Oxidative stability of jojoba wax

The rates of autoxidation of crude, bleached and stripped jojoba wax were determined under conditions of accelerated oxidation (98 C). Oxidation of the raw yellow wax had a long induction period (50 hr) compared with the bleached wax (10-12 hr) or stripped wax (2 hr). These differences indicate the presence of a natural antioxidant in the crude wax. Addition of 0.02% butylated hydroxytoluene or butylated hydroxyanisole to the bleached wax restored and even improved its stability. Autoxidation of jojoba wax was also studied at room temperature. In the presence of light and air, the activity of the natural inhibitor was rapidly lost.