Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Technically a liquid wax, not a true oil. Light, stable and similar to the scalp's own sebum, so it suits scalps and fine or low porosity hair.
About Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Jojoba oil comes from the seeds of the jojoba shrub, native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Chemically it is not a triglyceride like most plant oils; it is a mixture of liquid wax esters. We list it as an oil because that is how it looks, feels and is used, but its structure explains several of its quirks.
Wax esters are very stable, so jojoba resists going rancid much longer than most oils. They also resemble some of the components of human sebum, which is why jojoba is a favorite for scalp oils and for people who want a light oil that doesn't feel greasy. On the hair it adds softness and shine and reduces friction without much weight.
Who tends to love it: people with fine curls, low porosity hair that gets weighed down by heavier oils, and anyone with a dry, flaky or tight-feeling scalp. Because it is light, people with very high porosity or coarse hair may need to layer it with a heavier oil or butter to seal moisture in.
Jojoba oil is approved for the Curly Girl Method. It doesn't contain nut proteins, though people with plant allergies should patch-test any new oil. On labels you may also see 'hydrogenated jojoba oil' or 'jojoba esters', which are firmer, waxier versions used in balms and styling products.
How our checker rates it
| Mode | Rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Curly Girl | OK | No concerns for this mode. |
| Relaxed hair | Good | Softens and helps seal in moisture. |
| Low porosity | Good | Lighter oil — less likely to weigh hair down. |
| Protein-sensitive | OK | No concerns for this mode. |
Ratings assume it is listed near the top of the label. After the first preservative or fragrance (likely 1% or less) most cautions soften.
What oil ingredients do
Plant and synthetic oils that soften, add shine and slow moisture loss. Some (like coconut) can enter the hair shaft; most coat the surface.
Also listed as
- jojoba oil
- simmondsia chinensis seed oil
- jojoba seed oil
- golden jojoba oil
Similar ingredients
Sources
Last data update:
- Robbins CR. Chemical and Physical Behavior of Human Hair. 5th ed. Springer; 2012. Reference text on hair structure, surfactants, conditioning agents, protein, heat and chemical treatments.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). Ingredient safety assessments. Safety assessments for cosmetic ingredients cited on ingredient pages.
How we research and update pages: editorial policy. Spotted an error? Tell us.