acne-prone skin ⁽¹⁰⁾

• Concerns: Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, Chafing, Chapping, Burns, Fungal Infections, Diaper Rash ⁽¹⁰⁾

Applications

Facial Care & Cleansing ⁽⁵⁾ ⁽¹¹⁾ ⁽¹²⁾

• Gently dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and daily impurities without stripping natural oils

• Regulates sebum production to balance oily and dry patches

• Softens and helps dissolve blackheads without harsh scrubbing

• Absorbs quickly to hydrate without leaving a greasy residue

• Protects skin from environmental stressors and windburn

  
  

Anti-Aging & Skin Renewal ⁽⁵⁾ ⁽¹¹⁾ ⁽¹²⁾

• Smooths fine lines and improves skin elasticity

• Supports cell turnover for a brighter, more youthful complexion

• Rich in Vitamin A and antioxidants to combat free radical damage

• Helps fade hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone

  
  

Body Hydration & Repair ⁽⁵⁾ ⁽¹¹⁾ ⁽¹²⁾

• Locks in moisture for soft, supple skin after bathing

• Softens rough calluses on elbows, knees, and feet

• Soothes irritation from shaving, waxing, or minor abrasions

• Helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks and age spots

• Accelerates healing of minor cuts, scrapes, and sunburns

  
  

Hair & Scalp Restoration ⁽⁵⁾ ⁽¹¹⁾ ⁽¹²⁾

• Penetrates the hair shaft to repair damage and prevent split ends

• Moisturizes a dry, flaky scalp to reduce dandruff

• Tames frizz and adds natural shine without weighing hair down

• Strengthens strands to reduce breakage and promote growth

  
  

Nail, Lip & Cuticle Care ⁽⁵⁾ ⁽¹¹⁾ ⁽¹²⁾

• Rehydrates brittle nails and prevents splitting

• Softens and repairs dry, cracked cuticles and hangnails

• Acts as a natural, non-petroleum lip balm to prevent chapping

• Heals cracked heels when used with socks overnight

  
  

Specialized & Sensitive Care ⁽⁵⁾ ⁽¹¹⁾ ⁽¹²⁾

• Soothes inflammation and redness associated with eczema and psoriasis

• Provides relief for cold sores and fungal infections (athlete's foot)

Pharmacology & Research Studies

Anti-Inflammatory & Analgesic A 2005 study conducted on rats demonstrated that jojoba oil effectively reduces edema and prostaglandin E2 levels, reducing swelling, pain, and inflammation.⁽²⁾

Skin Care

In clinical studies, jojoba oil has been shown to effectively treat acne vulgaris. As a liquid wax ester, its molecular structure closely mimics human sebum, allowing it to penetrate deep into hair follicles to dissolve comedones and cleanse the skin. Beyond acne, research indicates jojoba oil is also beneficial for treating psoriasis. It exhibits positive keratoplastic and mild keratolytic effects, helping to normalize skin cell turnover and reduce excessive scaling. ⁽²⁾

A controlled clinical trial compared jojoba oil against a standard multi-drug regimen (triamcinolone acetonide, nystatin, neomycin, and gramicidin) for treating diaper rash. The study found no difference in efficacy between the two approaches, but jojoba oil carried a distinct safety advantage, avoiding the systemic side effects commonly associated with the pharmaceutical combination. ⁽²⁾

Antibacterial & Anti-fungal

Studies have shown that jojoba oil's molecular structure resembles the waxy outer layers of certain bacteria, which may allow it to disrupt protective coatings on organisms like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, leprosy bacilli, and Brucella. ⁽²⁾ Separate research on jojoba root extracts found antimicrobial effects against Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Candida albicans, likely due to alkaloids, saponins, and steroids. ⁽²⁾ More recent work also indicates jojoba wax can inhibit Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1). ⁽⁸⁾

Wound Healing

An in vitro investigation published in 2011 characterized the wound-healing potential of jojoba liquid wax on human keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. The study demonstrated that the wax significantly accelerates cellular migration and wound closure while exhibiting negligible cytotoxicity. Mechanistically, this regenerative effect was linked to the stimulation of collagen I synthesis specifically within fibroblasts, suggesting a viable therapeutic application for cutaneous repair. ⁽⁹⁾

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Disclaimer:

The information provided in this monograph series is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Traditional medicine systems such as TCM and Ayurveda are presented as cultural and historical frameworks, not as substitutes for evidence-based medical care.

Topical & Skincare Warning: Individual skin reactions to herbs, carrier oils, and essential oils can vary significantly. Always perform a patch test before full application and discontinue use immediately if redness, itching, burning, or swelling occurs. Do not ingest topical oils unless explicitly stated as safe for internal use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider or dermatologist before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or managing a skin condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on information contained here.

References:

1. Breen P. Simmondsia chinensis [Internet]. Landscape Plants | Oregon State University; n.d. [cited 2026 April 7]. Available from: https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/simmondsia-chinensis

2. Gad HA, Roberts A, Hamzi SH, Gad HA, Touiss I, Altyar AE, Kensara OA, Ashour ML. Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity. Polymers. 2021;13(11):1711. doi:10.3390/polym13111711

   
   

3. Gardenia.net. Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) - Gardenia.net [Internet]. Gardenia.net; n.d. [cited 2026 Pril 12]. Available from: https://www.gardenia.net/plant/simmondsia-chinensis-jojoba-grow-care-guide

   
   

4. Simmondsia chinensis seed oil: Cosmetic ingredient inci [Internet]. [cited 2026 May 19]. Available from: https://www.specialchem.com/cosmetics/inci-ingredients/simmondsia-chinensis-seed-oil

   
   

5. Ruggeri C. Jojoba oil benefits for your face, hair, body and more - dr. axe [Internet]. [cited 2026 April 19]. Available from: https://draxe.com/beauty/jojoba-oil/

   
   

6. New Directions Aromatics Inc. All About Jojoba Carrier Oil [Internet]. Blog - New Directions Aromatics Inc; 2025 Mar 19 [cited 2026 April 12]. Available from: https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/all-about-jojoba-carrier-oil/

   
   

7. EWG's Skin Deep. EWG Skin Deep® | What Is Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil [Internet]. EWG's Skin Deep; n.d. [cited 2026 April 10]. Available from: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/705966-SIMMONDSIA_CHINENSIS_JOJOBA_SEED_OIL/

   
   

8. Tietel Z, Melamed S, Eretz-Kdosha N, Guetta A, Gvirtz R, Ogen-Shtern N, et al. Anti-herpes simplex 1 activity of Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) wax. Molecules. 2021 Oct 7;26(19):6059. doi:10.3390/molecules26196059

   
   

9. Ranzato E, Martinotti S, Burlando B. Wound healing properties of jojoba liquid wax: An in vitro study. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2011 Mar;134(2):443–9. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2010.12.042

   
   

10. Watson J, Fisher J. Contraindications and special safety considerations. In: Aromatherapy Correspondence Module 1: Essential Oils. Joyessence Aromatherapy Centre Inc; n.d.:10.

    
    

11. The Jojoba Company Australia. 101 Uses of Jojoba Oil [Internet]. The Jojoba Company Australia; n.d. [cited 2026 April 12]. Available from: https://thejojobacompany.com.au/blogs/jojoba/101-ways-to-use-jojoba

12. The Jojoba Company UK. Absolute Amazing Benefits of Jojoba [Internet]. The Jojoba Company UK; n.d. [cited 2026 April 12]. Available from: https://thejojobacompany.co.uk/pages/benefits-of-jojoba