FORMULATION GUIDE
Formulating With Jojoba Oil: A Guide for Skincare Makers
Jojoba oil is a staple for skincare makers, from home crafters to contract manufacturers. It is easy to work with, feels light on the skin and keeps well on the shelf.
This guide covers the technical details you need for labelling, how jojoba behaves in common product types, and what to consider when sourcing cosmetic grade jojoba oil.
Jojoba INCI name and identifiers
For your ingredient list and documentation, golden jojoba oil is identified as:
| INCI name | Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil |
| CAS number | 61789-91-1 |
| Type | Golden (unrefined) |
| Composition | Roughly 98% long-chain wax esters |
Use the INCI name exactly as written on cosmetic labels. If you are unsure of labelling rules for your market, check the current requirements before you print.
Why jojoba behaves differently
Most plant oils are triglycerides. Jojoba is mostly wax esters, so it is better described as a liquid wax. This affects how it behaves in a formula:
- Light skin feel. It moisturises and conditions with a light, non-greasy finish.
- Good keeping quality. It is less prone to oxidation than many plant oils, which helps the stability of a blend.
- Low odour. Golden jojoba has a mild scent that is easy to fragrance over.
- Clouding in the cold. It turns cloudy or solid below roughly 7 to 10°C and clears again when warmed.
Jojoba is widely regarded as non-comedogenic, which is one reason it is popular in facial products. As with any ingredient, recommend a patch test on your labels.
Using jojoba in creams, serums and balms
Jojoba fits into most anhydrous and emulsified products:
- Facial oils and serums. Use it as the main carrier or blend it with other oils to fine-tune feel and cost.
- Creams and lotions. Add it to the oil phase. It is stable to normal emulsion heating.
- Balms and lip products. It softens the texture of waxes and butters and adds slip.
- Hair and beard oils. It conditions hair and gives a light finish without heaviness.
- Cleansing oils. It pairs well with a suitable emulsifier for a rinse-off cleanser.
Keep the claims on your packaging cosmetic, such as moisturises, softens or conditions.
Jojoba for soap making
Jojoba can be used in cold process and hot process soap, but it behaves differently to typical soaping oils. Because it is a wax ester, much of it does not form soap in the usual way and instead adds to the conditioning feel of the bar.
Practical tips for soap makers:
- Use it at a modest level so the bar stays firm and lathers well.
- Many makers add it at trace as part of the superfat.
- Always run your recipe through a reputable lye calculator that lists jojoba, and use the figures it provides.
Test small batches first and let them cure fully before judging the result.
Choosing a cosmetic grade jojoba supplier
When sourcing jojoba for a product line, consider:
- Origin. If you want an Australian ingredient story, our Australian range is grown by NSW and Queensland growers. Our Imported range is a lower-cost option. Both are golden jojoba with the same INCI name.
- Processing. Our Australian oil is mechanically cold-pressed, with no heat or chemical solvents, filtered to 1 micron and free of additives.
- Batch consistency. Buying larger packs means fewer batch changes across a production run.
- Pack size. We offer 500ml, 1L, 4kg (~4.6 L) and 19kg (~22 L).
For questions about documentation or supply, use our contact form.
Scaling up production
Start with a 1 litre bottle while you develop and test. Once your formula is set, move to a 4kg pack or a 19kg pack to lower your cost per unit.
For regular, bulk or export orders, visit our wholesale page and we will quote to suit your volumes.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
What is the INCI name for jojoba oil?
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil. The CAS number is 61789-91-1.
Is jojoba oil non-comedogenic?
Jojoba is widely regarded as non-comedogenic and is common in facial products. Skin varies, so recommend a patch test to your customers.
Can I heat jojoba oil when making creams?
Yes. Jojoba handles the normal heating used to make emulsions. Avoid prolonged high heat, as with any cosmetic oil.
Why did my jojoba go solid in the workshop?
Jojoba turns cloudy or solid below roughly 7 to 10°C. Warm it gently and it will return to a clear liquid without any change to quality.
Develop with a 1 litre bottle, then scale up with our 4kg and 19kg Australian golden jojoba packs or a wholesale quote.