QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Jojoba Oil FAQ
Straight answers to the questions we’re asked most about jojoba oil, from Jojoba Australia, supplying golden jojoba oil since 1995. For an introduction, see What is jojoba oil?
ABOUT JOJOBA OIL
What jojoba oil is
What is jojoba oil?
Jojoba oil is pressed from the seeds of the jojoba shrub, Simmondsia chinensis, a desert plant native to the south-western United States and northern Mexico. The seeds are about half oil by weight. Its cosmetic ingredient (INCI) name is Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil.
Is jojoba an oil or a wax?
Technically it’s a liquid wax. Most plant oils are triglycerides, but jojoba is made up almost entirely (around 98%) of long-chain wax esters. That unusual chemistry is why it is so stable and why it feels light rather than greasy on the skin.
What's the difference between golden and clear jojoba oil?
Golden jojoba is unrefined: it keeps its natural golden colour and a mild, nutty scent. Clear jojoba has been refined to remove the colour and odour, usually for formulations where a neutral base is needed. All our oils are golden jojoba.
Why has my jojoba oil gone cloudy or solid?
Because jojoba is a wax, it starts to thicken, turn cloudy or partly solidify when it gets cold, typically below about 7–10°C. This is normal and doesn’t harm the oil. Stand the bottle somewhere warm, or in a bowl of warm water, and it will return to a clear liquid.
How long does jojoba oil last? Does it go rancid?
Jojoba is far more resistant to oxidation than most plant oils. In laboratory heat-ageing tests it held up better than olive oil and squalene. To keep it at its best, store it in a cool, dark place with the cap closed and use clean hands or the pump to avoid contamination.
USING JOJOBA OIL
How to use it, and is it right for you?
How do people use jojoba oil?
- As a light moisturiser for face and body, on its own or after a shower on damp skin
- On hair ends and the scalp as a conditioning treatment
- As a shaving oil
- As a massage oil, or a carrier for diluting essential oils
- As an ingredient in homemade or professional skincare, haircare and soap
Does jojoba oil clog pores?
Jojoba is widely regarded as non-comedogenic (unlikely to block pores), and published testing has supported this. Everyone’s skin is different, so if you have breakout-prone skin, start with a small amount and see how your skin responds.
Is jojoba oil good for massage?
Yes. It’s a popular choice with massage therapists because it has no additives, gives a smooth glide, moisturises as you work and leaves little oily residue on towels and linen. Practitioners usually buy the 4kg pack.
Is jojoba oil suitable for the whole family?
Pure jojoba oil is gentle, and many households use one bottle for everyone. As with any skincare product, do a patch test on a small area first. For babies, very sensitive skin or any skin condition, check with your doctor or pharmacist before use.
Can I be allergic to jojoba oil?
Reactions are uncommon, but any natural ingredient can cause a reaction in some people. Apply a little to the inside of your forearm and wait 24 hours before using it more widely. Stop using it if irritation occurs.
OUR JOJOBA OIL
Where it comes from and how to buy
Where is jojoba grown in Australia?
Jojoba suits Australia’s hot, dry inland regions. Commercial plantations are in the arid and semi-arid areas of New South Wales and Queensland, using varieties selected for Australian conditions by CSIRO and NSW Department of Agriculture researchers in the 1970s and 1980s. Read more on our farms.
How is Jojocare Australian jojoba oil made?
The seed is mechanically cold-pressed and the oil is filtered to 1 micron. No heat or chemical solvents are used, and nothing is added: it’s 100% golden jojoba oil.
What's the difference between your Australian and imported jojoba?
Our Australian Golden Jojoba Oil range is pressed from seed grown by Australian farmers. Our Imported Golden Jojoba Oil range is a lower-cost golden jojoba sourced overseas. Both come in the same sizes, from 500ml to 19kg, and every product is clearly labelled with its range.
How many litres are in a 4kg or 19kg pack?
Jojoba is lighter than water, so 4kg is about 4.6 litres and 19kg is about 22 litres.
Do you sell jojoba oil in bulk or ship overseas?
Yes. 4kg and 19kg packs can be ordered online, and we quote on larger, regular and export orders. Regular online orders ship within Australia only. See wholesale and bulk jojoba oil, or send us an enquiry.
Do you have a shop I can visit?
No. As a wholesale supplier we sell online only, with orders shipped by courier or Australia Post. Shop online.
Sources
- Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity. Polymers (2021) 13(11):1711.
- Tsuchimoto S, Sakai H, Fukui K (2022). Oxidative Stability and Antioxidant Activity of Crude Jojoba Oil. BPB Reports 5(6):121–124.
- Arquette DJ et al. (1998). Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic properties of jojoba oil and hydrogenated jojoba oil. Journal of Cosmetic Science 49:377–383.
This information is general and about cosmetic use only. It is not medical advice.
JOJOBA GUIDES
Learn more about jojoba oil
BUYING GUIDE
Compare origin, processing and cost to choose the right golden jojoba for your brand or clinic.
FOR THERAPISTS
Glide, blending, patch testing and buying carrier oil wholesale for your treatment rooms.
FORMULATION GUIDE
INCI and CAS details, and how jojoba behaves in creams, serums, balms and soap.
STORAGE GUIDE
Shelf life, storage tips, and why jojoba turns cloudy in the cold.
Buying for a clinic, salon or production run? See our 4kg and 19kg packs, or ask us for a quote on bulk, regular or export supply.