Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil

Best

Antioxidant

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil at a glance

  • Non-fragrant emollient
  • Has been shown to enhance skin’s restorative properties
  • Provides topical skin-soothing benefits
  • Rich source of numerous fatty acids and antioxidants

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil description

_Simmondsia chinensis_ (jojoba) seed oil is a non-fragrant emollient extracted from the seeds of a perennial shrub. It has been shown to enhance skin’s restorative properties and can also provide topical skin-soothing benefits. _Simmondsia chinensis_ (jojoba) seed oil is a rich source of numerous fatty acids and antioxidants. Even though labeled as an oil, it is actually a liquid-wax ester with a texture similar to that of human sebum, the oil-like substance secreted through skin’s pores. This makes it an excellent moisturizer for dry or dehydrated skin. Interestingly, though the molecular size of jojoba seed oil can penetrate the pore lining where natural sebum already exists, it does not appear to cause an issue with oily or acne-prone skin, likely because it doesn’t solidify in the pores. Instead, studies demonstrate the reverse to be true, with jojoba seed oil helping regulate sebum production and even dissolving built-up sebum deposits. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help curb acne-triggering irritation. _Simmondsia chinensis_ (jojoba) seed oil has the distinction of feeling lighter and less greasy than many other oils, particularly highly saturated oils such as coconut. It is one of the more stable plant oils in use today. Unlike many other plant-derived oils, jojoba seed oil is considered inedible due to a component known as simmondsin which interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food. Note that this effect occurs via an interaction with digestive chemicals in the intestines, not via topical absorption since it is metabolized within skin. Simmondsin is largely responsible for the soothing properties jojoba oil has on skin.

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil references

  • ACS Omega, October 2024, pages 44,019–44,032
  • Frontiers in Pharmacology, January 2024, pages 1-10
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, February 2022, pages 1-9
  • Energy Conversion and Management, December 2016, pages 293-304
  • Polymers, May 2021, pages 1–22
  • American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, February 2018, pages 103–117
  • Journal of Italian Dermatology and Venereology, December 2013, pages 687-691
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, December 2008, pages 268-274
  • Journal of Dermatological Science, May 2008, pages 135-142
  • Pharmacological Research, February 2005, pages 95-105

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.