Best For Skin Types
All, Dry, Sensitive, Combination
Addresses
Usage Frequency
Daily
What Is Simmondsia Chinensis Leaf Extract?
Simmondsia chinensis leaf extract comes from the jojoba plant, native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. The extract is obtained from the plant's leaves and serves primarily as a humectant in skincare formulations.
Humectants work by drawing water from the air and deeper skin layers to the surface, helping to maintain skin hydration. This ingredient is often chosen for its gentle profile and compatibility with a range of skin types.
How It Works
As a humectant, Simmondsia chinensis leaf extract works by attracting water molecules from the environment and from deeper layers of the skin. This water is then bound to the outer layers, improving skin hydration and plumpness.
The ingredient is less occlusive than oils or butters, meaning it doesn't seal moisture in; instead, it actively draws moisture to the skin's surface, making it particularly useful in lightweight serums and toners.
Clinical Evidence & References
Research on jojoba leaf extract specifically is limited in published literature. Most available evidence comes from studies on jojoba oil (the seed oil), which has demonstrated mild humectant and skin-conditioning properties in dermatological settings.
The leaf extract may offer similar benefits to the oil, though the concentration and extraction method could influence efficacy. More targeted studies on the leaf extract formulation would strengthen claims about its specific effects.
How to Use
Simmondsia chinensis leaf extract is typically used in rinse-off products (cleansers, masks) or leave-on formulations (serums, toners, creams). Since it works as a humectant, it performs best when applied to damp skin, allowing it to draw and bind moisture effectively. It pairs well with other hydrating ingredients and is often found in products designed to support dehydrated or sensitised skin.
Safety & Precautions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Simmondsia Chinensis Leaf Extract is a variant of Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, the form you will most often see on an ingredients list.
Gold standard plant oil for all skin types
Related Ingredients
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Gold standard plant oil for all skin types
Simmondsia Chinensis Butter
A plant-derived butter that conditions skin and hair with a composition similar to skin's natural oils
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
A wax ester oil with a unique molecular structure that mimics skin's natural lipids
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Cera
A plant-derived wax that conditions and thickens whilst maintaining a light feel
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Extract
A wax ester derived from jojoba seeds with moisturising and conditioning properties
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Powder
A finely milled powder derived from jojoba seeds that conditions and softens skin
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