Jojoba Oil

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about jojoba oil. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

How to read this page

Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews.

Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY^® uses.

Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly.

1. General Description and Role

Claim: Jojoba oil is a liquid wax pressed from the seeds of the desert shrub Simmondsia chinensis. Its structure resembles the wax esters in human sebum. In ORY^® products, it helps skin and hair feel soft and balanced without greasiness, and it is our main carrier oil for infusions.

Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel found jojoba oil and jojoba wax safe in the present practices of use and concentration, and later reaffirmed this for jojoba-derived ingredients.

Citations:

- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1992). Final report on the safety assessment of jojoba oil and jojoba wax. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 11(1), 57–74 (reaffirmed in a 2008 CIR report on jojoba-derived ingredients). https://doi.org/10.3109/10915819209141992
  - What it shows: CIR safety assessment of jojoba.
- Pazyar, N., et al. (2013). Jojoba in dermatology: A succinct review. Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia, 148(6), 687–691. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24442052/
  - What it shows: Review of jojoba in dermatology.

2. Composition and Production

Claim: Jojoba oil is about 97% wax esters rather than triglycerides, with small amounts of sterols and vitamin E. It is very resistant to going rancid.

Verification: Supported. Its fatty-acid profile is well documented.

Citations:

- Pazyar, N., et al. (2013). Jojoba in dermatology: A succinct review. Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia, 148(6), 687–691. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24442052/
  - What it shows: Describes composition.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Claim: Jojoba oil suits all skin types.

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Jojoba is generally well tolerated and non-irritating.

Citations:

- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1992). Final report on the safety assessment of jojoba oil and jojoba wax. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 11(1), 57–74 (reaffirmed in a 2008 CIR report on jojoba-derived ingredients). https://doi.org/10.3109/10915819209141992
  - What it shows: Safety data.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Claim: In haircare, jojoba oil helps hair feel soft and look shiny and is a common scalp-oil base.

Verification: Limited evidence. Oils are commonly used to soften hair and reduce the look of frizz; we found no controlled clinical studies of this oil on hair. ORY^® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff, scalp conditions, or hair loss.

Citations:

- Pazyar, N., et al. (2013). Jojoba in dermatology: A succinct review. Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia, 148(6), 687–691. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24442052/
  - What it shows: General review.

5. Benefits

Claim: Jojoba oil helps skin feel soft, smooth, and moisturized without a greasy feel.

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Reviews describe jojoba’s emollient and anti-inflammatory properties. A lab study found jojoba sped wound closure in skin cells, and an uncontrolled study of a clay mask containing jojoba reported fewer acne lesions. These are medical uses from lab or uncontrolled studies, and ORY^® does not make wound or acne claims.

Citations:

- Pazyar, N., et al. (2013). Jojoba in dermatology: A succinct review. Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia, 148(6), 687–691. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24442052/
  - What it shows: Review.
- Ranzato, E., Martinotti, S., & Burlando, B. (2011). Wound healing properties of jojoba liquid wax: An in vitro study. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 134(2), 443–449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2010.12.042
  - What it shows: Lab (cell) study.
- Meier, L., Stange, R., Michalsen, A., & Uehleke, B. (2012). Clay jojoba oil facial mask for lesioned skin and mild acne — Results of a prospective, observational pilot study. Forschende Komplementärmedizin, 19(2), 75–79. https://doi.org/10.1159/000338076
  - What it shows: Uncontrolled study of a clay-jojoba mask.
- Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2018). Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070
  - What it shows: Review of plant oils.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Claim: Jojoba Oil is used in all four ORY^® product lines.

Verification: Supported. Jojoba has a very low saponification value, so in soap it is used mainly as a superfat.

Product line	Typical level	How ORY^® uses it
Skincare	5–100%	Facial oils, serums, cleansing oils, creams, balms, and infusion base.
Haircare	2–100%	Scalp oils, hair serums, leave-ins, and conditioners.
Handmade Soap	2–5% of oils	Superfat or small recipe share.
Cosmetics	5–30%	Foundations, lip products, cream blush, and makeup removers.

Citations:

- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1992). Final report on the safety assessment of jojoba oil and jojoba wax. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 11(1), 57–74 (reaffirmed in a 2008 CIR report on jojoba-derived ingredients). https://doi.org/10.3109/10915819209141992
  - What it shows: Reported uses.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
  - What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.

7. Pros

Claim: A stable, non-greasy, well-tolerated oil with a CIR safety conclusion.

Verification: Supported. Well documented composition and long cosmetic use.

Citations:

- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1992). Final report on the safety assessment of jojoba oil and jojoba wax. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 11(1), 57–74 (reaffirmed in a 2008 CIR report on jojoba-derived ingredients). https://doi.org/10.3109/10915819209141992
  - What it shows: Safety conclusion.

8. Cons

Claim: Jojoba costs more than common oils, adds little occlusion alone, and solidifies in cold.

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

- Cost. Higher than almond or sunflower.
- Limited occlusion. Very dry skin needs richer partners.
- Solidifies below about 10 °C. Harmless; warm to liquefy.
- Soap. Superfat role only.

Citations:

- Pazyar, N., et al. (2013). Jojoba in dermatology: A succinct review. Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia, 148(6), 687–691. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24442052/
  - What it shows: Review.

9. Safety Notes

Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only.

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Store away from heat and light, and discard if it smells rancid.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1992). Final report on the safety assessment of jojoba oil and jojoba wax. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 11(1), 57–74 (reaffirmed in a 2008 CIR report on jojoba-derived ingredients). https://doi.org/10.3109/10915819209141992
  - What it shows: Safety assessment.

10. Product-line notes

- ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY^® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY^® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY^® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1992). Final report on the safety assessment of jojoba oil and jojoba wax. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 11(1), 57–74 (reaffirmed in a 2008 CIR report on jojoba-derived ingredients). https://doi.org/10.3109/10915819209141992
- Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2018). Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070
- Meier, L., Stange, R., Michalsen, A., & Uehleke, B. (2012). Clay jojoba oil facial mask for lesioned skin and mild acne — Results of a prospective, observational pilot study. Forschende Komplementärmedizin, 19(2), 75–79. https://doi.org/10.1159/000338076
- Pazyar, N., et al. (2013). Jojoba in dermatology: A succinct review. Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia, 148(6), 687–691. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24442052/
- Ranzato, E., Martinotti, S., & Burlando, B. (2011). Wound healing properties of jojoba liquid wax: An in vitro study. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 134(2), 443–449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2010.12.042

Government and regulatory sources

- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap

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Jojoba Oil

1. General Description and Role

2. Composition and Production

3. Skin Type Suitability

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

5. Benefits

6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines

7. Pros

8. Cons

9. Safety Notes

10. Product-line notes

11. References

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines