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Jojoba oil is a liquid wax extracted from jojoba seeds. It has become a popular ingredient in skin care products and as a standalone essential oil people use for the hair, skin, and nails and in massage. Its consistency is similar to that of the skin’s natural oils, and research suggests it can improve common skin conditions.
In this article, we discuss jojoba oil’s properties and uses and provide a list of some of the best jojoba oil products available to purchase online. We also suggest a range of alternative essential oils a person may wish to consider.
Quick links
- Best overall jojoba oil: Cliganic USDA Organic Jojoba Oil
- Best organic jojoba oil: Jojoba Oil by Leven Rose
- Best luxury jojoba oil: RMS Beauty Beauty Oil with Jojoba
- Best value jojoba oil: Cliganic Jojoba Oil Non-GMO
The North American jojoba plant produces seeds that can be used to make jojoba oil, a personal care product that is reportedly able to moisturize, heal, and soothe the skin.
Research suggests that jojoba oil has similar properties to heavy creams for dry skin and may enhance their moisturizing effects.
Pure jojoba oil
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The authors write that the high molecular weight and low viscosity of jojoba oil make it very similar to sebum, an oil that the skin produces naturally and that can smooth dry skin and reduce flaking.
Additionally, the review found jojoba oil to be an effective treatment for acne, as it can remove sebum from hair follicles and clear spots.
The multiple reported benefits of jojoba oil include the following:
- Treating acne breakouts: A small pilot study found that jojoba clay face masks treated mild acne and skin lesions, with 133 out of 194 participants reporting a
54% decrease in acne lesions over 6 weeks. - Having antioxidant properties: According to a
2017 review , extracts from jojoba oil reduce oxidative stress and show antioxidant effects. - Having anti-inflammatory properties: The authors of a
2013 review report that jojoba has anti-inflammatory effects and helps with skin infections, skin aging, and wounds. - Repairing skin: A 2018 study states that the waxy consistency of jojoba oil helps repair skin with seborrheic dermatitis and eczema.
- Amplifying the effect of topical skin creams: According to a
2017 study , pairing a topical treatment for psoriasis with jojoba oil makes the treatment more effective. - Potentially having antimicrobial and antifungal properties: A 2014 study found that jojoba extract has strong antimicrobial and antifungal effects against Salmonella, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus flavus. However, other studies contradict this claim.
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A person should do a patch test on a small area of skin on their wrist before applying jojoba oil to their body liberally.
It is also of note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate jojoba oil and that it has not approved it for medicinal use. A person should not replace medication from a doctor with jojoba oil.
Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding may wish to contact a healthcare professional before using jojoba oil, to make sure it is safe for them.
It is advisable to use jojoba oil only topically, as it may not be safe to use orally. If a person swallows it, they should seek medical advice.
Additionally, people should store jojoba oil away from children and pets.
When choosing a jojoba oil product, a person should consider their skin type and the outcome they hope to achieve by using the product.
Also, individuals with sensitive skin should check the ingredients list to identify potential irritants.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Cliganic USDA Organic Jojoba Oil
Best overall jojoba oil
This United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic-certified jojoba oil product contains 100% pure, cold-pressed jojoba oil.
The manufacturer states that a person can apply the oil to their face, body, or hair. It also notes the oil is suitable for sensitive skin.
A 4-ounce (oz) bottle currently retails for $9.99.
Jojoba Oil by Leven Rose
Best organic jojoba oil
The manufacturer recommends this product for use on the skin for makeup removal and moisturizing, and on the hair to improve its shine and texture.
The company also states this oil does not contain genetically modified organisms (GMO), additives, or parabens.
A 4-oz bottle retails for around $9.97.
RMS Beauty Beauty Oil with Jojoba
Best luxury jojoba oil
This product is a mix of jojoba, buriti, tamanu, and rosehip oil and is rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
The manufacturer describes this oil blend as lightweight and claims it works well under makeup and other skin care products.
Individuals can apply it to the skin to improve its radiance and to prepare skin for makeup. RMS recommends a person apply 3–4 drops onto damp skin as part of their morning or evening skin care routine.
A 1-oz bottle retails for $78.
Cliganic Jojoba Oil Non-GMO
Best value jojoba oil
This larger 100% pure jojoba oil product may suit people who intend to use jojoba oil regularly or over large areas of the body.
A person can apply the oil to their face, body, or hair. The company claims it will provide lightweight hydration wherever a person applies it.
This Cliganic jojoba oil has certification from the USDA and is appropriate for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It is also suitable for use on facial hair.
A 16-oz bottle sells for $19.99.
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
- Price: Products are available for a wide range of budgets and in different volumes.
- Ingredients: Products clearly list all ingredients, and companies outline their manufacturing processes.
- Safety: Products contain ingredients that are safe for topical use, oral ingestion, or inhalation.
- Reputability: Products are from businesses that adhere to industry best practices.
A person may wish to consider other oils that are similar to jojoba oil, such as:
- Abyssinian seed oil: This is a light, nongreasy, natural oil that is commonly present in skin care and beauty products.
- Grapeseed oil: Like jojoba oil, grapeseed oil contains vitamin E and can moisturize the skin and
improve eczema. It also has antimicrobial properties and can help improve acne-prone skin. Moreover, it contains linoleic acid, which serves as an anti-inflammatory. - Rosehip seed oil: This oil contains essential fatty acids and
high amounts of vitamin C, an antioxidant that can protect the body against the harmful effects of free radicals. Learn more about the benefits of vitamin C here. - Olive oil: People have been using olive oil throughout history to improve skin health. According to
research , olive oil has antibacterial and moisturizing properties. However, more studies on this topic are necessary to prove this claim.
Jojoba oil boasts a wide range of benefits for the skin. Extracted from jojoba plant seeds, this wax-like oil can hydrate the skin and, in some cases, improve or treat common skin conditions. A person can also apply jojoba oil to their hair and nails.
The FDA does not approve jojoba oil for medicinal use. Historically, however, people have been using it to heal wounds and prevent infections.
A person should read the ingredients of their chosen jojoba oil product to ensure it does not contain irritants.