Jojoba oil
From Freepedia
Jojoba Oil is the liquid wax produced in the seed of the Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) plant.
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Chemical Structure
Jojoba oil is a straight chain wax ester, 36 to 46 carbon atoms in length. Each molecule consists of a fatty acid and a fatty alcohol joined by an ester bond. Each molecule has two points of cis-unsaturation, both located at the 9th carbon atom from either end of the molecule. There is no triglyceride component to jojoba oil.
Physical Properties
Unrefined jojoba oil appears as a clear golden liquid at room temperature with a slightly fatty odor. Refined jojoba oil is colorless and odorless. The melting point of jojoba oil is approximately 10°C¹ and the iodine value is approximately 80². Jojoba oil is relatively shelf-stable when compared with other vegetable oils. Jojoba oil has an Oxidative Stability Index of approximately 60³, which means that it is more shelf-stable than oils of safflower oil, canola oil, almond oil or squalene but less than castor oil, macadamia oil and coconut oil.
Uniqueness
Unlike common triglyceride vegetable oils, jojoba oil is chemically very similar to human sebum. Jojoba oil is a straight chain wax ester which is liquid at room temperature, making it a botanical alternative to spermaceti (whale oil).
Uses
Most jojoba oil is consumed as an ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products, especially skin care and hair care. Jojoba oil is often listed in the ingredient declaration of cosmetic products as either Jojoba Oil or Jojoba Esters.
References ¹AOCS (American Oil Chemists Society) Method Cc 18-80 ²AOCS Method Cd 1-25 ³AOCS Method Cd 12b-92
