Jojoba Oil (CAS 61789-91-1) — Citrus Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
neutral

Jojoba Oil

CAS 61789-91-1

Origin
natural
Note
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Mar 2026

What Is Jojoba Oil?

Jojoba oil is a golden liquid wax derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant, native to the American Southwest. It’s commonly found in cosmetics, skincare, and hair care products due to its moisturizing properties. This unique oil matters because it closely resembles human sebum, making it exceptionally compatible with skin. It provides long-lasting hydration without clogging pores, making it ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin types.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Non-toxic and hypoallergenic
✓ No known restrictions
CAS
61789-91-1
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
neutral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Jojoba Oil Smell Like?

Jojoba oil is nearly odorless, with just a faint, nutty undertone that disappears quickly upon application. Its neutral scent profile makes it an ideal carrier oil for fragrances, allowing other notes to shine without interference. The texture is silky and luxurious, leaving skin feeling nourished without greasiness. Unlike many plant oils, jojoba doesn’t oxidize or turn rancid, maintaining its purity over time.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Le Labo Baie 19(Le Labo, 2019)

Used as a skin-friendly carrier that enhances longevity without altering the petrichor accord. Provides a smooth base for the fragrance to develop.

Aesop Hwyl(Aesop, 2017)

Jojoba oil carries the woody, spicy notes while preventing skin dryness from the high alcohol content in this intense fragrance.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Jojoba oil is chemically a liquid wax ester rather than a true oil, composed mainly of eicosenoic, docosenoic, and oleic acids esterified with long-chain alcohols. This unique structure gives it exceptional stability against oxidation. The oil is extracted by cold-pressing the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis, requiring no chemical processing. Its molecular similarity to human sebum comes from the wax esters that mirror those found in our skin’s natural oils.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceGolden yellow liquid
Melting Point7-10 °C
Flash Point>200 °C

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Non-volatile
Blending
Universal carrier
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-5%Up to 10%Carrier for fragrance oils
Skincare5-20%Up to 100%Moisturizing base

Classic Accords

+ Essential Oils = Custom Perfume Oil + Shea Butter = Luxe Body Butter

Tip: Use as a natural alternative to silicones for improving slip and spreadability in oil-based fragrances.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Fractionated Coconut Oil CAS 8001-31-8

More affordable liquid carrier with similar spreading properties but lacks jojoba’s skin compatibility.

2
Squalane CAS 111-01-3

Derived from olives, offers similar skin-mimicking properties but with slightly different texture and absorption rate.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. IFRA, REACH, EU Cosmetics Regulation standards update periodically. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating. Not legal or regulatory advice.

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions. Approved for all applications.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM considers jojoba oil safe for all cosmetic uses with no restrictions.

Sustainability

Jojoba is a sustainable crop requiring minimal water in arid climates. The plants live for over 100 years, producing seeds annually without replanting. Most commercial jojoba is now cultivated rather than wild-harvested, reducing environmental impact. As a perennial desert plant, it helps combat desertification while providing economic value to arid regions.

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References

  1. Wisniak, J. (1987). The Chemistry and Technology of Jojoba Oil. American Oil Chemists’ Society. DOI 10.1007/BF02541404
  2. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) seed oil PubChem

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 61789-91-1
Data Sources & Attribution
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.

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