Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil PEG-150 Esters

What is Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil PEG-150 Esters?

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil PEG-150 Esters originates from jojoba seed oil, a wax-like liquid produced by the seeds of the desert shrub Simmondsia chinensis. This oil is chemically modified through esterification with polyethylene glycol containing 150 ethylene oxide units, transforming the water-insoluble wax esters into a dispersible, amphiphilic compound. Commonly found in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and hair conditioners, it serves as a non-ionic surfactant that reduces interfacial tension between oil and water. This enables effective emulsification, dirt removal, and the incorporation of hydrophobic materials like fragrances into watery bases for transparent formulations. The structural similarity to natural skin lipids from jojoba provides subtle emollient qualities, supporting its use in products that cleanse while promoting skin and hair suppleness without residue.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 3 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Cleansing agent
Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.
Solubilizing agent
Helps incorporate oils and fragrance into water-based formulas by forming micro-solutions, enabling clear sprays, toners, and micellar products.
Hair conditioning
Improves softness, shine, and manageability by reducing friction and static; commonly achieved with cationic agents, silicones, oils, or conditioning polymers.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.

Benefits

Facilitates gentle cleansing by lifting dirt and oils for thorough yet non-stripping wash-off.

Enables clear formulations by dissolving oils and scents into water-based systems.

Supports skin and hair conditioning for smoother texture and easier manageability.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
People seeking mild, multi-tasking cleansers for daily face and body routines.
Those with allergies to jojoba derivatives or PEG compounds.
Individuals with hair that benefits from conditioning surfactants in shampoos.
People preferring fully natural, unmodified plant oils in their products.
Users of clear toners or sprays needing oil solubilization without cloudiness.
Individuals sensitive to ethoxylated ingredients in high amounts.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard overall with non-comedogenic properties.
  • Typically safe in rinse-off products at common use levels per cosmetic safety assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions about Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil PEG-150 Esters

What does this ingredient do in products?

It works as a surfactant to cleanse, emulsify, and solubilize while conditioning skin and hair mildly.

Is it suitable for acne-prone skin?

Yes, with a comedogenic rating of 0, it does not clog pores.

How does it differ from regular jojoba oil?

PEG-150 esterification makes it water-soluble for use in cleansers, unlike the oily pure form.