What Are Jojoba Esters & What Do They Do for Your Skin?

You might have heard about jojoba seed oil, but what about jojoba esters? How are they different from jojoba oil? Understanding these distinctions can help you make more informed choices about your skincare products, and we can help with that.

In short, jojoba esters are “emollient” or softening ingredients derived from jojoba seed oil and they can be beneficial in helping keep skin hydrated and smooth – but that’s not all. Let’s do a deeper dive into jojoba esters and the reasons why you may want to look for this ingredient in your skincare.

• What Are Jojoba Esters?
• How Are Jojoba Esters Used?
• What Are the Skincare Benefits of Jojoba Esters?
• Are There Any Risks of Using Jojoba Esters in Skincare?
• Skincare Treatments with Jojoba Esters

What Are Jojoba Esters?

Jojoba is a shrub that grows in dry regions of the southwest of the U.S. and parts of northern Mexico. Jojoba oil is made from the seeds that are found on the jojoba shrub. Let’s get technical for a moment, jojoba esters are formed when you modify jojoba oil through processes called hydrogenation and interesterification.

Jojoba seed oil on its own is hydrating and soothing for skin but jojoba esters tend to be more stable due to the hydrogenation. That’s why jojoba esters – a wax – are commonly used for a variety of skincare products.

How Are Jojoba Esters Used?

Jojoba esters have many beneficial uses and are commonly incorporated into:

• Moisturizers and Creams: To provide deep hydration and improve skin texture.
• Lip Balms: To offer moisturizing and protective benefits.
• Sunscreens: To enhance spreadability and skin feel.
• Cleansers: To maintain moisture balance during cleansing.
• Serums: To improve texture and boost hydration.
• Skincare for your body: To moisturize and protect skin.

And the possibilities don’t end there; jojoba esters can also be found in many hair products to reduce frizz and add shine.

What Are the Skincare Benefits of Jojoba Esters?

Jojoba esters have become a standout ingredient in skincare over the years due to their many properties that benefit our skin.

These versatile compounds offer a unique molecular structure similar to the oils in our own skin, allowing them to penetrate the skin easily and lock in moisture effectively as well as slow signs of aging and improve skin’s firmness.

Let’s take a more in-depth look at these jojoba esters skin benefits:

Hydrating

Jojoba esters are emollients that provide deep hydration to the skin. Their molecular structure is similar to human sebum, which allows them to seamlessly work with the natural oils in our skin to maximize skin’s moisture.

This hydrating property is crucial for maintaining healthy, supple skin and preventing dryness and flakiness, as well as signs of aging like dehydration lines.

If you struggle with extra dry skin during the winter months, products with jojoba esters might be your saving grace. Their ability to penetrate deeply into the skin allows them to deliver moisture effectively and maintain hydration levels over time.

Minimizing Signs of Aging

Jojoba esters can help minimize fine lines and other signs of aging, making them desirable in skincare treatments. Their ability to deeply moisturize the skin helps plump up fine lines and wrinkles, reducing their appearance.

Additionally, jojoba esters can help revive dull skin, creating a more youthful and radiant-looking complexion. Jojoba esters also have antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from environmental stressors that can accelerate the aging process.

Improving Firmness

Jojoba esters can also help improve skin firmness by supporting the skin's natural barrier function. They play a role in maintaining the skin's elasticity and suppleness, which can lead to a firmer, more toned appearance.

The emollient properties of jojoba esters have also been shown to smooth the skin's texture, enhancing its overall firmness and resilience. By promoting increasingly hydrated skin and supporting the skin's natural lipid barrier, jojoba esters help create a foundation for firmer skin.

By integrating jojoba esters into your skincare routine, you can enjoy a comprehensive approach to skin health, addressing hydration, aging, and firmness all at once.

Are There Any Risks of Using Jojoba Esters in Skincare?

While jojoba esters are generally safe for topical skincare use, there are a few potential risks to consider:

Like most other substances, allergic reactions are a possibility. While uncommon, some individuals may experience skin irritation, redness, or itching.

Additionally, as with other skin treatments, excessive use could potentially disrupt the skin's natural oil balance.

