Uses and Benefits of Jojoba Oil

Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD

Jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis) is extracted from an evergreen shrub native to the Sonoran Desert. It grows in areas like Egypt, Peru, India, and the United States. Jojoba oil is golden yellow and has a pleasant scent. Although it looks and feels like an oil—and is usually categorized as one—it’s technically a liquid wax ester.

Jojoba oil has a long history of use in folklore to support skin and hair health. It has also been used for wound healing and immunity boosting. Research has found that it has strong therapeutic usages, particularly moisturizing and protecting the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial effects. Jojoba oil is generally well tolerated, with few side effects.

Uses and Benefits

Jojoba oil has many potential uses and benefits. Hair and nail treatments are the most well-researched.

Treating Dry Skin

Jojoba oil is probably most known for its skin benefits. It's a strong emollient agent, which means that it works well to soothe dryness and rehydrate skin. Jojoba oil is known to add suppleness back to rough or irritated skin. People often notice that it moisturizes without being excessively oily or greasy. Jojoba also can work to protect the surface of the skin, in much the same way as petroleum or lanolin does.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends using an ointment or cream with jojoba oil in it as a way to treat dry skin.

Treating Acne

Some older research has found that jojoba oil may help treat acne vulgaris (i.e., pimples). Research found that the liquid wax that jojoba oil is made of can dissolve sebum in hair follicles, and thereby help resolve acne. This research found no negative side effects (such as burning or itching) when using jojoba oil for acne treatment.

More current research is needed in this area.

Reducing Skin Inflammation

Skin inflammation can have various causes, from sunburns to dermatitis. Some research has found possible anti-inflammatory properties of jojoba oil when used topically on the skin. For example, research conducted on rats found that jojoba oil may help reduce edema (swelling).

There's also evidence that jojoba can help relieve diaper rash, which is characterized as dermatitis or inflammation in the diaper area of infants. The research found that jojoba oil was just as effective in treating diaper rash as medicated treatments containing ingredients like nystatin and triamcinolone acetonide.

Again, more current research on humans is needed.

Restoring Damaged Hair

Jojoba has several known hair benefits. For instance, it's often used as a hair-straightening product. Jojoba is effective at straightening hair and is less likely to cause hair damage—such as dryness or brittleness—than other products. Jojoba may be may lessen hair protein loss, offer protection, and decrease breakage.

Jojoba oil is often touted as a cure for hair loss, but there's no evidence as of now that it can do this. It can strengthen hair and decrease hair breakage, which may help prevent certain kinds of hair loss.

How To Use

Jojoba oil is sold in several different topical formulations. It can be used on its own as an oil applied topically to the face, skin, or hair. It's also an ingredient in products such as:

• Sunscreens

• Moisturizers and lotions

• Bath and body oils

• Cleansing creams, pads, and scrubs

• Facial creams and oils

• Hair conditioners and oils

• Make-up removal products

• Shaving creams

Only use jojoba oil or jojoba oil products according to the instructions on the package. Don’t use more than is recommended and don’t use the oil or product more frequently than recommended.

Jojoba oil is usually well tolerated, but it can be helpful to do a “patch test” on a small area of skin to see how your skin reacts to it. A dermatologist (a medical doctor who specializes in skin, hair, and nail conditions) can advise you on how to use it with other skincare products.

Safety and Side Effects

Topical use of jojoba oil isn’t known to cause significant side effects. In research on animals, jojoba oil was found to irritate in some cases but quickly resolved once the jojoba oil application was stopped. Jojoba oil patch tests in humans rarely cause allergic reactions, except in people who are hyperallergic.

Some reports of jojoba oil use resulted in contact dermatitis, but other reports have not found similar results.

It's unclear how jojoba might affect certain populations or skin types. Consult with your healthcare provider like a dermatologist before using it for the first time if:

• You have a serious medical condition

• You're pregnant or breastfeeding

• You're considering it using it on a child

This is especially important if you use large amounts of jojoba oil directly on the skin. Do not ingest jojoba oil or put it in your eyes or other orifices.

Related: How to Build a Morning and Evening Skincare Routine

Choosing a Jojoba Oil Product

Jojoba oil and most products containing jojoba oil are not regulated by the FDA. As the FDA notes, a product advertises as “plant-based,” “natural,” or “organic” doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s safer than other products.

Although jojoba oil itself has a fairly strong record of safety, products containing jojoba oil usually contain other ingredients. Read the ingredient list of any jojoba oil-containing product thoroughly to make sure the product is safe and doesn’t contain ingredients you are sensitive to or allergic to.

If jojoba oil or a product containing jojoba oil irritates your skin, stop using it immediately and contact a healthcare provider. A dermatologist can advise you on the best jojoba products for the particular condition you're trying to treat.

A Quick Review

Jojoba oil can help moisturize, rehydrate, and protect your skin. There’s evidence it can also help with conditions like acne and dermatitis. Jojoba oil supports hair health and can aid in strengthening and moisturizing. It might also contain antifungal antimicrobial properties.

Jojoba is usually gentle on the skin and doesn’t have serious known side effects. Still, always reach out to a healthcare provider before trying it for the first time, especially if you have a serious medical condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult with your pediatrician before using it on children.

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