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Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil

In Skincare: Is Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Comedogenicity (pore clogging)
1/5 — Very low risk
Safety (overall safety)
1/5 — Very low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
1/5 — Very low risk

Safety Information

Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil is a stable, non-volatile derivative of jojoba oil that is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. It is well tolerated by most skin types, with minimal risk of causing irritation or clogged pores, although rare cases of individual hypersensitivity may occur.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Hydrogenated jojoba oil is derived from the jojoba plant and undergoes controlled hydrogenation to create a soft wax.

  • 02

    This ingredient functions as an emollient, contributing to skin softening and moisturizing effects.

  • 03

    Due to its occlusive properties, hydrogenated jojoba oil helps retain moisture in the skin.

  • 04

    The name “jojoba” is pronounced “ho-ho-ba.”

Key Benefits

What Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil does for your skin

1 benefits
Hydration

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Hydrogenated jojoba oil, derived from the seeds of the *Simmondsia chinensis* plant (jojoba), is a stable, non-fragrant emollient that functions as a wax. It provides moisturizing and skin-softening benefits, while its occlusive properties help to minimize water loss and support hydration. Approved as safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel for use in concentrations up to 31%, it is a common ingredient found in skincare and cosmetics.
Classifications
Emollient
Texture Enhancer

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

Jojoba oil is primarily composed of wax esters – a mixture of fatty acids and alcohols with long carbon chains (typically 36-46). This unique composition distinguishes it from typical vegetable oils, making it behave more like a lipid than an oil. Hydrogenation modifies this structure, resulting in a solid or semi-solid ingredient with beneficial emollient and thickening effects.

Common Uses

Formulation in Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil

Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil is used in cosmetic and personal care products for its emollient, moisturizing, and thickening properties. Due to its similarity in structure to human sebum, it helps to soften and smooth skin, reduce water loss from the skin (improve hydration), and provide a stable base for formulations. It can be found in products such as skin creams, lotions, makeup bases, hair conditioners, and shaving products.

Role of Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

ABRASIVE

Polishing & Scrubbing Agent

Removes dead skin cells and surface impurities through gentle scrubbing action

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Abrasive agents function through mechanical action to physically remove material from surfaces. In cosmetics, these are typically fine particles (silica, pumice, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene beads) that provide controlled friction to slough off dead corneocytes from the stratum corneum or remove dental plaque and stains from tooth enamel. The particle size, hardness, and shape determine the intensity of exfoliation.

SKIN CONDITIONING

Skin Enhancer

Maintains skin in good condition and improves its feel

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Skin conditioning ingredients enhance appearance, texture, and health of skin through various mechanisms. This broad category encompasses emollients, humectants, occlusives, and other agents that improve skin feel, appearance, and function. May work by moisturizing, smoothing, softening, or protecting skin. Effects include improved tactile properties, enhanced barrier function, and better overall skin condition.

SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT

Skin Softener

Softens and smooths skin by filling gaps between cells

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Emollient ingredients create smooth, soft skin by filling spaces between corneocytes in stratum corneum. These include esters (isopropyl palmitate), oils (jojoba, argan), fatty alcohols, and silicones. The mechanism involves spreading on skin surface, filling microscopic irregularities, and creating lubricious film. Effects are immediate tactile improvement and visual smoothing. Emolliency measured by spreading coefficient and skin feel assessments.

Products

containing Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil

238 formulations
Gentle Polish
Gentle Polish
Merle Norman · exfoliators
Lip Care Stick
Lip Care Stick
Dr. Hauschka · eye-lip-care
The Slim Velvet Radical Matte Lipstick
The Slim Velvet Radical Matte Lipstick
Yves Saint Laurent · makeup
Hypnôse Custom-Wear Volume Mascara - Black
Hypnôse Custom-Wear Volume Mascara - Black
Lancôme · makeup
Pure Active Anti-Blackhead Deep Pore Wash
Pure Active Anti-Blackhead Deep Pore Wash
Garnier · cleanser
Hypnôse Mascara - Brun Hypnotic
Hypnôse Mascara - Brun Hypnotic
Lancôme · makeup
Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara - Very Black
Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara - Very Black
Maybelline · makeup
Magnificent Mascara
Magnificent Mascara
Valentino · makeup
The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara
The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara
Maybelline · makeup
Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara
Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara
Lancôme · makeup
See all products with Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil

References

Scientific sources

[1]

Polymers, May 2021, pages 1-22

[2]

Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, June 2016, pages 381-388

[3]

Cosmetic Ingredient Review, September 2008, pages 1-37

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil — common questions

What is Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil in skincare?

Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil is a cosmetic ingredient derived from Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seeds and wax. It’s produced by hydrogenating jojoba oil, a process that alters its structure to create a solid or semi-solid form at room temperature. Jojoba oil itself is extracted from the seeds of a desert shrub native to Arizona, California, and Mexico. Other related ingredients include jojoba oil, jojoba wax, jojoba butter, jojoba esters, hydrolyzed jojoba esters, and jojoba alcohol.

What does Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil do? / Functions of Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil?

Common functions: ABRASIVE, SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT.

What is the comedogenic rating of Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil? / Is Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil comedogenic?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is unlikely to clog pores.

Does it clog pores?
Unlikely to Clog Pores

Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil is unlikely to clog pores (rating 1/5).

Is Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil safe for skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil has a safety rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil is a stable, non-volatile derivative of jojoba oil that is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. It is well to

Is Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil good for sensitive skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil has an irritancy rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil in skincare?

Known considerations: Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil is a stable, non-volatile derivative of jojoba oil that is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. It is well tolerated by most skin types, with minimal risk of causing irritation or clogged pores, although rare cases of individual hypersensitivity may occur.

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