These risks are typically minimal, and jojoba esters are well-tolerated by most people as an ingredient in skincare. As with any new skincare ingredient, you may want to do a patch test on a small area of your skin first, and then gradually introduce jojoba esters more regularly into your regimen.

Skincare Treatments with Jojoba Esters

Ready to harness the benefits of jojoba esters? There are several ways you can incorporate this powerful ingredient into your skincare routine. Here are just a few of our recommendations:

Eye Skincare

When it comes to taking care of our skin, we can’t forget eye skincare.

Total Eye® 3-In-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 is a comprehensive eye treatment that helps to:

• Brighten dark undereye circles
• Reduce puffiness
• Smooth fine lines

It also contains broad-spectrum mineral SPF 35 protection to prevent photoaging around the entire area. Total Eye® 3-In-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 is a dermatologist tested, ophthalmologist reviewed, and safe for sensitive eyes formula that doubles as a concealer and is available in 4 color-correcting shades.

Sunscreen

Sun protection should be worn every day, all over; try Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Body Shield Classic SPF 50, for full body PA++++, all-mineral protection that’s safe for sensitive skin.

This hydrating body sunscreen offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection. Above and beyond standard sun protection, it features EnviroScreen® Technology, which defends against environmental aggressors, including pollution, blue (HEV) light, and infrared radiation.

This mineral sunscreen for your body is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it the perfect choice for outdoor activities and active lifestyles.

Primers

These primers are formulated for healthier, younger-looking skin. Which of our primers is best for you will depend on your priorities, so learn more about each below.

Brightening Primer SPF 20

Our Brightening Primer SPF 20 is designed to illuminate the skin, brighten the complexion, and combat dullness while providing broad-spectrum sun protection.

Key benefits include improving skin firmness and texture, smoothing the skin, and providing hydration. It's formulated with ingredients like jojoba seed oil and esters as well as green tea leaf extract for antioxidant and hydrating benefits.

Bronzing Primer SPF 20

If you want a sunkissed bronze without the sun damage, Bronzing Primer SPF 20 is your go-to. It offers a light hint of bronze that gives a subtle warmth to the skin, while priming for makeup application to extend the wear of foundation.

This primer includes glycerin and aloe leaf extract as well as jojoba esters to effectively moisturize and soothe skin. It also provides broad-spectrum sun protection.

Mattifying Primer SPF 20

Mattifying Primer SPF 20 is specifically formulated to control shine and give skin a matte finish thanks to the salicylic acid, which can help control oil production. While its primary benefit is extending makeup wear, it also provides broad-spectrum sun protection from harmful UV rays.

Key ingredients like oat extract and spirulina help this primer hydrate and nourish the skin while maintaining a non-greasy finish.

Makeup

Looking for skincare-makeup hybrids with jojoba esters and nurturing ingredients? We recommend adding these to your makeup line-up.

Mascara

Total Lash™ Mascara is designed to not only make lashes look great, but feel great as well. This unique formula nourishes and conditions lashes, promoting lash health. Wearing this mascara regularly can help enhance density and length, while strengthening lashes to prevent breakage.

Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Color Balm SPF 50

Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Color Balm SPF 50 is a versatile cream SPF stick that provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection while adding a flush of color to lips, cheeks, and even eyelids.

Formulated with EnviroScreen® Technology, it offers all-mineral protection against UVA/UVB rays, pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation. The balm is available in 6 shades, including vibrant options like Berry and Blush, and is enriched with moisturizing ingredients like jojoba esters and squalane.

Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Color Balm SPF 50 is dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and safe for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers. The balm is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.

Harness the Benefits of Jojoba Esters in Your Skincare Regimen

When it comes to caring for dry skin and treating other skin concerns, the more knowledge you have of the ingredients available out there, the better.

Jojoba esters are powerful skincare ingredients that help keep your skin moisturized, especially when working alongside other hydrating ingredients. Moreover, the emollient properties jojoba esters are known for will help to soften and smooth the skin, making them ideal for treating rough or flaky areas.

Try jojoba esters skincare from Colorescience. Our selection includes a variety of treatments designed to provide hydration and protection, from mineral sunscreen to skincare-makeup hybrids.