Jojoba oil has been a popular ingredient in the cosmetic industry for its moisturizing, conditioning, and soothing benefits. However, one question that often arises is whether jojoba oil is water-soluble.
The answer is not straightforward, as it depends on the form in which jojoba oil is used. In this article, we will explore the properties of jojoba oil and its water-soluble derivatives, and how they can be incorporated into formulations to enhance their benefits.
So, if you’re curious about the science behind jojoba oil and its solubility in water, keep reading!
Is Jojoba Oil Water Soluble?
Jojoba oil is a unique natural waxy ester that closely resembles human sebum. It is well known for its moisturizing, conditioning, and soothing benefits. However, jojoba oil is not water-soluble in its pure form. This means that it cannot be easily incorporated into water-based formulations.
To overcome this limitation, manufacturers have developed water-soluble derivatives of jojoba oil. These derivatives are created by modifying the chemical structure of jojoba oil to make it compatible with water. One such derivative is RESPLANTA JOJOBA MB, which is a non-ionic water-soluble ingredient that allows incorporation of Jojoba Oil into formulations. RESPLANTA JOJOBA MB is soluble in water up to 5% and is high in low chain free fatty acids, particularly Gadoleic Acid.
Another water-soluble derivative of jojoba oil is Jojoba Aqua Bio-120 (INCI: Jojoba Wax PEG-120 Esters). This ingredient is a water-soluble emollient wax that can be used to provide sensorial benefits. It offers film-forming properties, increased slip and structure, and can act as a mild nonionic surfactant or solubilizer. The versatile ingredient can be used in both hot and cold process applications.
What Is Jojoba Oil?
Jojoba oil is a liquid wax extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis). It is the only unsaturated liquid wax readily extractable in large quantities from plant sources, comprising approximately 52% of the total seed weight. Jojoba oil has a high structure similarity with sperm whale oil, which has increased its interest as a replacement for sperm whale oil since the 1970s.
Jojoba oil has been used for centuries by Native Americans in the Sonora desert as a foodstuff and therapeutic for multiple ailments. It is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, especially in cosmetics, to restore the ordinary health of hair and skin. Jojoba cosmetic products currently on the market include bath oil, body oil, cleansing creams, facial creams, hair conditioners, makeup removers, and shaving creams. In addition to its use in cosmetics, jojoba oil has many industrial applications such as an extreme temperature/extreme pressure lubricant, extraction and separation of isotopes, and as a surfactant, fire retardant, lamp oil, candle wax, polishes, and antifoaming agents.
Despite its many benefits, jojoba oil is not water-soluble in its pure form. However, manufacturers have developed water-soluble derivatives of jojoba oil such as RESPLANTA JOJOBA MB and Jojoba Aqua Bio-120 (INCI: Jojoba Wax PEG-120 Esters) to make it compatible with water-based formulations. These derivatives offer similar benefits to pure jojoba oil and can be used in both hot and cold process applications.
The Science Behind Jojoba Oil’s Properties
Jojoba oil is obtained directly from the seeds of the jojoba plant through cold expression or solvent extraction. The resulting oil has a golden or light yellow color, a pleasant, slightly nutty taste, and high thermal and oxidative stabilities. These stabilities are due to the presence of natural antioxidants such as α, γ, and δ tocopherol, which provide high resistance toward rancidity.
Refined or bleached jojoba oil, on the other hand, is nearly white with low oxidative stability due to the removal of antioxidants. However, both natural and bleached forms of jojoba oil exhibit high thermal stability, which is indicated by a high flash point reaching 295 °C.
Jojoba oil is soluble in common solvents such as benzene and chloroform but is essentially immiscible in methanol. Its solubility in different organic solvents has been extensively studied in previous works. Additionally, jojoba oil’s viscosity makes it an ideal ingredient for use as an extreme temperature/pressure lubricant.
