NOTE Alterations in Gene Expression Profiles of Human Epidermal Cells Treated with Jojoba Oil

Abstract

Abstract: Jojoba oil is a popular skin moisturizer, but its molecular effects on human epidermal cells are unclear. Using reconstructed human epidermis, we applied golden (unrefined) and refined jojoba oils and performed transcriptome analysis. We identified 124 differentially expressed genes; five related to wound healing (e.g., ANGPTL4, MMP9) were validated by qRT-PCR. ANGPTL4 was prominently induced by golden jojoba oil, whereas MMP9 was jojoba oil-specific. We also found that no skin irritation markers were upregulated. These findings sug-gest that jojoba oil, particularly the golden form, may promote epidermal repair without causing irritation, supporting its safe use in cosmetic applications.