FINAL REPORT ON THE SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF JOJOBA OIL AND JOJOBA WAX

Jojoba Oil is obtained from seeds of the desert shrub, Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) and is used in cosmetic products at concentrations ranging f rom less-than-or-equal-to 0.1 % to 25.0%. The oral LD50 for male rats is greater than 21.5 ml/kg. Results from short-term oral toxicity studies of Jojoba Oil indicated no treatment-related effects. Only slight conjunctival hyperemia was observed in the eyes of rabbits 1 h after the instillation of Jojoba Oil. Reactions had cleared by 24-h post-instillation. No significant skin irritation reactions were observed in albino guinea pigs patch tested with undiluted Jojoba Oil. In a maximization test, no sensitization reactions were observed in 20 male and female albino marmots patch tested with 10.0% Jojoba alcohol. A mixture of Jojoba Oil and hydrogenated Jojoba Wax was not mutagenic, with and without activation, in the Ames assay. A topical oil product containing 0.5% Jojoba Oil and a lip balm product containing 20.0% Jojoba Oil were classified as nonirritants and nonsensitizers to humans. Sensitization reactions to undiluted Jojoba Oil were not observed in a group of 28 patients with no known sensitivities. On the basis of the available animal and clinical data presented in this report, it is concluded that Jojoba Oil and Jojoba Wax are safe as cosmetic ingredients in the present practices of use and concentration.