When it comes to skincare, jojoba oil’s unique chemical structure closely resembles human sebum, making it an excellent emollient that can provide softening and conditioning properties to formulations. It also has hydrating properties that can balance natural oil production, deliver antioxidant protection, and have anti-inflammatory effects. Jojoba oil may also have some antibacterial properties and can help reduce acne.
While pure jojoba oil is not water-soluble, manufacturers have developed water-soluble derivatives of jojoba oil by modifying its chemical structure to make it compatible with water. These derivatives offer similar benefits to pure jojoba oil and can be used in both hot and cold process applications.
Water-Soluble Derivatives Of Jojoba Oil
Water-soluble derivatives of jojoba oil are created by modifying the chemical structure of jojoba oil to make it compatible with water. These derivatives are used to overcome the limitation of pure jojoba oil, which is not water-soluble and cannot be easily incorporated into water-based formulations. One such derivative is RESPLANTA JOJOBA MB, which is a non-ionic water-soluble ingredient that allows incorporation of Jojoba Oil into formulations. It is soluble in water up to 5% and is high in low chain free fatty acids, particularly Gadoleic Acid.
Another water-soluble derivative of jojoba oil is Jojoba Aqua Bio-120 (INCI: Jojoba Wax PEG-120 Esters). This ingredient is a water-soluble emollient wax that can be used to provide sensorial benefits. It offers film-forming properties, increased slip and structure, and can act as a mild nonionic surfactant or solubilizer. The versatile ingredient can be used in both hot and cold process applications.
The development of these water-soluble derivatives of jojoba oil has made it possible to incorporate the benefits of jojoba oil into water-based formulations such as shampoos, conditioners, and lotions. These derivatives provide the moisturizing, conditioning, and soothing benefits of jojoba oil while also allowing for easy incorporation into water-based formulations. Overall, the use of water-soluble derivatives of jojoba oil has expanded the range of applications for this unique natural waxy ester.
Benefits Of Incorporating Jojoba Oil Into Water-Based Formulations
Incorporating jojoba oil into water-based formulations can provide a range of benefits. Jojoba oil is a natural emollient that can soften and condition the skin, making it an ideal ingredient for moisturizers and other skincare products. When incorporated into water-based formulations, jojoba oil can provide hydrating benefits to the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
Jojoba Aqua Bio-120 and RESPLANTA JOJOBA MB are two water-soluble derivatives of jojoba oil that offer unique benefits when used in water-based formulations. Jojoba Aqua Bio-120 offers film-forming properties, increased slip and structure, and can act as a mild nonionic surfactant or solubilizer. RESPLANTA JOJOBA MB is high in low chain free fatty acids, particularly Gadoleic Acid, which can help to moisturize and soothe the skin.
In addition to its moisturizing properties, jojoba oil also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. It can help to balance natural oil production, reduce acne, and soothe redness and irritation. Jojoba oil is hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic, making it a safe choice for all skin types.
How To Use Jojoba Oil In Water-Based Products
If you want to incorporate the moisturizing benefits of jojoba oil into your water-based products, you can use water-soluble derivatives like RESPLANTA JOJOBA MB or Jojoba Aqua Bio-120. Here are some tips on how to use jojoba oil in water-based products:
1. Determine the compatibility of jojoba oil with your other ingredients. Make sure to check the pH and solubility of your formulation before adding jojoba oil.
2. Use the recommended amount of water-soluble jojoba oil derivative according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, you can add up to 5% of RESPLANTA JOJOBA MB or Jojoba Aqua Bio-120 to your formulation.
3. Mix the jojoba oil derivative with the other water-based ingredients thoroughly until it is fully dispersed.
4. Continue with your formulation process as usual, keeping in mind that the addition of jojoba oil may affect the texture and viscosity of your product.
By using water-soluble derivatives of jojoba oil, you can enjoy the moisturizing benefits of this natural ingredient in your water-based products without compromising their stability and texture.
