Jojoba Oil

Overview and identity

Jojoba oil comes from the seed of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis). Chemically it is a liquid wax rather than a typical triglyceride oil, but we did not read a source that states this, so we describe only what the reviews report. It is a fixed oil for skin and hair, not an essential oil; see Essential Oils.

What the research shows

A 2022 review of sweet almond, evening primrose and jojoba oils in skin care reports that their benefits have been documented both pre-clinically and clinically, and highlights their activity in dry skin, ageing skin, juvenile skin, atopic dermatitis and scalp conditions, with attention to formulation considerations such as oxidation and skin penetration. [1] The review pools three oils, so we cannot say which result applies to jojoba, and we did not read the underlying trials. A 2018 review of natural oils for skin-barrier repair says oils with a higher linoleic to oleic acid ratio have better barrier repair potential, while oils with more oleic acid may be detrimental, and that cold pressing is the preferred extraction method because the heat- and chemical-free process preserves beneficial lipids. [2]

What we could not find

Proper evidence not found for jojoba oil specifically in randomized trials, or for allergy rates or amounts. We make no claim that jojoba treats acne, hair loss or any condition.

Safety

Fixed oils on skin can still irritate or cause allergic reactions; patch-test advice depends on the product and we do not give a universal rule. Do not swallow cosmetic oils. A small trial found olive oil reduced skin barrier integrity in adults, so do not assume every natural oil is good for skin. [3]