Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 27, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil?

Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil comes from the seeds of the jojoba shrub that grows in arid regions of North and South America. Regular jojoba oil is a liquid wax packed with long chain fatty acids and alcohols. When manufacturers expose this oil to hydrogen gas under heat and pressure with a nickel catalyst, the natural double bonds in those chains turn into single bonds. This process, called hydrogenation, converts the pourable oil into a firm, butter-like wax that is highly resistant to oxidation and spoilage.

Jojoba oil gained popularity in the 1970s after whale oil was banned, offering a plant-based alternative with similar feel and performance. Hydrogenating the oil extended its shelf life and gave formulators a stable solid that blends easily with other ingredients. Today you will see Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil in lipsticks, lip balms, solid perfumes, stick foundations, moisturizers, anti-aging creams, face masks, body butters, hair pomades and gentle facial scrubs.

Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

Below are the key ways Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil improves beauty formulas.

  • Abrasive: In its powdered form the wax particles provide very mild physical exfoliation, helping lift away dead surface cells without scratching the skin.
  • Skin Conditioning: The wax forms a light breathable film that smooths and softens the skin, leaving it feeling supple and comfortable.
  • Emollient: It fills in the tiny gaps between skin cells, reducing moisture loss and giving products a richer creamier texture that glides on easily.

Who Can Use Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil

This ingredient suits most skin types including dry, normal, combination, oily and even sensitive skin because its waxy structure is non irritating and mimics natural sebum. Extremely acne prone users who react to any rich texture might prefer to patch test first, but the ingredient itself has a very low tendency to clog pores.

It is sourced from a plant and no animal by-products are involved in its production so it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly. Many suppliers also certify it as cruelty free.

Current research shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil is used topically in cosmetic amounts. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should confirm product choices with a healthcare professional to be safe.

The wax does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and there are no known interactions with common skincare actives or medications.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to any cosmetic ingredient vary from person to person. The issues listed below are possible but unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is properly formulated.

  • Allergic contact dermatitis – very rare but can present as redness itching or small bumps
  • Temporary pore congestion – may occur in a small number of highly acne prone users if the product is layered heavily with other occlusive ingredients
  • Mild eye irritation – can happen if wax particles migrate into the eyes from scrub cleansers or makeup

If discomfort or an unexpected reaction develops stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5

Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil scores a 1 because its wax esters are very similar to the skin’s own sebum and tend to sit on the surface rather than sink deeply into pores. The hydrogenation step also makes the wax highly stable so it does not oxidize into pore-clogging by-products. Most people, including those who break out easily, tolerate it well in leave-on or rinse-off formulas.

Overall it is considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, provided the finished product is not overloaded with heavier occlusive ingredients.

Some brands micronize the wax into tiny uniform spheres for scrubs; these particles rinse away cleanly and do not linger in follicles, further reducing clogging risk.

Summary

Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil acts as a mild abrasive, a skin-conditioning agent and an emollient. Its small wax beads gently lift dead cells, while the soft breathable film it leaves behind smooths skin texture and traps moisture without feeling greasy. Because hydrogenation turns the liquid oil into a solid wax, it boosts shelf life, gives products a creamy glide and helps stabilize sticks and balms.

The ingredient enjoys steady popularity in lip care, solid makeup and gentle exfoliating cleansers thanks to its plant origin, long-term stability and low irritation profile. It is widely seen as safe for almost all skin types with only rare reports of allergy or congestion.

Even with its strong safety record, skin can be unpredictable. It is always smart to patch test a new product that contains Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil to make sure it agrees with your individual skin needs.

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